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Funding for new apprenticeships now available to Surrey businesses
Published 12 February 2025
Advice and support, Funding and grants
Businesses can grow their workforce and boost productivity in just a few clicks by getting an apprenticeship funded by Surrey County Council.
As part of the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, small and medium enterprises across the county can get fully funded support to train local talent.
Apprenticeships are widely recognised as a cost-effective way to recruit, improving diversity and filling skills gaps. In time, they can also help businesses grow, improve employee retention and support the wider economy.
Funding is available to pay for the training of dozens of new apprenticeships across the county.
It is open to all businesses in Surrey and allocated on a first come, first served basis โ meaning those interested should apply swiftly via the Surrey County Council website.
For those unsure of the process, a free 45-minute webinar will be hosted by the Councilโs Business Surrey service on February 26. Reserve your space today to discover more about modern-day apprenticeships and how businesses can access funding.
One Surrey organisation that has benefited already from the scheme is Sight for Surrey, a charity that provides specialist support for people in Surrey with sensory loss. ย
Diane Smith, Head of Adult Services says:
โWe have used the levy to support internal succession for those wanting to pursue a career in Social Work from the Deaf Community. More recently we used the levy to support three new apprentices in roles that are recognised to be under resourced across the sector nationally as well as in Surrey.
โThe process of completing the Levy Transfer scheme was simple and smooth due to the responsive support from the Council.
โOur Deaf Services Social Worker has recently graduated from Kingston University and our three new apprentices are settled and progressing well in their new careers! All making an impact for residents of the Surrey community.โ
The call comes in National Apprenticeship Week (February 10 to 16), which is a national celebration of the opportunities presented by the training schemes.
96% of employers report benefits to their business
employers make a net gain of between ยฃ2,500 and ยฃ18,000 per apprentice during their training period
80% of businesses see a significant increase in employee retention
Almost two-thirds of all UK apprenticeships in the last year have been funded by the apprenticeship levy.
This is a pool of funding made available by large employers, such as the Council, to make apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs.
The Council wants as many local residents and businesses to benefit from the scheme as possible โ which is why the online process can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Matt Furniss, the Councilโs Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, emphasised the council’s commitment to providing opportunities for all. He said:โApprenticeships are a proven cost-effective way to recruit which benefit businesses and employees, as well as the broader economy.
โAs an organisation we are committed to providing opportunities to all of our residents, which includes creating a skilled workforce for the future.
โThe levy transfer scheme is a fantastic way for SMEs to access funding to develop and grow their workforce โ which is why I encourage them to discover more about this fantastic opportunity.”
