Nick Crofts

This new DfE video is well worth a watch - first time I've seen the government be more transparent and properly set out the difference between the apprenticeship levy, the apprenticeship programme budget and explaining the difference between programme underspend and funds in levy payers' accounts. Interesting narrative at (2.06) which explains that investment (the DfE's budget) will remain the same "even if levy receipts fall" - worth noting that the levy receipts have increased (significantly) every year since 2017... read into that what you will. Interesting breakdown for Financial Year 23/24 (April 23 to March 24) - 69.7% spent on levy payers - 27.6% spent on non-levy payers - 2.1% DfE support costs - 0.6% underspend was returned to HMT Final thought - not a single mention of the Growth and Skills Levy or the Growth and Skills Budget. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/e63wNxG4 #AskAshworth #Apprenticeships #SkillsMeansGrowth AELP

181

25 Comments

📦 Helping local businesses grow, win contracts and create jobs Our Supply Chain Programme is now live offering tailored support to help local firms break into new markets and connect with world-leading companies. This fully-funded support includes access to workshops, networking events, exhibitions and industry visits, as well as tailored guidance from third-party specialists. Firms receive: 🙌 One-to-one advice from expert advisors 🚪 Workshops, networking and industry visits 🌍 Practical support to strengthen supply chains and win new business And it’s already working. Middlesbrough’s Harlum Services design and construct facilities for offshore workers. They've used the programme to launch their bespoke offshore wind welfare unit and as a result they've made important connections with major players like RWE, Ørsted and Equinor. 👏 With so many huge projects coming through Teesworks, Teesside Airport and our Freeport, we’re making sure it's local businesses that are at the front of the queue for each and every new opportunity. 👉 To find out more and to register, click here: https://lnkd.in/ewbnh6Yk

139

10 Comments

Comic Relief Community Fund for England Opens for Applications Groundwork are administering the grants programme on behalf of Comic Relief Grants of up to £5,000 are available for grassroots, community-led organisations in England with an income of less than £250,000. To be eligible to apply, your organisation must be working in a local area to tackle the immediate impacts of poverty or build resilience to poverty and hardship. The Fund will support: Organisations that are tackling the immediate and urgent impacts of being in poverty, including providing essential resources like food, shelter, advice and healthcare. For example, foodbanks, community kitchens, homeless shelters, welfare advice agencies and health outreach projects. Organisations working to empower communities to take positive steps to lift themselves out of poverty in the longer term. For example, projects that build skills, increase access to employment, strengthen financial resilience or develop community-led solutions. The deadline for applications is 6th October 2025 (12 noon). More information here - https://lnkd.in/eJX8xpmi 'We expect this programme to be significantly oversubscribed. Our 2024/25 programme received more than three times as many applications than the number of grants available'

46

17 Comments