Supported by: 

How we work: 

Our ethos 

Linden’s ethos of ‘Right learner, Right Qualification, Right time’ is at the core of what we do - meaning no minimum or maximum cohort numbers and the ability to onboard new learners all year round. 

Apprenticeship rules for employers 

The National Apprenticeship Service have developed clear funding rules to ensure consistency and quality across all apprenticeship provision. This includes funding rules for employers to ensure fair treatment of apprentices. 

Funding rules state employers must 

Provide a real job for apprentices, which is relevant to the Apprenticeship Standard they are enrolled on 
Support the ‘off-the-job’ training requirement 
Sign an apprenticeship contract between the employer, apprentice, and training provider 
Provide the appropriate wage based on apprentice age 

What are the Apprenticeship Standards 

The Apprenticeship Standards were introduced in 2017, designed by Trailblazer groups of employers who identified the need for relevant and challenging work- based training programmes. The Apprenticeship Standards have been designed to boost the skillsets of learners across diverse roles and sectors, equipping them with the Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours required to thrive in a specific career. 

Apprenticeship funding 

In England Apprenticeship Standards can be funded via the Employer’s apprenticeship levy or through a process known as ‘co-investment’ depending on the company’s size. 
 
All employers who wish to utilise their Apprenticeship Levy or access co-investment funding must contract with a training provider that has been approved by the Register of Approved Training Providers (RoATP)/APAR. 
 
Lindens UK Provider Reference number is: 10027616 

Levy 

Large employers with a payroll bill of £3 million+ are required to contribute 0.5% into an apprenticeship levy pot which can then be used to fund apprenticeship training. The apprenticeship levy is a form of taxation introduced by the Government to promote apprenticeship investment amongst employers. 

Key facts 

Apprenticeship Levy payments apply to all employers with a payroll of more than £3million. 
The Levy is charged at 0.5% of an employer’s total payroll, offset by a £15000 government allowance. 
Levy funds can only be used towards apprenticeships delivered by ROATP/APAR approved provider. 
Levy payments are collected monthly through PAYE. 
Levy contributions appear in a digital account (Digital Apprenticeship Service). 
After 24 months any unused levy funds expire and return to the government. 
Once an employer has exhausted the funds within their apprenticeship levy pot they would revert to the ‘Co-Investment’ model making them eligible for 95% co-investment from the government. 

Co-investment 

Employers that do not pay the Levy or those who wish to invest more in Apprentices can access apprenticeship funding through a process known as co-investment. Co-investment sees the employer pay a 5% contribution to the apprenticeship cost, with the government topping up the remaining 95%. 

Key facts 

Employers must set up an account with the Digital Apprenticeship Service in order to reserve funds. 
Apprenticeship funds can be reserved up to 3 months in advance of start date. 
The 5% co investment fee must be paid ‘up front’ and directly to the apprenticeship training provider on invoice. 
Employers with fewer than 50 employees can secure 100% funding for apprentice learners aged 16-18 years or 19-24 years if they have previously been in care or have a Local Authority, Health and Care plan. 

Co-investment example... 

You are an SME with a payroll bill of less than £3million. You wish to enrol an employee onto the Level 7 Senior Leader Standard which has a funding band of £14000. 
 
The employer co-investment contribution would be £700 and the government co investment top up would be £13300. 
Learn more

Apprenticeship terms explained 

DAS- Digital Apprenticeship Service 

The Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) is an ESFA managed web platform designed to help apprentice employers manage their apprenticeship account. Functions include management of current apprentices, adding/approving new apprentices, payments to training providers, funding reservations and claiming incentive payments. All employers must have a DAS account in order to employ an Apprentice. 
Create an account to manage apprenticeships 
Manage Apprentices

End-point Assessment (EPA) 

End-point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It is an impartial assessment of whether your apprentice has developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard. 

'Off the job' training requirement (OTJ) 

Off-the-job training is an essential part of any apprenticeship. It strengthens the practical skills apprentices gain at work. Linden’s apprenticeships combine various learning methods to create a tailored experience for both the apprentice and the employer, ensuring all training requirements are met and the apprentice is supported throughout. 
1 

Introduction to the programme 

Discussions around Apprenticeships and the requirements of the standard. Dedicated Account Manager to liaise with from onboarding to achievement. 
2 

Contract for services issued 

Contract for services issued online for review and electronic signature. 
3 

Additional documents required 

Employer asked to complete a Health & Safety vetting form for the Apprentice place of work and a copy of the Liability Insurance to be submitted. 
4 

Approval of leaners to enrol 

Agreeing learners to enrol and approval on the Digital Apprenticeship Service. 
5 

Enrolment 

Linden provide an online enrolment process and all documents are sent electronically for completion and signing by learners and employers. The relevant information is then entered onto DAS for employer approval.