Funding for Apprenticeships in England
Each fashion and textile apprenticeship in England attracts its own level of funding.
For most companies in the fashion and textile sector the government will pay for 95% of the training costs with the employer responsible for paying the remaining 5%, plus employment costs.
However, companies that have a payroll in excess of £3million a year have to pay the Apprenticeship Levy. The Levy can then be spent on putting an apprentice through recognised courses.
The funding for fashion and textile apprenticeships start at £4,000 for Level 2 going up to £15,000 for Level 5. There is an additional payment for apprentices under the age of 19.
Funding bands for Apprenticeship Standards*
| Apprenticeship Standard | Level | Maximum Funding |
| Footwear Manufacturer | Level 2 | £5,000 |
| Leather Craftsperson | Level 2 | £5,000 |
| Sewing Machinist | Level 2 | £4,000 |
| Textile Care Services Operative | Level 2 | £4,000 |
| Textile Manufacturing Operative | Level 2 | £4,000 |
| Bespoke Saddler | Level 3 | £9,000 |
| Fashion Studio Assistant | Level 3 | £8,000 |
| Fashion & Textiles Pattern Cutter | Level 3 | £9,000 |
| Textiles Technical Specialist | Level 4 | £9,000 |
| Technical Dyer and Colourist | Level 4 | £9,000 |
| Garment Maker | Level 4 | £10,000 |
| Fashion & Textiles Product Technologist | Level 4 | £9,000 |
| Bespoke Tailor & Cutter | Level 5 | £15,000 |
| Materials Cutter | Level 2 | In development |
| Knitting Technician | In development | In development |
*More information on these standards available here.
For up-to-date information please contact apprenticeships@ukft.org.
UKFT offer an Apprenticeship Skills Analysis Service to fashion and textile businesses, more information here.
Funding for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Different funding arrangements apply for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Scotland
The Scottish government will provide a range of funding depending on the level of the apprenticeship and the age of the apprentice. More information can be found at Skills Development Scotland.If you’re an employer paying the apprenticeship levy in Scotland, you could apply for up to £10,000 towards the cost of training your workforce. More information can be found here. - Wales
The Welsh government will provide a range of funding depending on the level of the apprenticeship and the age of the apprentice. More information can be found at Welsh Government and Careers Wales. - Northern Ireland
More information about apprenticeships in Northern Ireland can be found at NIDirect.
If you’re an employer with operations in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, find out more about how apprenticeships work in your nation here.
For up-to-date information please contact apprenticeships@ukft.org.
UKFT offer an Apprenticeship Skills Analysis Service to fashion and textile businesses, more information here.