Announced in 2015, the apprenticeship levy aims to fund three million new apprentices by 2020 and the new funding system will begin in May 2017.
Newbury College will offer levy-compliant apprenticeship training and work with employers to ensure they achieve maximum results, offering help and advice to all employers ' both levy and non-levy payers.
Employers with a payroll bill of more than £3 million will pay the levy. If you are a levy payer it is important that you calculate your levy spend and ensure you take full advantage of this opportunity. Newbury College can work with you to identify your skills requirements and develop a programme to suit your business needs. In many cases those companies with existing programmes will need to expand them in order to recoup their levy. Now is the right time to begin this planning to maximise the potential for your business.
Employers not paying the levy will continue to make a contribution [typically 10%] to the cost of apprenticeship training, payable directly to the provider and the government will pay the rest (up to the maximum amount of government funding available for that apprenticeship). Newbury College can work with you to identify your skills requirements and develop a programme to best suit your business needs.
Last week students from Level 3 Music Technology went on an educational visit to Hogan Music's professional recording studio in Newbury.
Newbury College lecturer Matt Foster, who organised the visit, said: The students were given a practical demonstration of several industry-standard stereo microphone techniques. This was followed by a mix breakdown session where they had the chance to listen to different techniques used when mixing modern rock tracks.
It was an excellent opportunity for them to spend some time learning in a pro recording studio and it builds on the supportive relationship the College has developed with Hogan Music over the last couple of years. We can't thank them enough for their time.
Click here for more information about the professional recording studio at Hogan Music in Newbury.
If you are considering a career in the music industry, find out more about our Music Technology courses at our open evening on Wednesday 8 February, 4-8pm.
Motivational speakers form just one facet of Newbury College's student enrichment programme and last week, students on higher education and Level 3 programmes had the opportunity to meet Penny Mallory.
Penny became the first woman in the world to compete in World Rally Car. With over 20 years' experience in sporting and business success, Penny shared her unusual, yet inspiring story. Penny has coached elite athletes and is also an accomplished keynote speaker, event host and TV presenter. She is the perfect embodiment of what can be achieved with will, determination, focus and commitment.
Course leader, Julian Bellmont, said: Penny was an inspiration to my students ' some of whom could relate to her story. It made them realise that there are no boundaries to what they can do. We feel privileged that Penny visited us three times in one week to reach a variety of students and are very grateful to her for giving up her time.
BBC Breakfast's sports presenter, Mike Bushell, was guest of honour last night at Newbury College's graduation and award ceremony. The event celebrated the achievements of students completing higher education courses (level 4 and above) and rewarded some of its exceptional further education students.
Students were invited on stage to accept their certificates and awards from Mike Bushell and Newbury College Principal and Chief Executive, Anne Murdoch and representatives from many local organisations who helped sponsor the event.
Our event enables students to celebrate their successes and achievements with their family and friends and each year we invite a special guest speaker, explains Anne.
Mike spoke about his career and how he got started in journalism, he also explained how the educational experience can be enhanced by trying a range of different activities and how this can often open up new career avenues and possibilities. He also talked about how sport and education go hand and hand, highlighting that it's never too late to try something new.
Other guests in attendance included Ellen Crumly, Town Mayor of Thatcham, Quinten Webb, Chair of West Berkshire Council, Shaun Wood, Hungerford Town Council, and members of Newbury College's governing body.
Sponsoring companies included: AWE, Bluebird Care, Busy Bees, Conservatree, Corn Exchange Newbury, David Lloyd Clubs, Heart, Hitachi Capital, IED, Jewson, M&B Hair & Beauty Supplies, Midguard, MWS Media, Parkway, Resonates, Salon Services, The Castle School, The Living Rainforest, The Vineyard and West Berkshire Council.
Click here to view the photographs from the event.