New pilot scheme will support businesses with fully funded apprenticeships

A new pilot scheme has been launched to help local businesses grow, boost productivity and develop the skilled workforce they need through fully funded apprenticeship training. 

The Staffordshire Business Support Pilot, delivered through the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, will use Staffordshire County Council’s available apprenticeship levy to cover 100% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs for eligible employers.

This means small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other nonlevy paying businesses can upskill staff or bring on new apprentices at no cost to them.

Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s Acting Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:

“We know that skills shortages are one of the biggest barriers to business growth. This pilot is a practical way of unlocking funding already available to us and putting it to work for Staffordshire employers.

“By removing the cost of apprenticeship training, we’re helping businesses invest in their workforce, strengthen productivity and create opportunities for people at all stages of their careers.”

The pilot is designed to support a wide range of sectors essential to Staffordshire’s economy, including health and social care, digital, engineering, construction and the growing green economy.

It is hoped to benefit existing employees looking to develop new skills, new recruits, care leavers, and individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

As well as helping businesses overcome skills gaps, the initiative will create new pathways for apprentices of all ages to access highquality training and longterm career opportunities within the county.

The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub is the central gateway for business support in the region, providing tailored advice and connecting businesses with the resources they need to start, grow and thrive.

Rachel Wood, Growth Hub Manager, said:

“Staffordshire businesses want to grow but face real challenges in recruiting and developing the skills they need.

“This pilot helps employers boost productivity and performance by developing their existing workforce, without the cost and risk of additional recruitment.

“It uses apprenticeship funding to build skills from within, removing the cost barrier to high-quality apprenticeship training.

“By delivering this through the Growth Hub, we are providing a simple, locally driven solution that gives employers a straightforward route to investing in the local economy.”

The Growth Hub will act as the single point of contact, supporting employers through the process and ensuring they can access the right training quickly and easily.

For more information visit https://stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk/ or call 0300 111 8002.