Suffolk Chamber People and Skills Group Discuss Apprenticeship Levy Scheme

There was a great turnout in-person and online for the People and Skills Group Thematic Group meeting at the University of Suffolk on 4th December 2024. The meeting was well chaired as always by Richard Brame of WTW, with lots of discussion about the topics on the agenda.

Ellen Rush and Jonni Burton of the University of Suffolk gave a presentation about the Apprenticeship Levy and the importance of keeping those funds in Suffolk. Debra McDermott from the university team also highlighted proposed new L6 apprenticeship offers. Some great new subjects to meet the LSIP desires of Suffolk businesses.

Leeann Ling of Suffolk County Council spoke about the value and business benefits of providing Supported Internships.

Jane Gratton of the British Chambers of Commerce delivered a detailed overview of the proposed Employment Rights Bill and welcomed feedback from members on the likely impact of the proposals on Suffolk businesses.

Action points from the meeting were:

1. Contact Ellen Rush (E.Rush3@UOS.AC.UK ) if you would like to receive the new University of Suffolk Employers Newsletter
2. Suffolk Chamber, Suffolk County Council, University of Suffolk and Suffolk further education colleges to look at the options for setting up an apprenticeship/growth and skills levy transfer scheme
3. Contact Leean Ling (Leeann.Ling@suffolk.gov.uk) if you are interested in the supported internship programme
4. Contact Toby Warren (toby@suffolkchamber.co.uk) if you have evidence of the potential impact of the proposed Employment Rights Bill on your business

We welcome feedback about people and skills group meetings and thoughts about future discussion topics and speakers. Please send feedback and thoughts to policy@suffolkchamber.co.uk