Ixion, a national, not-for-profit, Ofsted ‘outstanding’ training provider of skills and education, discusses how to maximise your apprenticeship levy
We’ve all heard of apprenticeships; as a school or college you’ve probably had a number of learners move into one after they’ve completed their exams – but did you know that you can upskill your own staff using your apprenticeship levy?
The phrase ‘earn while you learn’ was coined a fair few years ago to promote apprenticeships, but it is still true today; apprenticeships are training programmes that allow you to work while gaining a qualification – and while schools are familiar with providing advice and guidance on apprenticeship programmes for students, they may not be aware of the programmes their staff can access. Staff may not even know that apprenticeships are available to them – but they are.
Upskilling your staff it shows your team you’re willing to invest in them and their futures, and allows them to feel fully-equipped for their roles. Ixion* provides a number of school-based apprenticeships that allow your staff to upskill themselves and add qualifications to their CV without the need for a student loan or tuition fees.
Jack, who recently completed a level 3 teaching assistant apprenticeship with Ixion* said, ‘It has definitely given me a lot more information, knowledge and skills, and has made me better at my job. It’s been an eye-opener, learning all the skills needed to be able to provide the best support in my role.’
Conversations around upskilling and gaining qualifications might be whispered in the staff room, or sighed about wistfully in the office as staff understand that school budgets are tight and the pandemic has only made the situation worse. Students have lost learning time due to illness, bereavement and isolation, or being unable to complete distance learning due to IT problems/lack of access, and a lot of money is now being spent on helping those learners catch up. As a result, some staff may believe that you don’t have the money to invest in them – that they’re not a priority.
However, schools which are part of a multi-academy trust or local education authority are, more than likely, paying into the levy pot for apprenticeships and, if you don’t use it, you lose it. Smaller schools – independent schools, for example – will not pay into the levy pot, but would only have to pay 5% of the training and associated costs for the apprenticeship course, which makes investing in your staff much more bearable for your purse strings.
While some staff may not feel they have the confidence to start learning again if it’s been a while since the last time they studied, Ixion* ensures that all staff who enter an apprenticeship work alongside a mentor; we offer bespoke programmes designed to meet the needs of both your school, and your staff.
*Ixion Holdings are a ‘Grade 1’ Ofsted national training provider of skills and education, putting care into developing and progressing careers. We are part of Shaw Trust, a social purpose organisation helping to build a future where rewarding employment is accessible for all.
This is a sponsored article, brought to you by Ixion
To find out more about how to maximise your apprenticeship levy, come and chat to Ixion at EdExec Live South in London on 9th June 2022 or in Manchester on 6th October 2022 or EdExec Live. Book your tickets here!
To register your interest for free or discounted tickets email [email protected] quoting the subject line ‘I want to learn more at EdExec Live!‘
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