FAQs

A levy transfer allows large employers to transfer up to 50% of their unused apprenticeship levy funds to other businesses. This can cover 100% of your apprenticeship training costs, enabling you to upskill staff without incurring training expenses.

Transfer funds can only be used for a new apprenticeship start. They can be a new or existing employee, but they cannot have already started an apprenticeship. The exception to this is when an apprentice changes employer. They can continue their apprenticeship with a new employer funded by a transfer of levy funds.

Register for free on the Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service website. Once registered, you can apply for a transfer detailing your apprenticeship needs, which will be visible to potential levy donors.

Yes, registration is required. The platform uses your information to match you with suitable levy donors effectively.

No, the service is free for both receiving and donating employers.

Yes, you can choose your training provider, but they must be an approved apprenticeship provider registered on the government’s apprenticeship service.

The EALTS team reviews each funding request to ensure it meets the necessary criteria before making it visible to potential donors.

Typically, the first donor to express interest will proceed with the transfer. However, if multiple donors are interested, the receiving employer may choose the most suitable donor.

While EALTS increases your visibility to potential donors, matches depend on donor interest and criteria. Therefore, a match cannot be guaranteed.

Yes, EALTS is committed to supporting underrepresented groups, including apprentices with disabilities.

There’s no formal cap, but each apprenticeship must be fully funded by the donor. You may receive multiple transfers from different donors, but partial funding for a single apprentice isn’t allowed.

No, your organisation can be based anywhere in England.

You can transfer up to 50% of your unused apprenticeship levy funds annually to other businesses.

Transfers are made monthly, mirroring the payment schedule of your internal apprenticeships. This continues until the apprenticeship is completed.

Register on the EALTS website as a donor. You’ll gain access to a range of opportunities posted by businesses seeking levy transfers.

Yes, you can distribute your available levy funds across multiple apprenticeships or businesses, provided the total does not exceed your 50% transfer allowance.

While there’s no maximum, each donation must cover at least the cost of the lowest-value apprenticeship, typically around £3,500.

Yes, both parties must accept the connection on the Apprenticeship Service, and the names of both the donor and recipient organisations will be visible.

Yes, consider joining the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network to connect with other employers and share insights.

Yes, you can choose to support organisations that align with your corporate social responsibility goals, including partner charities.

It’s strongly recommended. Although you don’t need to commit funds upfront, being clear on how many apprentices you plan to support (and their associated costs) will help ensure any transfer matches are financially sustainable.

While EALTS is designed for employers, training providers can assist their employer clients in registering and creating opportunities on the platform.

You can guide employers through the registration process, help them understand the requirements, and assist in creating compelling opportunities to attract donors.

Training providers must be registered on the government’s apprenticeship service and comply with all relevant standards and regulations.

EALTS reviews each opportunity and associated training provider to ensure compliance with quality standards before making them visible to potential donors.

Yes, training providers are expected to support employers in setting up and managing their Apprenticeship Service accounts.

Yes! Even if your organisation is a levy payer, you can still receive levy transfers from other employers to continue funding apprenticeships.

This can be especially beneficial for finance teams looking to manage training budgets strategically:

• Budget bridging – If your levy funds are depleted or insufficient, a transfer can cover additional apprenticeship costs without increasing overall spend.
• Programme expansion – You can grow your apprenticeship intake beyond your original levy allocation with support from external transfers.
• Upskilling existing employees – Levy transfers aren’t just for new hires; they also provide an opportunity to invest in the development of your current workforce.

Using levy transfers strategically helps maximise workforce development while staying within financial constraints.

No. Levy transfers are handled through the Apprenticeship Service and do not require adjustments to payroll or tax reporting. They do not count as payroll spend.

Transfers are made monthly through the Apprenticeship Service (AS), matching the apprentice’s training schedule. Payments stop if the apprentice withdraws or pauses learning.

When sending employers pledge a transfer, they agree to fund an apprenticeship for the duration.

Non-levy employers - If the sending employer has insufficient funds you will need to cover the cost via employer co-investment.

Levy employers - If the sending employer cannot complete the monthly payment for a transfer and you have enough funds in your own apprenticeship service account, the Department of Education will use these funds before you enter employer co-investment.

No — once the transfer is made and the apprentice begins training, the donor assumes the funding responsibility. If the apprentice leaves early, remaining funds will not be paid, but no repayment is required from the receiving organisation.

Yes. Transfers can fund training for existing staff if they are placed on an approved apprenticeship standard. This makes them a valuable tool for strategic upskilling or retention efforts.

The EALTS support team helps manage communication and coordination between donor and receiving organisations. However, the receiving employer’s training provider will be key in uploading costs and programme details into the Apprenticeship Service.