Why IFOL is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2022

It’s that time of year again. When thousands of employers, education providers and learners in England come together to showcase the positive impact of apprenticeships to individuals, communities, and businesses.

Now in its 15th year, National Apprenticeship Week 2022 has over 1,200 virtual and face-to-face events planned from 7th – 13th Feb.

With a focus on how apprenticeships can help #BuildTheFuture – the spotlight is on looking at how apprenticeships can help build the required skills, talent, and capabilities of our future workforce.

Here are just a few reasons why IFOL is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week.

Apprenticeships are for everyone

Apprenticeships are for people of all ages and experience. They exist in a wide range of industry sectors and at three different levels – Intermediate, Advanced, and Higher.

For those working in the financial operations sector, apprenticeships are available for Accounts Payable, Procure to Pay and Payroll.

Over the last few years, the age profile of apprenticeship learners has changed. In 2019/20, out of the 719,000 people who were participating in an apprenticeship, 47% of learners were aged 25 and over.

Apprenticeship levy funding for employers

Employers looking to enrol their employees on an apprenticeship programme can receive in excess of £10,000 to cover the cost of the training through the Apprenticeship Levy scheme.

Despite this funding being available, there is a reported apprenticeship levy underspend. More than £1 billion of unused apprenticeship levy funding (paid by employers) expired between May 2020 and February 2021. Expired levy funds increased by 22 per cent for the period May 2020 to February 2021, compared with a year earlier showing a continued commitment to support apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are recognised as the future

In a sector we know all too well, a recent poll conducted by a payroll education body showed that over 60% of participants believed apprenticeships are the way forward for Payroll professionals.

And read on for more on how payroll apprentices are making headlines!

Apprenticeships bring results, fact!

We’re proud to showcase the amazing achievements of one of our very own apprentices. Jasmine Lansdell from Zalaris, recently won the Rising Star Award at the prestigious Reward Strategy’s 2021 Awards.

In celebration of #NAW2022, we’re sharing Jasmine’s story during a live Q&A webinar on 9th February.

Find out how Jasmine managed studying for the Payroll Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship alongside work, and hear some of her top tips for other learners.

Payroll Apprenticeship Q&A: Top tips from an award-winning payroll team

Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 11:00 AM