Revised eligibility guidance for employers
Wednesday 8 February 2011
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has updated their guidance for the eligibility of learners taking an Apprenticeship. The following criteria must be met to allow apprentices to gain funding:-
- Be aged 16 years or above
- Not in full time education
- Be from within the EU and have lived in England for the past 3 years
- Not obtained a higher education qualification at level 4 or above as defined on QCF, including being awarded a first degree
In addition to the eligibility criteria the main significant change is that full funding is focused on first time Level 2 and Level 3 provision. This means full funding will only be available for learners who do not have a full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. Anyone who already holds a Level 2 qualification and meets the eligibility criteria will still be able to attract funding, but this will be at a reduced rate.
There are currently no age restrictions in place for people wanting to complete an Apprenticeship. The Government priority age group remains as 16-18 year olds where full funding is available. There continues to be funding available for 19+ years provision but this will be at a lesser rate and it is expected that employers will contribute towards the training.