The Western Training Provider Network and WECA are launching a new scheme to support apprenticeships.

The Share to Support fund will support the recovery of smaller businesses in the region through skills support.

Between approximately £4m-£8m of investment in training each year is lost to the West of England and returned to the Treasury. Apprenticeship levy funds paid by employers expire after two years if not used. With over 45,000 businesses in the region, the campaign is calling for large employers across the West of England to pledge their unspent apprenticeship levy to

support the recovery of small businesses.

Small businesses have been hit disproportionately by Covid-19. With unemployment rates at a five-year high, the fund will support job opportunities for individuals and ensure small businesses are supported to meet their skills gaps and maintain supply chains to larger companies in the region.

Tim Bowles, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Backing our businesses with the skills they need to emerge strongly from the pandemic and protecting and securing well-paid jobs is at the heart of our plan for the region’s economic recovery.

Apprenticeships are a key part of that, but around two-thirds of our small and medium businesses don’t think of using them.”