Apprenticeship Advice, Support and Guidance for School Staff

Service Summary

Hillingdon Council provides specialist apprenticeship advice and support to schools through an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA). The service helps schools optimise the value of their Apprenticeship Levy and Growth and Skills Levy funding, develop workforce skills, and support recruitment, retention and career progression within their workforce.

 

Benefits of the SLA

Schools purchasing the SLA will have access to a dedicated Early Careers Officer who can provide:

  • Advice on apprenticeship standards, funding rules and programme suitability.
  • Support with apprenticeship recruitment and workforce development planning.
  • Guidance on selecting training providers and managing apprenticeship arrangements.
  • Assistance with Apprenticeship Service account management and levy funding.
  • Support with apprenticeship compliance requirements, including off-the-job training.
  • Advice on using apprenticeships to attract, retain and develop staff.
  • Support at careers events and engagement activities, where appropriate.
  • Information on apprenticeship reforms, emerging standards and funding developments.

 

Growth and Skills Levy Updates and Reform Support

The apprenticeship and skills landscape continues to evolve. The service will help schools understand and respond to changes introduced through the Growth and Skills Levy and wider apprenticeship reforms.

Support includes:

  • Updates on Growth and Skills Levy developments and future reforms.
  • Guidance on Foundation Apprenticeships and progression opportunities.
  • Information on changes to apprenticeship standards and funding rules.
  • Advice on workforce planning and optimising levy funding opportunities.
  • Support with understanding eligibility criteria and accessing available funding.

 

Apprenticeship Units and Flexible Skills Training

The service will provide information and guidance on Apprenticeship Units and other flexible skills training opportunities available through the Growth and Skills Levy.

This includes:

  • Information on available Apprenticeship Units and eligibility requirements.
  • Advice on how Apprenticeship Units can support workforce development priorities.
  • Guidance on progression routes from Apprenticeship Units to full apprenticeship programmes.
  • Regular updates on newly approved units, standards and funding opportunities.

 

Service Standards

Hillingdon Council is committed to:

  • Providing professional, accurate and timely apprenticeship advice.
  • Supporting schools to make informed apprenticeship and workforce development decisions.
  • Delivering impartial guidance based on current funding rules and government policy.
  • Sharing relevant updates and best practice across the education sector.

 

School Responsibilities

Schools accessing the SLA are expected to:

  • Maintain up-to-date contact details.
  • Provide accurate information regarding apprenticeship requirements.
  • Engage with the advice and guidance provided.
  • Meet any employer responsibilities associated with apprenticeship programmes.
  • Pay the SLA charge at the start of the financial year.

 

Annual Cost

£200 per school, per year

This provides access to advice and guidance on current and emerging apprenticeship standards, funding updates and apprenticeship-related support.

 

Applicable School Types

  • Primary Schools (Nursery, Infant and Junior)
  • Primary Academies
  • Primary Special Schools and Academies
  • Secondary Schools
  • Secondary Academies
  • Secondary Special Schools
  • Multi-Academy Trusts (where applicable)

 

Further Information

For further information about the Growth and Skills Levy Support Service, please contact apprenticeships@hillingdon.gov.uk. The Early Careers Team will be happy to discuss how apprenticeships can support your school's workforce development objectives.

Jeetin Shah (Early Careers Officer)
Telephone: 01895 277692