Why it matters: Unused apprenticeship levy funds are returned to central government, but businesses can transfer up to 50% of unspent funds to other organisations for apprenticeship training.
The details: The apprenticeship levy is paid by organisations with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more, set at 0.5% of that organisation's payroll. Unused funds are returned to central government, but the apprenticeship levy transfer allows larger businesses to transfer up to 50% of their unspent funds to other businesses to support their apprenticeship training.
The big picture: The University of Suffolk, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council and Eastern Education Group are running the roadshows to prevent unused apprenticeship levy funds being returned to government. The organisers say the initiative will support local employers through levy transfers while driving economic growth and reducing unemployment across Suffolk.
At the Ipswich event, Suffolk County Council will deliver a step-by-step presentation showing employers how to transfer and request apprenticeship levy funds. Attendees will gain practical insights to maximise levy contributions, access a levy transfer fund and develop apprenticeship programmes tailored to their workforce.
Why employers are turning to apprentices: Apprenticeships allow organisations to maximise levy funds before they expire, reduce training costs through funding or transfers, develop staff with business-aligned skills, boost employee retention and build a sustainable talent pipeline.
What's next: The first roadshow takes place at the University of Suffolk's Waterfront Building in Ipswich on Thursday, 4 December 2025, running from 10:00 to 12:00. To register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Further events will be held in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday, 22 January 2026 and Lowestoft on Friday, 13 February 2026, both at the same time.
Who should attend: The events are targeted at business owners, HR teams, learning and development leads, finance managers and anyone involved in workforce planning – regardless of whether their organisation pays the levy.
The bottom line: The roadshows offer Suffolk businesses practical guidance on keeping apprenticeship funding within the county rather than losing it to central government, while developing their workforce and supporting smaller businesses.
