In the recent UK Autumn Budget announcement, various measures were introduced to support both large corporations and small businesses, with a particularly valuable opportunity in the area of apprenticeship hiring.

The government has rolled out a key financial incentive: employers hiring apprentices under 25 are now exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on their wages.

This exemption offers significant cost savings for businesses facing rising expenses and increased tax obligations, particularly the higher National Insurance secondary threshold, which will raise employment costs.

Hiring apprentices under this NIC exemption is a strategic decision for businesses aiming to achieve growth while managing budget constraints. This exemption is especially beneficial for smaller businesses, as it makes hiring more affordable in regions facing skill shortages. It offers a straightforward way to onboard new talent without the extra NIC costs. Additionally, degree apprentices under the age of 25 are also exempt from NIC, providing an added incentive for businesses to integrate degree apprentices into their workforce.

This financial benefit comes at a crucial time, as the recent NIC increase from 13.8% to 15% applies broadly across employees but excludes apprentices under 25. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand to gain the most, as they can redirect savings into other investments or workforce development initiatives without the strain of additional taxes.

Furthermore, the increase in the National Minimum Wage, which includes a rise in the apprentice minimum wage starting in April 2025, means that companies must prepare for higher payroll costs even for entry-level positions. However, National Insurance Contributions (NIC) relief can help alleviate some of the financial burden caused by these wage increases, providing some relief to employers. By taking advantage of apprenticeships, companies can develop a skilled workforce while benefiting from reduced tax obligations and utilising government-supported talent pipelines.

Employers seeking sustainable growth can benefit from budget changes that support apprenticeships. This allows businesses to invest in future talent without the operational costs of other hiring categories. By using National Insurance Contribution (NIC) savings, companies can manage their tax liabilities and enhance their financial resilience, fostering long-term employment growth in the UK.

At Weston College, we offer apprenticeships ranging from Level 2 to Level 6 (degree level) across various sectors, including animal management, business and management, computing and digital technologies, construction, creative arts, education and early years, electrical and plumbing, engineering, hair and barbering, health and social care, hospitality and catering, law, motor vehicle, public services, and sport.

To accommodate our diverse apprenticeship offering, we have a dedicated apprenticeship team who offer our employer partners comprehensive support and guidance, helping them navigate every step of the apprenticeship process. This support can range from helping with the free recruitment process, creating a diverse and inclusive workforce or helping to upskill existing staff via apprenticeships.

To find out more about how to bring an apprentice into your business, click here.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career. 

Anne Draper, our Youth Social Action (YSA) Apprentice, delivered an inspiring session titled "The Importance of Embedding Youth Social Action in Further Education: Best Practice Examples of Student Engagement, Development and Connectivity" at the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Annual Conference in Birmingham.

Anne’s presentation focused on the vital role of YSA apprentices across the nation and the positive impact they have had within colleges. She joined a select panel of apprentices from colleges nationwide, sharing innovative ways to incorporate social action into education and highlighting the significant benefits to students and local communities.

Ben Knocks, Vice Principal at Weston College, praised Anne’s achievements, stating, “Anne has been such a powerful advocate of social action and has spearheaded a real focus on this across the College. I am so pleased that Anne has had the opportunity to talk about and celebrate on a national scale what she has achieved in the role. Whether it be facilitating the only political hustings in the town for the election, supporting a wide range of social action projects, and truly embedding this within our curriculum. Anne is a real asset to Weston College, and her work has positively contributed to the opportunities of so many young people in our community.”

Anne’s role in the YSA Program underscores Weston College’s commitment to empowering students, fostering community engagement, and enhancing educational experiences through social action initiatives.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.  

North Somerset Council are backing a Weston College programme designed to help local businesses address skill shortages and foster regional growth. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this initiative focuses on supporting employee development and providing training solutions for businesses of all sizes.

The programme offers consultations with businesses, including on-site visits, when necessary, to identify specific training needs. Once these needs are assessed, businesses gain access to various flexible training options, such as connecting employees to existing resources, developing custom courses, or receiving funding for specific training programs.

Anna Carey, Head of Adult Education Projects, emphasised: "We’re focused on delivering real, practical support. Whether through fully funded Mental Health First Aid courses or electric vehicle training for technicians, we’re here to assist. We also have funds available for training costs that don’t typically receive funding."

Many businesses have already benefited from the programme, with access to specialised customer service training, intensive bootcamp-style courses, and individualised employee support across diverse sectors. So far, Weston College have supported businesses in expanding their knowledge in areas such as Interactive Customer Services, Hidden Disabilities, Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Mental Health First Aid. Coming up, this programme will be touching on Manual Handling – Moving of People, Emergency First Aid at Work, and more on Mental Health First Aid.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families, and Lifelong Learning, noted: “This programme offers a valuable opportunity for businesses to access tailored training solutions that meet specific needs. By prioritising upskilling, we’re working toward a more resilient future for North Somerset.”

Councillor Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy at North Somerset Council, added: "This initiative goes beyond just closing skills gaps – it’s about equipping our businesses and workforce for the future. Through investing in employee training, we’re ensuring North Somerset remains competitive."

Funding is available until March 2025. For more information on how your business can benefit, email employers@weston.ac.uk to arrange a consultation.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.