Supporting Apprenticeships in West Oxfordshire: A Guide for Local Businesses
Apprenticeships are a powerful way for businesses to invest in future talent, boost productivity, and contribute to the local economy. In West Oxfordshire, a range of support is available to help employers start, grow, and sustain apprenticeship programmes.
Why Hire an Apprentice?
- Develop a skilled workforce tailored to your business needs.
- Improve staff retention and morale.
- Access government and local funding to offset training costs.
- Contribute to inclusive growth and community development.
Local Support and Funding Opportunities
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Advisors
Through the Enterprise Oxfordshire Skills initiative, businesses can access free guidance from Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Advisors. They help unlock unused apprenticeship levy funds and support smaller organisations in setting up schemes
1. Enterprise Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Support
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Grant Scheme
Managed by OxLEP, this scheme offers grants between £500 and £3,000 to help businesses overcome barriers such as travel costs, equipment needs, and digital access for apprentices
2. OxLEP Apprenticeship Grant Scheme
OxLEP Skills Programmes
OxLEP provides a suite of fully-funded programmes for employers, including Skills Bootcamps, mentoring, and support for hiring apprentices from diverse backgrounds
4. Government advice and Guidance on hiring an Apprentice Employing an apprentice: Overview - GOV.UK
Training Providers in Oxfordshire
Finding the right training provider is key to a successful apprenticeship. Oxfordshire offers a wide range of local and national providers across sectors such as engineering, healthcare, ICT, and business services.
Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Training Providers Directory
Additional Resources
- Apprenticeship Levy Guidance: Learn how to use or transfer your levy funds effectively. Apprenticeship Levy Info
- Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards: Celebrate success and raise your profile as an apprenticeship employer. Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards
- Community Employment Plans: Integrate apprenticeships into your wider workforce strategy. OxLEP Community Employment Plans
Get Started Today
Whether you're a small business or a large employer, West Oxfordshire offers the tools and support to make apprenticeships work for you. Reach out to the Economic Development Team for further info or advice [email protected]
To find an Apprenticeship, please visit: Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
Abingdon and Witney College
Through recruitment and programme design, to planning and delivering training, their experienced team will offer expert advice and support whenever you need it, including on how to make the most of your Apprenticeship Levy. They offer:
- Free, supportive training needs analysis and consultation about how apprenticeships can help your business
- Full, free recruitment services for new apprentices including help with advertising, assessment centres, long/short listing and interview support
- Information sessions and seminars for existing members of staff investigating how apprenticeships can help them
- Administrative support with all aspects of apprenticeships, including funding advice and help with the Apprenticeship Service system.
01235 216 216 | [email protected]