Could you become a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency?

Last month, the government announced they have created a £7 million fund to support more flexible apprenticeship opportunities in sectors such as the creative, agriculture, and construction industries. The fund will unlock more opportunities for people to develop the skills and experience they need to get a good job.

What is a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency?

Current apprenticeships are at least 12 months long, which can be challenging for those who are in sectors with flexible or short-term employment patterns and roles, such as transport, manufacturing, adult social care, and digital.

By establishing a small number of flexible apprenticeship agencies, apprentices will be able to work across a range of projects with different employers to better gain experience in their chosen sectors.

For example, an apprentice working in theatre would be able to work on different productions during their apprenticeship.

You can read more in the fund’s press release.

How can your business become a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency?

To apply for funding, you must first be accepted onto the Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency register. All applications to the register can be made on the Department for Education eTendering Portal.

You can find guidance for applying to be on the register.

Once accepted onto the register, you can apply for funding from the £7 million grant. You can, however, apply for both at the same time.

How much can you apply for?

Businesses can apply for funding between £100,000 and £1 million to set up new Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agencies.

The Minister of Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, said “We want to build an apprenticeship system that enables everyone to get the experience and knowledge they require to get the job they want, while ensuring employers have a diverse talent pipeline to meet their skills needs”.

Flexi-job apprenticeships are just one of several improvements the Government is making this year to support employers in creating more apprenticeship opportunities in their businesses. They will also be increasing cash incentives for hiring new apprentices and making it easier for employers to spend unused funds so that small businesses in their supply chain or region can also benefit from the skills and productivity apprentices can bring to their businesses.

Find out more about the Flexi-Job Apprenticeships here.