Sandwell College is hosting an event to help employers get up to speed with how the changes to apprenticeship funding will affect their businesses.

Under the old system, training for apprentices aged 16-18 was fully funded, and apprentices aged between 19 and 24 had half their training costs covered by the government, with the employer paying the rest. The new system will mean that all apprentices are funded at a minimum of 90 per cent. In addition, extra payments are available to some employers and young people, such as apprentices leaving care or with special educational needs. There will also be a new levy on companies that have a wage bill of more than £3m.

The morning event has been organised in collaboration with Sandwell Council to support businesses in the region understand the new funding structure. As well as a free breakfast, the agenda includes a presentation on the changes and an opportunity for employers to talk to apprenticeship experts about how their businesses will be affected. Alongside the college’s apprenticeship teams, the Think Sandwell Area Employment Team and Business Growth Team will be on hand to answer any questions.

The event is taking place at Sandwell College, 1 Spon Lane, West Bromwich, B70 6AW and starts at 7.45am on Tuesday 13 December 2016. If you’re interested in coming along, you can book online via Eventbrite. Please get in touch to let the organisers know about any special dietary requirements. It’s also worth noting that there is no on-site parking, but there is a public car park opposite.

For more information, call 0121 667 5359, email events@sandwell.ac.uk or go to the Think Sandwell events calendar.