Funding allocated to local employers for apprenticeship training

Large organisations such as GCC pay into a national Apprenticeship Levy, which can only be spent on apprenticeship training. If these funds are not used within two years, the money is taken back by the government.

To make sure this money stays in Gloucestershire, the county council chooses to transfer a share of its unused funds to local employers each year. This means smaller organisations, or those who have used up their own funding, can still take on apprentices or upskill their workforce at no extra training cost.

Since 2019, the council has transferred over £1.5 million to local employers. Most of this support has gone to adult social care and early years childcare – sectors that continue to face challenges recruiting and keeping staff. Apprenticeships in health, construction, engineering, education and, more recently, youth support services, have also been given support.

Demand has grown significantly, as between April 2025 and January 2026, more than 200 applications for support were received. That is expected to reach around 250 by the end of March.

Each year the county council publishes its funding pledge on the national apprenticeship website. Gloucestershire employers can apply online, and only organisations based in the county are eligible, ensuring the funding benefits local people and businesses.

Cllr Colin Hay, deputy leader of Gloucestershire County Council and cabinet member for finance, assets and transformation, said: “This is a simple and effective way of keeping training money in Gloucestershire. Instead of unused funds being returned, they help local employers bring in new talent or develop the staff they already have. We are proud to support sectors that are vital to our communities and to give people across the county more opportunities to learn new skills, progress in their careers, and build a stronger workforce for the future.

“We also recognise how important it is to retain and grow our own Gloucestershire workforce. By helping people to develop their skills and build their careers here, we’re supporting local employers, strengthening our economy, and making Gloucestershire an even better place to live and work.”