Government Funding for Apprenticeships

Making apprenticeships affordable

One of the biggest advantages of apprenticeships is that they are supported by government funding. This means the cost of training is either fully or heavily subsidised, making apprenticeships one of the most cost-effective ways to develop skills in the workplace.

uriifsM5TJcjQtV7z6QfvcIuuLZ_e2fo

What funding is available?

For Employers

Levy Employers (payroll over £3 million)

  • Pay 0.5% of payroll into the Apprenticeship Levy.
  • This money is held in a digital account and must be used for apprenticeship training.
  • The government adds a 10% top-up to your account.
  • Funds expire after 24 months if not used.

Non-Levy Employers (payroll under £3 million)

  • You pay just 5% of the training cost.
  • The government funds the remaining 95%.
  • If you employ fewer than 50 people and take on an apprentice aged 16–21, the government funds 100% of the training cost.
  • How co-investment works: your 5% contribution is paid directly to Impact Academy, usually in monthly instalments over the duration of the apprenticeship. The government pays their 95% contribution automatically to us through the Digital Apprenticeship Service.

For learners

Apprentices do not pay for their training.

Apprentices do not pay for their training.

Training and assessment costs are covered through employer/governmentfunding.

Training and assessment costs are covered through employer/governmentfunding.

You earn a salary while you learn, with no student loans or tuition fees.

You earn a salary while you learn, with no student loans or tuition fees.

Conditions around funding

Apprentices must be in paid employment with a contract.

Apprentices must be in paid employment with a contract.

Training must be for a recognised apprenticeship standard approved by theInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

Training must be for a recognised apprenticeship standard approved by theInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

Apprentices must spend the required off-the-job training hours on learningthat is relevant to the apprenticeship.

Apprentices must spend the required off-the-job training hours on learningthat is relevant to the apprenticeship.

Employers must commit to supporting the apprentice throughout theprogramme (mentoring, reviews, signing documentation).

Employers must commit to supporting the apprentice throughout theprogramme (mentoring, reviews, signing documentation).

Apprentices must complete English and maths qualifications (FunctionalSkills) if they do not already hold GCSEs at grade 4/C or above.

Apprentices must complete English and maths qualifications (FunctionalSkills) if they do not already hold GCSEs at grade 4/C or above.

How to secure apprenticeship funding

Employer Application

The employer applies for the apprenticeship through Impact Academy’s online form.

Set Up a Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) Account

  • All employers must use the Apprenticeship Service (gov.uk) to reserve or draw down funding.
  • Levy employers pay directly from their levy account.
  • Non-levy employers reserve funding, and their 5% contribution is set up through co-investment payments.

Eligibility Checks

  • Impact Academy carries out checks on the apprentice and employer to confirm eligibility for funding.
  • This includes verifying employment, prior qualifications, and programme suitability.

Funding Reservation

  • Once eligibility is confirmed, the funding is reserved through the DAS account.
  • This guarantees both the government contribution and (for non-levy employers) the co-investment arrangement.

Training Begins

  • With funding secured, the apprentice starts their programme with Impact Academy.

Key takeaways

Apprenticeships are 95–100% funded by government support for most employers.

Apprenticeships are 95–100% funded by government support for most employers.

Non-levy employers pay only 5% co-investment, collected directly by Impact Academy in manageable instalments.

Non-levy employers pay only 5% co-investment, collected directly by Impact Academy in manageable instalments.

Learners never pay for training — costs are covered through employer/government funding.

Learners never pay for training — costs are covered through employer/government funding.

Employers must use the Digital Apprenticeship Service to secure funding.

Employers must use the Digital Apprenticeship Service to secure funding.

Ready to secure your funding? Contact Impact Academy today and we’ll help you set up your Digital Apprenticeship Service account and reserve your apprenticeship funding

Backed by leading education bodies & partners

Let’s future proof your workforce

Upskilling your workforce doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. 

  Understand if your business qualifies for 95–100% funded training.

 Discover which programmes will deliver the biggest impact for your sector.

 Learn how to enrol existing staff quickly with minimal disruption.

Simply use the calendar to find a time that works for you.

"I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the opportunity to be a part of your apprenticeship program. The program provided me with the chance to learn and grow in a supportive and challenging environment. The combination of classroom learning and real-world projects allowed me to apply what I learned immediately."
Laura
Apprentice
"It was a transformative experience for me. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire staff. The program was well-structured and provided a seamless transition into the professional world. The opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals allowed me to gain practical skills and insights that simply cannot be taught in a classroom setting."
Greg
Apprentice
"I’m very grateful to have completed your JEM Apprenticeship. It gave me the chance to learn and grow in a supportive environment. The combination of classroom learning and real-world projects allowed me to apply what I learned immediately. The Heat loss lesson was my favourite, and I used most of these calculations in my energy project for end point, which saved my department £4000/month after we replaced the equipment."
Mohammed
Apprentice
"Enrolling in your apprenticeship program was one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The hands-on experience and mentorship provided by your team were invaluable. Not only did I learn practical skills that are directly applicable to my field, but I also gained confidence in my abilities."
James
Apprentice

Real Results for UK Businesses

See how employers like you have upskilled teams, improved retention, and boosted productivity with Impact Academy’s funded training.

How Energy Apprenticeships Help Businesses Reach Net-Zero Goals?
Wind turbines are turning, after being installed by people who have undertaken a renewable energy apprenticeship.
apprenticeship

How Energy Apprenticeships Help Businesses Reach Net-Zero Goals?

Nov 19, 2025 10:00:00 AM 2 min read
Digital marketing trends 2025: How to keep your team ahead of the curve
Digital marketing trends 2025
education

Digital marketing trends 2025: How to keep your team ahead of the curve

Jul 23, 2025 11:30:00 AM 4 min read
The Housing Crisis in 2025: Why Skills and Apprenticeships Are Key to Building Our Future
education

The Housing Crisis in 2025: Why Skills and Apprenticeships Are Key to Building Our Future

Jul 23, 2025 3:30:00 AM 3 min read
View more blogs