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Training firm welcomes Chancellor’s updates to apprenticeship reforms

A LEADING national training provider based in Somerset has heartily welcomed the Chancellor’s recent announcement to bring forward reforms to apprenticeship funding to April 1 (2019).

The new arrangements will open-up even more training for smaller businesses and greater opportunities for people wishing to gain on the job training with officially recognised qualifications.

David Grant, CEO at AAA Training Solutions in Weston-super-Mare, explained: “This is wonderful news for everyone in business across the country and, also, a fantastic bonus to employees too. These reforms benefit everyone by giving employers greater access to funding for training.

“In 2017, the funding rules changed, and small employers were asked to contribute 10% towards the cost of training an apprentice. This proved a barrier for many employers and, as a result, apprenticeship enrolments significantly declined.

“Philip Hammond’s announcement to reduce this figure to 5% from April 1, 2019 will encourage small firms to create new opportunities and train, upskill and invest in their workforce. This will help to fill existing and emerging skills gaps in many industries, benefit local communities and significantly boost the UK economy, which is much needed in these uncertain times linked to Brexit.

“The Government has also announced that from April 1, 2019, levy paying employers wishing to support apprenticeships in other businesses, can transfer up to 25% of their annual funding. It is currently 10%. This is wonderful news as it is reported that 80% of levy funds remain unspent, a total of £3bn that could benefit and upskill staff. 

“This recent announcement will hopefully help and encourage large companies to utilise their levy fund and support employers within their supply chain, which is ultimately good for everyone.”

 AAA Training began trading in 2017 after the management team identified an opportunity to deliver apprenticeships and training in the care sector.

AAA Training Solutions specialises in apprenticeship management and assisting businesses who are subject to the levy.

David added: “We’re on the ESFA’s Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP) and organisations trust us to deliver their apprenticeships and the high-quality training they need at all levels for their staff. We work closely with our clients to provide programmes that specifically meet their needs and to assist them in upskilling their existing workforce through the qualification.

“Despite all the myths surrounding them, apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers seeking a route into employment. They are in fact potentially invaluable to all staff within a business or organisation too.

“We also work closely with national care providers to deliver high quality Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) training and assessments within our Apprenticeship Programme.” 

AAA’s directors and employees all have backgrounds in health and social care, and, as a result, the team has an in-depth understanding of the care sector’s training and apprenticeship requirements. 

Its experienced nationwide team of trainers and assessors deliver a comprehensive range of courses that run from Level 2 through to Level 5. 

Understanding that different providers have varying requirements, the team works with each individually to ensure the most appropriate training solutions are delivered. 

This may include an induction programme, which can be used towards a QCF qualification and covers all mandatory training to ensure compliance; training for in-house trainers, so they can deliver the modules themselves; an Apprenticeship Programme specifically designed to allow the reclaiming of the Apprenticeship Levy and access further funding if required, as well as ensuring Care Quality Commission (CQC) with support from AAA Training Solutions’ QCF assessors.

It also ensures organisations fully benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy. To add to this, AAA Training Solutions offers training and qualifications in Leadership and Management.

For further details, please call 0345 163 2170 or visit www.aaatrainingsolutions.com

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