If your organisation pays into the Apprenticeship Levy, chances are some of that money is sitting unused – and quietly expiring. What many employers don’t realise is that the Levy can also be used to fund practical, career-building procurement training.
This week, we look at what this means in real terms, and how to make it work for your team.
A quick recap on how the Apprenticeship Levy works
The Apprenticeship Levy applies to UK employers with a payroll of £3 million or more. Companies pay 0.5% of that wage bill into a government account, which they can then use to pay for approved apprenticeship training. Businesses that do not pay the Levy can still access up to 95% funding through the government’s co-investment scheme, where the employer contributes just 5%.
Why use it for procurement?
Procurement and supply chain roles have changed a lot in recent years. There’s more focus on value, sustainability, digital tools, and risk management – and that calls for updated skills. Using your Levy for procurement training enables you to:
- Grow talent internally rather than recruiting from scratch
- Build confidence in areas like supplier management, contract law and negotiation
- Bring structure to professional development
- Get real value from funds that would otherwise go back to the Treasury
Funded training
Aspire offers a variety of industry-recognised apprenticeships, many of which include accreditation from leading professional bodies such as CIPS and APM.
Apprenticeships in Procurement and Supply:
- Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant – Includes the CIPS Level 3
- Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply – Includes CIPS Level 4
- Level 5 Operations Manager – Includes CIPS Level 5
- Level 6 Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional – Includes CIPS Level 6
Aspire also offers apprenticeships with optional qualifications:
How to actually use the apprenticeship levy funds:
- Log in to your Apprenticeship Service account. This is where your Levy funds live.
- Find a registered training provider that offers the programme you need.
- Choose the right level based on your team’s experience.
- Agree the plan and start dates with the provider.
- Track progress – apprenticeships are long-term, so it is important to check in regularly.
It’s straightforward once you’ve set up your first learner. At Aspire, we can provide you with guidance on how to do this.
The Apprenticeship Levy isn’t just another tax. It’s money already set aside for training – you might as well use it.
Procurement apprenticeships are practical, recognised, and designed around real workplace skills. Whether you’re training new buyers or developing future heads of procurement, the Levy can cover the cost and make a real difference to your team’s capability.
Aspire is proud to announce that it has been rated “Good” by OFSTED, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education and training. This achievement reflects our dedication to creating an enriching learning environment, supported by a team of experts, passionate about helping our learners to succeed.
For more information about our apprenticeships, click here. To find out how to make the most of your Apprenticeship Levy, call our team on 0808 231 2477 or contact us here.
