News

Here is a glimpse of what’s going on at BCE, our highlights and stories to bring you the latest. Follow us on social media to stay updated.

14th October 2025

Funding Available for L5 Certificate in the Principles of Commissioning for Wellbeing

We are delighted to announce that funding is available to cover the Commissioning qualification – for both the generic and LD/A pathways.

Talk to our team now to find out how you can access this funding.

12th March 2025

Maximise Savings with Apprenticeships: National Insurance Relief for Employers

From April 2025, employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are set to rise, increasing employment costs for businesses across the UK. The contribution rate will increase from 13.8% to 15%, and the secondary threshold will drop from £9,100 to £5,000. However, there is an opportunity for employers to significantly reduce their National Insurance burden by hiring apprentices under the age of 25.

How Employers Can Save with Apprenticeships

By hiring apprentices under 25, you can avoid paying employer NICs for those earning under £967 per week. This could save your business thousands each year per apprentice.

Here are examples of what you could save:

Apprentice on £20,000: £2,000 saved per year

Apprentice on £25,000: £2,750 saved per year

Apprentice on £30,000: £3,500 saved per year

*Disclaimer – These figures may differ depending on individual circumstances

This benefit applies to both newly recruited apprentices and existing employees enrolled in an apprenticeship programme. If you already employ young staff members, transitioning them into an apprenticeship could provide financial relief while also enhancing their skills and career prospects.

Additional Support for Employers

Beyond the NIC exemption, businesses that hire apprentices may be eligible for further support, including:

£1,000 Grant: Employers hiring apprentices aged 16-18 (or 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan or care experience) can receive a £1,000 grant to help with workplace costs.
Training Cost Funding: SMEs that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy can receive 100% funding for apprenticeship training for apprentices aged up to 21 at enrolment and 95% funding for apprentices aged 22 and over.
NIC Refunds: If you have previously paid NICs for apprentices under 25, you may be able to reclaim up to six years of overpaid contributions.

Future-Proof Your Workforce

Apprenticeships not only offer financial benefits but also provide a structured way to develop a skilled, motivated workforce. By investing in apprentices, businesses can train employees to meet industry-specific needs, foster loyalty, and create a sustainable talent pipeline.

Get Started Today

At BCE, we offer tailored apprenticeship programmes that help businesses reduce costs, build expertise, and prepare for the future. If you would like to explore how apprenticeships can support your organisation, contact us today to learn more.

10th March 2025

Apprenticeship Vacancy

Kickstart Your Care Career – Apprenticeship at Winash! Looking for a rewarding career? Join our apprenticeship programme at Winash and make a difference! Support elderly residents physically, emotionally, and psychologically, helping them feel safe, valued, and independent. No experience needed – just kindness, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

Find out more HERE

17th February 2025

Key Points from the New Funding Rules

Apprentices Aged 16-18:

They are still required to study and achieve English and Maths as part of their apprenticeship.

Apprentices Aged 19+:

No longer mandatory to study English and Maths.

However, both the apprentice and employer can choose for the apprentice to continue studying English and Maths, and funding will be provided for this.

Providers must discuss options with the apprentice and employer and record decisions in the training plan by 1 April 2025.

New Starts (Aged 19+):

English and Maths are optional for apprentices aged 19+ at the start of their training.

If agreed, the apprentice will receive English and Maths training as part of their programme, but it’s not required for the final assessment.

Restarts:

If an apprentice restarts the same apprenticeship, they will follow the same age-based eligibility criteria as when they left.

Providers will be updating learning plans accordingly and having discussions with those impacted by these changes.

12th February 2025

Functional Skills Update

This afternoon the Institute for Apprenticeships have the following statement on their website:

‘The English and maths exit requirements will be optional for apprentices who are aged 19+ at the start of their apprenticeship training. The policy change will be effective from 11 February 2025. Updated apprenticeship funding rules will be published shortly which will contain more details’.

As a provider we cannot make any changes until the funding rules from the Department for Education are published. We will communicate with you as soon as they are released.

11th February 2025

Changes to the rules for functional skills in apprenticeships

You may have seen on the news the government are making functional skills an optional component of the apprenticeship for those who are aged 19+

We are awaiting publication of the funding rules from the Department for Education so that we can advise you, and your apprentices on how this announcement will impact you.

Please be rest assured that we are ready to respond so as soon as we have sight of the guidance we will share this with you. We are expecting this soon, we can then talk to people on an individual basis about their learning plans.

10th February 2025

It’s National Apprenticeship Week!

It’s time to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships have for Employers and Apprentices.

Particularly in social care and early years. These apprenticeships also have a positive impact on the children and adults that receive the care and support.

To celebrate we have a couple of videos of our apprentices, follow us on social media to see more. #NAW2025

News

Here is a glimpse of what’s going on at BCE, our highlights and stories to bring you the latest. Follow us on social media to stay updated.

14th October 2025

Funding Available for L5 Certificate in the Principles of Commissioning for Wellbeing

We are delighted to announce that funding is available to cover the Commissioning qualification – for both the generic and LD/A pathways.

Talk to our team now to find out how you can access this funding.

12th March 2025

Maximise Savings with Apprenticeships: National Insurance Relief for Employers

How Employers Can Save with Apprenticeships

By hiring apprentices under 25, you can avoid paying employer NICs for those earning under £967 per week. This could save your business thousands each year per apprentice.

Here are examples of what you could save:

Apprentice on £20,000: £2,000 saved per year

Apprentice on £25,000: £2,750 saved per year

Apprentice on £30,000: £3,500 saved per year

*Disclaimer – These figures may differ depending on individual circumstances

This benefit applies to both newly recruited apprentices and existing employees enrolled in an apprenticeship programme. If you already employ young staff members, transitioning them into an apprenticeship could provide financial relief while also enhancing their skills and career prospects.

Additional Support for Employers

Beyond the NIC exemption, businesses that hire apprentices may be eligible for further support, including:

£1,000 Grant: Employers hiring apprentices aged 16-18 (or 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan or care experience) can receive a £1,000 grant to help with workplace costs.

Training Cost Funding: SMEs that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy can receive 100% funding for apprenticeship training for apprentices aged up to 21 at enrolment and 95% funding for apprentices aged 22 and over.

NIC Refunds: If you have previously paid NICs for apprentices under 25, you may be able to reclaim up to six years of overpaid contributions.

Future-Proof Your Workforce

Apprenticeships not only offer financial benefits but also provide a structured way to develop a skilled, motivated workforce. By investing in apprentices, businesses can train employees to meet industry-specific needs, foster loyalty, and create a sustainable talent pipeline.

Get Started Today

At BCE, we offer tailored apprenticeship programmes that help businesses reduce costs, build expertise, and prepare for the future. If you would like to explore how apprenticeships can support your organisation, contact us today to learn more.

10th March 2025

Apprenticeship Vacancy

Find out more HERE

17th February 2025

Key Points from the New Funding Rules

Apprentices Aged 16-18:

They are still required to study and achieve English and Maths as part of their apprenticeship.

Apprentices Aged 19+:

No longer mandatory to study English and Maths.

However, both the apprentice and employer can choose for the apprentice to continue studying English and Maths, and funding will be provided for this.

Providers must discuss options with the apprentice and employer and record decisions in the training plan by 1 April 2025.

New Starts (Aged 19+):

English and Maths are optional for apprentices aged 19+ at the start of their training.

If agreed, the apprentice will receive English and Maths training as part of their programme, but it’s not required for the final assessment.

Restarts:

If an apprentice restarts the same apprenticeship, they will follow the same age-based eligibility criteria as when they left.

Providers will be updating learning plans accordingly and having discussions with those impacted by these changes.

12th February 2025

Functional Skills Update

This afternoon the Institute for Apprenticeships have the following statement on their website:

‘The English and maths exit requirements will be optional for apprentices who are aged 19+ at the start of their apprenticeship training. The policy change will be effective from 11 February 2025. Updated apprenticeship funding rules will be published shortly which will contain more details’.

As a provider we cannot make any changes until the funding rules from the Department for Education are published. We will communicate with you as soon as they are released.

11th February 2025

Changes to the rules for functional skills in apprenticeships

You may have seen on the news the government are making functional skills an optional component of the apprenticeship for those who are aged 19+

We are awaiting publication of the funding rules from the Department for Education so that we can advise you, and your apprentices on how this announcement will impact you.

Please be rest assured that we are ready to respond so as soon as we have sight of the guidance we will share this with you. We are expecting this soon, we can then talk to people on an individual basis about their learning plans.

10th February 2025

It’s National Apprenticeship Week!

It’s time to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships have for Employers and Apprentices.

Particularly in social care and early years. These apprenticeships also have a positive impact on the children and adults that receive the care and support.

To celebrate we have a couple of videos of our apprentices, follow us on social media to see more. #NAW2025