News
Apprenticeship Levy Changes Coming in April 2026. What Employers Need to Know!
Published: 12th of March 2026
Key Changes from 1st April 2026
Under the new system:
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Levy-paying employers who have used all their levy funds will see their co-investment contribution increase from 5% to 25% for Apprenticeship training.
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Levy funds will expire after 12 months, rather than the current 24 months, meaning employers will need to plan and use their funding more quickly.
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The 10% government top-up on levy funds will be removed, reducing the overall value of funds available in employer digital accounts.
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Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) recruiting Apprentices aged 25 and under will benefit from fully funded training.
Why should employers consider hiring an Apprentice now?
Although the new system will offer greater flexibility, the funding changes mean some employers could face higher training costs once the new rules are introduced.
Employers who enrol an Apprentice with The Sheffield College before 24th March 2026 can still access the current funding model, where many organisations contribute just 5% towards apprenticeship training costs.
Starting now allows employers to:
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Secure the current 5% employer contribution rate
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Make the most of existing Apprenticeship funding
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Invest in developing skilled talent within their organisation
Start Your Apprenticeship Journey with Apprenticeships+ today!
Apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways for employers to build skills, increase productivity and develop future talent. If you are considering recruiting a new Apprentice or upskilling an existing member of staff, now is a great time to get started.
Enrol an Apprentice with us before 24th March 2026 to benefit from the current funding arrangements. We can enrol your apprentice in as little as 5 working days.
Contact our team to get started or to find out more information: apprenticerecruitment@sheffcol.ac.uk
News
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The Sheffield College celebrates best in class apprenticeship award win
The Sheffield College has been named as one of the best in class at this year’s Apprenticeship and Training Awards.
The Sheffield College has been named as one of the best in class at this year’s Apprenticeship and Training Awards. -
Meet the tutor - Kevin Taylor
Meet Kevin Taylor, a Work-Based Learning Tutor at The Sheffield College. He brings years of experience in Digital Marketing and ICT, including work with the local council. His expertise spans IT support, systems administration, troubleshooting, networking, web development, social media marketing, content creation, and a wide range of digital tools.
Meet Kevin Taylor, a Work-Based Learning Tutor at The Sheffield College. He brings years of experience in Digital Marketing and ICT, including work with the local council. His expertise spans IT support, systems administration, troubleshooting, networking, web development, social media marketing, content creation, and a wide range of digital tools. -
How our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service can support you to find an Apprenticeship
At Apprenticeships+, the home of Apprenticeships at The Sheffield College, we are delighted to introduce you to our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service. If you want to start an Apprenticeship, this service will support you at every stage of your recruitment journey. Your journey to becoming an Apprentice has never been easier!
At Apprenticeships+, the home of Apprenticeships at The Sheffield College, we are delighted to introduce you to our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service. If you want to start an Apprenticeship, this service will support you at every stage of your recruitment journey. Your journey to becoming an Apprentice has never been easier!
