Everton Football Club is to open its Apprenticeship Levy Pot/Digital Account to local employers.
As part of its commitment to support social mobility, inclusion and access to opportunities, the Club will allocate unspent funds from its Digital Account to local employers who wish to provide apprenticeship opportunities but are unable to cover the cost of the training.
The initiative forms part of the Club’s All Together Now campaign, which aims to promote inclusion and tackle inequalities.
Everton currently uses a proportion of its levy pot to offer apprenticeships within the Club and also shares funds with Everton in the Community and The People’s Learning Trust.
However, the new approach will allow other local businesses and organisations to benefit from the funding.
Everton All Together Now Campaign Criteria for Employers
While the funding removes the barrier of instructional fees, participating businesses must meet clear baseline standards regarding the employment contract and structural support.
Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, provided the following criteria can be met:
- The employer can cover the cost of the salary for the role (the Apprenticeship Levy only covers the costs of the training).
- The employer does not have access to apprenticeship funding through either their own Digital Account or another organisation.
- The employer commits to being prepared to employ the employee for at least the full period of the proposed apprenticeship.
- The employer will commit to providing and paying for 20% off-the-job training time, and, if requested, they will provide evidence of this and supporting records on a quarterly basis.
In addition to the above, it would be preferred if the employer could commit to paying the apprentice the Real Living Wage as set by the Living Wage Foundation.
As part of the initiative, Everton will consider requests to fund apprenticeships for existing employees, but will give priority to those straight out of education or who have been unemployed for a period of four months or longer.
How to Apply for Everton Apprenticeship Levy Funding
The application system has been fully integrated into the existing metropolitan infrastructure to streamline the administrative process for regional business owners.
Alison Haynes, Chief Tax & Sustainability Officer at Everton, said:
“This is a great opportunity for local employers who want to provide employment and skills development opportunities but cannot afford the cost of training.
“This initiative is a fundamental part of our work to reduce inequalities and promote inclusion, with social mobility playing a key role.
“By supporting employers to invest in training, we can help more local people access sustainable employment while addressing skills needs across the region.
“We want to extend this initiative to more employers across the region who have exciting opportunities available and who share our values.
“We would encourage any employer interested in developing local talent and creating inclusive opportunities to get in touch and find out more.”
Local businesses can apply for Apprenticeship Levy Funding from Everton via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Applications and eligibility checks are processed online here.
