The Council’s Greenwich Access to Apprenticeships Fund (GAAF) for 2023/2024 is now available to help local employers hire more apprentices and upskill their staff. This year, the Council is making over £260,000 of its unspent apprenticeship levy fund contribution available to local employers. 

Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills said: “Apprenticeships can be life-changing for learners and give businesses a massive boost. That’s why they’re at the heart of our work to create an inclusive economy in Royal Greenwich, where everyone has the opportunity to secure a good job. We want to promote apprenticeships and make it as easy as possible for employers to create high-quality opportunities, bringing real benefits to organisations. The Greenwich Access to Apprenticeships Fund scheme makes it a no-brainer for employers to recruit more apprentices and train their staff. 

“Apprenticeships have benefited the Council enormously, so we speak from experience. We’re proud that, since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017, over 480 people have achieved their qualification with us and gone on to fruitful careers. In fact, many have now become managers and are employing and supporting apprentices themselves. Now we’re delighted to be able to help fund smaller businesses to increase apprenticeship opportunities through the fund”. 

The apprenticeship levy contribution is paid by all large employers, including the Council. The GAAF allows the Council to transfer up to 25% of its annual apprenticeship levy funds to employers in Royal Greenwich, including small businesses, third-sector organisations, charities, social enterprises, and apprenticeship training agencies.   

The fund can only be used to cover 100% of the training and assessment costs of an apprentice, through one of the new apprenticeship standards. Employers will still need to cover the salary costs for an apprentice as this is not covered by transferred levy funds.     

 There are almost 800 nationally recognised apprenticeship standards available to new or existing staff, ranging from Level-2 to Level-7, which is equivalent to a master's degree.  

 The fund is aimed at helping organisations to invest in high-quality training and hire and retain talented staff, equipped with the future-ready skills they need to thrive and succeed.  

 GET IN TOUCH 

The Council’s Employment and Skills team, Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB), can support businesses with information on the fund, eligibility, identifying candidates and hiring an apprentice. Get in touch with GLLaB to find out more:   

• apprenticeships@royalgreenwich.gov.uk    
• 0208 921 2440.   

Find out more about how the GAAF works 

Apprentices and employers share their experience 

Olives Healthcare Services 

EMPLOYER 

Yvonne Nyarkbo, Director 

‘’I found the GAAF very useful’’ 

‘’I had been working alone. I was tired and needed help in the office. My business advisor introduced me to GLLaB as I didn’t know about the funding available. She took the specifications for the job, created the advert and supported me with the interviews. From this, I was able to take on an apprenticeship. I have found the GAAF very useful and am in the process of asking for a second apprentice for the role of Business Development Assistant and to study Level 3 in Business Administration. The communication has been positive every time, and my experience has been amazing’.’ 

APPRENTICE 

Winfred Wambu, Apprentice Recruitment Consultant 

Level 3 in Business Administration 

‘’I am loving it’’ 

“I am learning and working at the same time. It is easy to understand everything in one go. My studying is going well, and my tutor Jo (at Paragon Education & Skills Limited) is understanding and a very nice lady. If I find myself stuck on any work, she is there to help me immediately. I am loving it and look forward to completing my apprenticeship.” 

Famous Recruitment 

EMPLOYER 

Elijah Omoniyi, Director 

 ‘’I look forward to GLLaB supporting me with another apprentice’’. 

“I contacted GLLaB for support with my recruitment for an Apprentice Recruitment Consultant. I was informed about the Greenwich Access to Apprenticeship Fund, which was a massive help in affording the apprenticeship cost. I was given step-by-step information on how to set up my digital account and always had someone on hand to support me. My GLLaB advisor promoted the vacancy and found me a great candidate for the role. My apprentice supported my business well and completed the duration of her apprenticeship. She now has a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification. I look forward to GLLaB supporting me with another apprentice.” 

 Employer feedback on apprenticeships includes:  

• 86% said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation  
• 78% said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity  
• 74% said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service  
• 90% of apprentices often stay on after their qualification has finished, helping to build a loyal workforce* 
• Source: Apprenticeships.gov.uk