Transfer to Transform apprenticeship scheme aims to boost Solent firms

The Solent Apprenticeship Hub has launched Transfer to Transform to encourage large employers to pledge their unspent levy funds to cover the costs of apprenticeship training for smaller businesses.

Transfer to Transform will tap into the estimated £400m of unspent levy funds from approximately 5,000 employers nationally in order to channel that through to the region’s businesses.

The Solent Apprenticeship Hub team will approach Solent-based large employers to ask them to transfer levy funds to support apprenticeships in smaller businesses.

The free and impartial service includes advice and guidance on skills solutions, B2B networking and wider support to boost business growth.

Councillor Darren Paffey, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for children and learning, said: ‘This will strengthen the “bounce back” of our businesses after lockdown.

‘It makes absolute sense to ensure that apprenticeship levy funds go straight to building up our local businesses and apprentices, because if the funds are not spent they’ll disappear back into central government. Instead, we want to work together to add real value to the region’s businesses and its talent pool.

‘There are a number of major employers across the Solent who are in a position to commit, as well as those who have admirably stepped up so quickly.’

‘The £400,000 already pledged by leading large employers is the right tonic needed to help our economy overcome the effects of Covid-19.’