In today’s fast-changing job market, apprenticeships are vital for closing skills gaps and developing the latest generations. RSA supports apprenticeships beyond our own business through the Apprenticeship Levy. This article explores how our commitment is helping individuals, businesses, and communities.
The current Apprenticeship Levy requires employers with an annual payroll of more than £3 million per year to contribute 0.5% into the levy. This contribution is used to fund apprenticeships. Employers can also pledge up to 50% of their annual levy to non-levy paying organisations to fund their apprenticeship training costs too.
RSA's commitment to apprenticeships
Funding diverse sectors
RSA continues to make a substantial commitment to apprenticeships. To date, we have:
- Pledged over £1 million in funding
- Funded over 150 apprenticeships across various industries
We have expanded our support beyond our own sector to include Care Services, Digital Technology, and Construction. As well as creative fields like Hair and Beauty. It also extends to professional services sectors including Legal and Finance, and Sales and Marketing.
By supporting several sectors, RSA is helping to build talent in traditional and emerging fields. This contributes to a more adaptable and skilled workforce.
Supporting communities and the economy
RSA's commitment to apprenticeships plays a key in supporting our social impact strategy to build resilient communities. Whilst bolstering the wider economy.
Helping individuals start or enhance their careers creates a ripple of positive change. It provides pathways to increased qualifications, higher earnings, and more fulfilling career opportunities. This benefits apprentices as well as their families and local communities.
This initiative also improves social mobility by offering accessible paths into skilled jobs. It helps create a more inclusive and diverse workforce across different sectors too.
Impact on key industries
Addressing sector-specific challenges
Apprenticeships have been a lifeline for industries facing challenges, especially after recent global events. Our funded apprenticeships don’t just fill immediate skill gaps; they help strengthen entire sectors for the future.
Ruth Poulten, UK&I Social Impact and ESG Manager at RSA, says, "Helping people is at the heart of everything we do at RSA. Using the Levy to grow skills and create opportunities is one way we build strong communities." She adds, "The pandemic hit the care sector and frontline workers hard. We're proud that over half of RSA's levy pledges supported apprentices in this area, providing local solutions."
The future of apprenticeships
We know apprenticeships are key to addressing skill gaps, so we will continue to facilitate levy pledges, supporting more businesses to make an impact in society. We are looking forward to understanding how the new Government will administer the levy system in the coming years to promote the bridging of skills gaps in the UK.
