Step Teachers' Commitment to Local Growth in East

At Step Teachers, we have always believed in the power of education and professional development. That's why we're excited to share the recent news of a significant £2.2 million boost to apprenticeships in Norfolk, made possible by the Apprenticeships Norfolk Levy Support Scheme. This initiative has opened doors for over 200 apprentices across the region, enabling businesses and organizations to harness unspent levy funds that would otherwise return to HM Treasury.

The Levy Support Scheme allows companies to transfer their unused apprenticeship funds to those who need them most. It’s a game-changer for local businesses, as it helps recruit and train new or existing staff without putting financial strain on their budgets. Notable organizations like Aviva, the BBC, and the University of East Anglia (UEA) have already recognised the value of this program by sharing their unspent levy with the Apprenticeships Norfolk initiative.

Councillor Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth at Norfolk County Council, rightly noted the importance of this scheme in supporting local businesses. “So many businesses in our region need support with recruiting apprentices and developing the skills of their employees,” he stated. This scheme ensures that funds stay in the community, benefiting Norfolk's economy and workforce.

One inspiring example of the scheme’s impact is the story of Nadine Macintyre, an Apprentice Teacher at The Free School Norwich. With funding from Ordnance Survey, Nadine was able to transition from a Teaching Assistant to a qualified teacher while continuing to contribute to her school. This journey reflects the essence of the apprenticeship program: it allows individuals, regardless of age or background, to pursue their career aspirations while gaining valuable experience.

The role of organisations like UEA in this scheme cannot be overstated. Nick Green, Head of Employee Apprenticeships and Early Careers at UEA, shared their commitment to supporting local businesses and developing skills in the region. In 2024 alone, UEA has funded 21 apprenticeships across various sectors, showcasing the broad impact of the levy transfer scheme.

At Step Teachers, we are proud to participate in this initiative, using our unspent levy to strengthen the education and childcare sectors. Working alongside the Apprenticeships Norfolk Levy Support team has enabled us to directly contribute to the growth and development of our industry. The process of donating our levy has been smooth and personalised, allowing us to align our company values with apprenticeship opportunities that benefit both candidates and the schools we serve.

By supporting education and childcare apprenticeships, Step Teachers is not only enhancing career prospects for aspiring teachers but also helping schools meet their staffing needs. As we continue to donate our unused levy, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering growth and development within our sector.

Recently, Step Teachers has expanded its free CPD programme, collaborating not only with Creative Education but also with the National College! This further expands our opportunities to create a stronger, more skilled workforce. To find our free CPD offerings, please click here.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Levy Support Scheme then visit the Apprenticeships Norfolk website or contact the team at apprenticeships@norfolk.gov.uk or on 0344 800 8024.

This was also published on the Norfolk County Council: "£2m boost to Apprenticeships in Norfolk funded by levy transfer scheme", 10 October 2024