Apprenticeship Levy Funds

The COVID-19 crisis has increased the importance of supporting our local economy to grow and keep valuable funds within the local community. It is our vision to ensure that  levy monies remain in the Gateshead area and are used to enable local businesses and residents to develop much needed skills which support our local economy now and in the future. The Council has developed the Gateshead Apprenticeship Levy Fund so that money can be transferred from the Council's apprenticeship levy to local employers to increase the uptake of apprenticeships. The organisation can use the transferred levy funds to fund the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment.

Please read the apprenticeship levy policy (PDF) [1MB] (opens new window) before applying to the fund.

Apply now (PDF) [68KB] (opens new window)

Transfer of apprenticeship levy funds to local businesses

Who can receive transferred funds

The Council can transfer funds to employers for new apprenticeship starts, particularly where the funds will enable the organisation to create an apprenticeship that would not have been created without the funds. This can include new apprentices recruited by the employer or existing employees offered an apprenticeship as a means to develop the workforce. The Council is unable to transfer funds for apprenticeships that have already started. Receiving employers must be:    

•  Gateshead based employers or community and voluntary organisations    
•  In our collective supply chain   
•  Organisations whose application aligns and supports Gateshead's Thrive agenda and values

Employers who are eligible for full government funding cannot apply for a transfer under the Scheme. Full government funding is available for employers with fewer than 50 employees who are able to train an apprentice who is aged 16-18, or is aged 19-24 and has previously been in care or have a Local Authority Education, Health and Care plan. If you are entitled to full government funding and would like to explore apprenticeships in the areas detailed below, please visit the LearningSkills website (opens new window) or get in touch with our Learning Skills team on 0191 433 8646 or learningskills@gateshead.gov.uk