The Apprenticeship Levy
Unlock Government-Funded Training for Your Workforce
If you’re an organisation in England with an annual payroll of over £3 million, you’re already paying into the Levy. Are you making the most of it?
What Is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy is a government initiative designed to help employers invest in workforce development.
The Apprenticeship Levy is a mandatory tax introduced by the government in 2017 to increase investment in apprenticeship training. It’s calculated at 0.5% of an employer’s annual pay bill, collected monthly via PAYE.
If your organisation pays into the Levy, you can access this funding through a digital account to invest in approved apprenticeship programmes. Levy funds must be used within 24 months, or they expire and return to the Treasury.
At Hawk Training, we help employers turn their Levy contributions into powerful, cost-effective training solutions that upskill staff, close skills gaps, and drive long-term growth.
- How We Support Levy-Paying Employers
We help make the most of your Levy funds by:
- Identifying skills needs within your organisation
- Recommending suitable apprenticeship programmes aligned with your goals
- Delivering high-quality training through expert tutors
- Providing ongoing guidance on funding rules and compliance
Whether you’re developing future leaders, supporting new starters, or strengthening your early years provision, we ensure every pound delivers real impact.
- What If You're a Non-Levy Employer?
We guide non-levy employers through:
- Eligibility checks and funding applications
- Programme selection and learner enrolment
- Ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship journey
If your annual payroll is under £3 million, you don’t pay the Levy – but you can still access 95% government funding for apprenticeship training through the co-investment model.
The Benefits of Using Apprenticeship Funding
Whether you’re a large corporation or a growing SME, apprenticeships offer a strategic way to build capability and stay competitive.
- Upskill existing staff
- Attract new talent
- Improve retention and career progression
- Support succession planning
- Align training with sector standards and business goals
Whether you’re a large corporation or a growing SME, apprenticeships offer a strategic way to build capability and stay competitive.
Apprenticeship Levy – FAQs
CMI-Accredited Qualifications
1Do I have to pay the Apprenticeship Levy
You only pay the Levy if your organisation’s annual wage bill is over £3 million. It’s automatically collected via PAYE at 0.5% of your total payroll.
2What happens to my Levy funds if I don’t use them?
Levy funds expire after 24 months. If unspent, they return to HM Treasury, which means lost training opportunities for your workforce.
3Can Levy funds be used for existing staff?
Yes! Apprenticeships are a great way to develop and upskill your current team, not just new hires.
4What if I don’t pay the Levy, can I still access funding?
Absolutely. Through the co-investment model, non-levy employers can receive up to 95% of the cost of apprenticeship training from the government.
5Can Hawk Training help manage our Levy account?
Yes. We support employers at every stage from setting up your digital apprenticeship account to choosing programmes, enrolling learners, and maintaining compliance.
