Funded Courses Eligibility Criteria

All of our funding streams in England are widely accessible and designed to support workforce development across all sectors. While full eligibility checks are completed before enrolment, the high-level criteria are straightforward.

For Learners

To be eligible for a course in England, an individual must:

  • Be aged 16 or over
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK
  • Be an employee, paid through a PAYE scheme
  • Have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EU for at least the last three years prior to the start of the programme
  • Spend at least 50% of their working hours in England
  • Be employed in a genuine job role aligned to the course

 

If an individual is on a visa, there must be sufficient time remaining on their visa to complete the full programme.

Importantly, having “No Recourse to Public Funds” does not automatically make someone ineligible for apprenticeship funding.

Courses are suitable for both new recruits and existing employees, provided the programme delivers significant new knowledge, skills and behaviours.

For Employers

Employers must:

  • Be based in England (or have employees working primarily in England)
  • Provide a genuine job role aligned to the course
  • Support the learner with appropriate supervision and development

 

Funding contributions will depend on the size of organisation and age of candidate.

Not Sure If You’re Eligible?

Eligibility rules can feel complex, particularly around residency and visa status. Our team completes a full eligibility review before enrolment to ensure clarity and compliance from the outset.

If you are unsure about eligibility — for either your organisation or an individual employee — we recommend speaking to our team for guidance.

Skills Funding Group - Funding Streams to Suit You.

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Adult Education Budget (AEB)

Learner Support Fund

Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) Funding

Student Loans Company (Advanced Learner Loans)

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

Apprenticeships

This means you can recruit with a clear development route in mind from day one.

Funding at a Glance

Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent roles, promotions and long-term career progression within their organisations.

Funding Stream

  1. Apprenticeships (see the detail on funding
  2. Adult Education Budget (AEB)
  3. Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA)
  4. Advanced Learner Loans
  5. Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
  6. Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

Who It is For

  1. New or existing employees (in England)
  2. Adults 19+ meeting eligibility criteria
  3. Learners in devolved regions (within the UK)
  4. Individuals 19+ studying Level 3–6
  5. Learners requiring additional support (contact us for more information)
  6. Health and Adult Social Care Workforce

Who Pays

  1. Government via DAS (levy or co-investment)
  2. Government (National or devolved AEB)
  3. Regional government allocation
  4. Government-backed loan (repayable)
  5. Government support funding
  6. NHS funding contribution (national or devolved AEB)

Best Used For

  1. Structured role-based development aligned to occupational standards
  2. Entry-level qualifications, sector skills, career progression
  3. Skills aligned to local labour market priorities
  4. Professional qualifications where grant funding not available
  5. Removing barriers to participation and achievement
  6. Regulated roles and sector-specific qualifications

Employer Contribution

  1. Levy funds or typically 5% co-investment (if non-levy). This if  fully funded for under 22 year olds
  2. Often fully funded (subject to eligibility)
  3. Often fully or partially funded
  4. No employer cost (loan repaid by learner when eligible)
  5. No additional employer cost
  6. Reduces employer training costs (contact us for more detailed information)

Cost-Effective Recruitment

A Cost-Effective Way to Recruit and Develop Talent

Apprenticeships are one of the most financially supported recruitment routes available to UK employers.

£1,000 Government Incentive

Receive a £1,000 incentive when you recruit an apprentice aged 16–18, or 19–24 with an EHCP or care leaver status.

NI Contribution Exemption

Employers are exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions for apprentices under 25, provided they earn under the Upper Secondary Threshold.

95–100% Funded Training

Training costs are typically 95–100% government funded for non-levy paying employers — making apprenticeships significantly more cost-effective than traditional recruitment.

Proven Retention & Growth

Apprenticeships improve retention, engagement and progression. You build capability tailored to your business from day one.

How We Work

Ready to Recruit an Apprentice?

Submit your vacancy details and our team takes care of the rest. We make the process simple, compliant and commercially focused.

01

Review

We review your role for apprenticeship alignment and suitability.

02

Refine

Support you in refining the job description if needed to attract the right candidates.

03

Advertise

We advertise and promote your vacancy across our candidate network.

04

Screen

We screen and shortlist candidates based on your requirements.

05

Onboard

We guide you through the onboarding and funding process end-to-end.

What Makes Our Apprenticeships Different?

We don't just place you in a job. We support you throughout your entire journey — from application through to qualification — ensuring you build real confidence and capability every step of the way. Our delivery model means your learning is applied directly to your role. You're not "away on a course" — you're developing skills that have an immediate impact in your workplace.

Accredited and Trusted By

We offer the best possible profitability through a good management service

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