The world of apprenticeships is full of exciting potential for both individuals looking to develop their skills and for businesses wanting to invest in the future of their teams. A key player in this transformation is the Apprenticeship Levy—a fantastic opportunity for nursery employers to access funding that can be used to support and grow your workforce. 

But how exactly does this levy work, and how can you make the most of it for your nursery? Let’s dive in and explore how you can use this powerful resource to upskill your team and fill vital skills gaps. 

A Pathway to Growth for Your Team 

The apprenticeship levy provides a unique funding opportunity, allowing employers to train and develop their team through structured apprenticeship programmes. Whether you’re looking to develop your current employees or take on new talent, this funding is a valuable resource for both. 

According to recent reports, many employers are using their levy to upskill their existing employees, rather than recruiting new apprentices. This shift towards higher-level apprenticeships is driven by the desire to invest in your current workforce, enabling them to grow into more senior roles with greater expertise. By using the levy in this way, you’re ensuring that your nursery staff have the skills they need to thrive and provide the best possible care and education for children. 

How Can You Make the Most of Your Levy? 

The apprenticeship levy can be used to cover the cost of both training and end-point assessments for your apprentices. To unlock this funding, you’ll need to work with an approved training provider like Shaping Lives, who can tailor programmes to your organisations specific needs and goals. 

You can use your levy funds for a variety of roles within your nursery, from early years practitioners to managers, giving you the flexibility to invest in the skills your team needs most. Plus, as the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, offering apprenticeship programmes is a smart strategy to future-proof your nursery and stay ahead of industry trends. 

Upskilling: The Focus for the Future 

Since the apprenticeship levy’s introduction, there’s been a noticeable shift in the focus of apprenticeship programmes, particularly towards level 4 and above. This is in line with the growing demand for upskilling existing staff who are already qualified at level 3 or higher. These higher-level apprenticeships allow employees to develop advanced skills, preparing them for leadership roles within your nursery and ensuring that your team remains highly skilled and competitive. 

By investing in these higher-level programmes, you’re not just filling immediate gaps—you’re building a future-proof workforce that’s ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. 

Supporting the Wider Community 

One of the most impactful ways to use your apprenticeship levy is through levy transfers. If your nursery has surplus funds after fulfilling your in-house training programmes, you can transfer these funds to other businesses, helping to support smaller employers and organisations that may not have the resources to access apprenticeship funding. 

This initiative has already benefited over 400,000 individuals since 2017, and the potential for even greater impact is huge. By contributing to this scheme, you’re not only helping other nurseries and businesses, but you’re also strengthening the entire early years sector. 

Future-Proofing Your Nursery: Filling Skills Gaps 

Apprenticeships are a powerful way to address both immediate and future skills gaps within your nursery. By using your levy funding strategically, you can create a skilled, motivated, and future-ready workforce that can meet the challenges of the evolving early years sector. The benefits are clear: your staff will be better equipped, your nursery will run more efficiently, and your children will receive the highest standard of education and care. 

It’s never too late to start making the most of your apprenticeship levy. Whether you’re looking to develop your existing team, invest in the next generation of early years professionals, or support smaller nurseries through levy transfers, Shaping Lives is here to help you maximise the potential of your funding. 

If you’re ready to make a real impact and unlock the full potential of your levy, get in touch today. Let’s work together to shape a brighter future for your nursery and for the children in your care. 

For more information on how we can support you, call us at 0800 783 2545 to discuss how to best use your levy for your business.