Guidance · reviewed 1 September 2026
Apprenticeship funding for employers in England
A practical 2026–27 guide to levy funds, employer contributions and the checks needed before an apprenticeship start is agreed.
The short answer
An apprentice must not be charged for eligible apprenticeship training or end-point assessment. The employer’s position is not always ‘free’: it depends on levy funds, the apprentice and the rules that apply to the planned start.
For starts from 1 August 2026, the 2026–27 rules apply. Non-levy employers can receive full government funding for apprentices aged 16 to 24, subject to the detailed rules. For apprentices aged 25 or over, the published policy normally provides a 95% government contribution for non-levy employers. A levy-paying employer that has exhausted its account can face a different contribution. We confirm the exact position before quoting.
Five checks before an employer commits
Confirm the apprentice’s main workplace is in England and that the employer can use the apprenticeship service.
Check the role supports the current occupational standard and that the apprenticeship represents substantial new learning after prior learning is assessed.
Confirm the start-date rules, the apprentice’s age and any specified support circumstances.
Check the standard’s funding-band maximum and agree a price for eligible training and assessment.
Document the employer’s responsibilities, paid off-the-job training and the workplace opportunities needed to develop and evidence competence.
Levy funds and transfers
Levy-paying employers use available funds in their apprenticeship service account. Employers can also explore levy transfers where the rules allow. Funds, transfers and reservation arrangements have conditions and time limits, so the apprenticeship service record should be checked rather than relying on a general web claim.
What to bring to a funding conversation
Bring the employer’s levy status, the proposed apprentice’s age at the expected start, the main workplace location, a role description, expected start date and any relevant prior learning. Those details let a provider distinguish a genuine funding check from a marketing estimate.
Primary sources
- GOV.UK: apprenticeship funding rules 2026 to 2027
- GOV.UK: apprenticeship funding policy from 1 August 2026
- GOV.UK: get funding for employing an apprentice
Content reviewer: Cherith Simmons Learning & Development LLP. Reviewed: 1 September 2026.
Direct answers
Questions about this guidance
Is apprenticeship training free for every employer?
No. The apprentice is not charged, but the employer contribution depends on levy funds, age, circumstances, the start-date rules and the agreed price.
Which funding rules apply?
Normally, the rules in force on the apprenticeship start date. The 2026–27 rules apply to starts from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027.
Can an existing employee be funded?
Potentially, when the role supports the standard and the programme provides substantial new learning after prior learning is assessed.
Check the rule against the real role.
Tell us the employer, learner and planned outcome so we can help you identify the right next check.
Discuss your situation