The government recognises that training providers are faced with enormous challenges in continuing to deliver education and training during this period of uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. In line with Cabinet Office guidance they are introducing payment measures in the form of a provider relief scheme.
In light of this, they have introduced a scheme to support training providers. The purpose of the scheme is to retain capacity within the apprenticeships and adult education sector to deliver the skills that will be needed to support economic recovery post-pandemic. As part of that, they also want to support training providers to maintain delivery to and support for existing learners and employers and enable new learners to enrol.
To be eligible to apply for support from the scheme you must hold a direct contract that was procured as a service under Public Contract Regulations 2015. This applies to apprenticeship contracts that commenced in January 2018, for delivery to smaller employers that do not pay the levy (non-levy), and adult education budget contract for services that commenced in November 2017.
In addition, applicants will only be able to seek support from this scheme where they meet the following requirements:
- 2018 to 2019 qualification achievement rates which are above 40%. However, providers with rates below that can submit an exceptional case that they are a critical supplier based on niche provision. We will issue further information on consideration criteria in the application guidance
- submitted their latest financial accounts to the ESFA on time
- not been judged by Ofsted as making insufficient progress as a result of a new provider monitoring visit and no new starts are permitted
- delivered under the contract prior to April 2020
- plan to deliver learning under the contract in May and June 2020
- not furloughed the staff required to deliver the contract. You are eligible if staff are withdrawn from any claim for furlough if such a claim has been made when they return to work
- not received a notice of termination from the ESFA
Training providers who hold a contract for services to deliver apprenticeships to smaller employers (non-levy), must appear on the Register of Apprenticeship Training providers (RoATP) as a main provider.
Only training providers who meet the eligibility criteria will be allowed to apply. If a training receiving support from the scheme no longer meets the criteria, they will cease to be eligible.
Commenting on the announcement of the provider relief scheme, British Chambers of Commerce Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said: “This much needed fund will help to ensure SMEs and their apprentices can continue to access training throughout the pandemic and into the recovery period.
“To ensure businesses have the skills they need for the future, it is vital that apprentices are supported to complete their apprenticeship programme. The relief fund will put many training providers in a stronger position to support employers now and in the year ahead.
“Businesses have invested in apprenticeships to boost the quantity and quality of technical skills in the workplace and provide routes to well-paid career opportunities for employees of all ages.”
The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday 30 April. To apply, click here.