A scheme set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to fund apprenticeship training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has smashed the £40m milestone.

The figure has now helped more than 3,000 people across the region get their first introduction into work and gives local businesses the ability to pay a better apprenticeship wage to attract future talent into their businesses.

Originally set up in March 2019, The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund allows some of the UK's biggest businesses to cover 100% of the training cost of apprentices for SMEs by donating their unspent levy to the WMCA rather than see it returned to government.

To date, a total of 1,043 SMEs from across a wide range of sectors have benefited from the fund.  

In turn, the region ultimately benefits from more job opportunities and a boost in skills and productivity.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “A key part of my mayoral mission is to ensure local people have the skills they need to succeed. That’s why it’s fantastic news that - in just under four years – our Apprenticeship Levy Fund has been backed by our region’s bigger businesses to the tune of over £40m.

“These donations from businesses help to support the growth of talent working at small and medium sized enterprises right across the West Midlands. We’ve made real progress in tackling youth employment which has meant that over 3,000 people who may not otherwise have been given the chance have been guided onto the first step of their career.

“As we embark on a New Year, I would very much encourage large employers to take the opportunity to get involved by donating their unspent levy funds – putting this money towards the service of transforming the prospects of talented people right across our region.”

Willinbrook Care Home, a specialist centre located in Perry Barr, Birmingham for people with advanced dementia or mental health problems, have been just one of the SMEs who have benefited from the scheme. In 2022, the care home took on ten level 2 and level 3 apprentices to work as Nurse Associates, Care Assistants and Team Leads, with delivery support from Sandwell College.

Liliane Ntirandekura, Head of Training and Development at Willowbrook Care Home which forms part of Willinbrook Healthcare said: “The apprenticeship levy funds donated have been a massive incentive for us as it means we were able to take on more apprentices in 2022 than we have before and certainly encourages us to think about recruiting even more in 2023.

“This is now the fourth year that we’ve been able to benefit from the scheme and I’m very glad we're able to give the opportunity for youngsters to get real working experience at a fair pay.”

Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio lead for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council said: “This is yet another fantastic milestone for the Apprenticeship Levy Fund, and it is great to see that over 3,000 people in the West Midlands have been able to get onto the career ladder at a challenging economic time thanks to the donations of bigger businesses.”

Businesses wishing to register their interest in the West Midlands Apprentice Levy Fund can sign up for more information at: https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/productivity-skills/apprenticeship-levy-fund/