Marvin OnumonuMore than 5,000 people have received apprenticeship training after donations to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) scheme reached £51m.
The apprenticeship levy transfer fund has helped over 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with money pledged from larger companies.
The scheme has seen businesses donate their unspent apprenticeship levy to the WMCA, instead of sending it back to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
This has funded the full training cost for apprentices taken on by smaller firms.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for people to get the skills they need to pursue the career they dream of.
“Through the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme, we’ve secured £51m of funding and opened up 5,000 opportunities for our residents.”
“It’s a great scheme for our businesses too – helping them to attract future talent, upskill their existing workforce and help them grow – now and in the future.”
