Request for exceptional apprenticeship transfer support from DfE

Overview

If a training provider you work with has its apprenticeship funding agreements terminated by the DfE, they may no longer be able to deliver apprenticeship training for your apprentices. 

This means that you will likely need to find another training provider to help your apprentices complete their apprenticeship. If you have attempted and have been unsuccessful in finding and appointing a suitable alternative training provider, and have exhausted your options, you can request exceptional support from DfE.

Contents

1. What are the reasons why an employer may be unable to identify a suitable alternative apprenticeship training provider?
2. What steps must an employer take to source their own alternative training provider before requesting exceptional apprenticeship transfer support from DfE
3. How do I request exceptional apprenticeship transfer support from DfE?

4. What support will DfE offer?

    

1. What are the reasons why an employer may be unable to identify a suitable alternative apprenticeship training provider?

Sometimes, you might encounter difficulty in finding an appropriate alternative training provider using the Find Apprenticeship Training service. This can happen for various reasons, including:

• The search criteria used on Find Apprenticeship Training has not identified any training providers. This could be because of your proximity to available training providers, and/or your apprentice(s), might be undertaking a specialised apprenticeship standard that is not widely offered
• The training providers identified through Find Apprenticeship Training may no longer offer the apprenticeship standard your apprentice(s) are enrolled in
• The training providers listed on Find Apprenticeship Training may not provide training at your workplace, requiring your apprentice(s) to travel to their premises for training. This arrangement might not be ideal for you or your apprentice(s)
• Even though you found potential training providers using Find Apprenticeship Training, when you contacted them, they said they were unable to help your apprentice(s) for various reasons such as, your apprentice(s) not having sufficient funding remaining to cover the remainder of their apprenticeship training
• The apprenticeship standard undertaken by your apprentice(s) may be being ‘retired’ and as such, training providers may have stopped offering it via Find Apprenticeship Training

2. What steps must an employer take to source their own alternative training provider before requesting exceptional apprenticeship transfer support from DfE

Before DfE considers providing exceptional support, it is crucial that you have explored and exhausted all available self-help options.

You are responsible for finding and appointing a suitable alternative training provider who can help your apprentice(s) complete their apprenticeship.

You can search for eligible providers using the Find Apprenticeship Training service on GOV.UK.

3. How do I request exceptional apprenticeship transfer support from DfE?

To request exceptional support from DfE, follow these steps using the Customer Help Portal:

• When prompted with the "Is this enquiry about a specific organisation?" screen select "yes" and provide details of your previous training provider
• When asked "What is your enquiry about?" select "Provider Closure"
• On the enquiry details screen, you will be prompted to specify the nature of your enquiry
• In the "Add a short title" box, type "Request for exceptional apprenticeship transfer support from DfE"
• In the "What is your enquiry?" box, include the following information at least:
  • Confirm details of the apprentice(s) in your request for exceptional support, including the number of individuals, the apprenticeship standard (full name of the apprenticeship and the apprenticeship code) they are enrolled in, and the location of their workplace (postcode) 
  • Inform DfE about the steps already taken, including which training providers you have contacted. 
  • Describe the barriers encountered with the training providers you have reached out to
  • Attach relevant documents such as email correspondence between you and the training provider(s) you have contacted

Please note DfE will need you to share the above information so we can understand the steps you have already taken and understand how we can help you further.

DfE are unable to offer additional payments in cases where there is insufficient funds remaining for your apprentice(s) to complete their apprenticeship. If this is the case and you have been unable to source an alternative training provider it is your responsibility to agree with them how you, as the employer, are able to cover the costs. 

As an employer, you have oversight over how your apprenticeship funding is allocated and used. Where concerns arise regarding the service provided by your current training provider, you may be able to take action and manage the funds in your apprenticeship service account. The employer and training provider should work collaboratively to identify the issues and agree on a clear action plan with defined timelines for improvement. Maintaining open communication with the training provider and addressing concerns at an early stage can often help resolve issues and support positive outcomes for apprentices. If sufficient progress is not made, you may then need to consider further steps, such as withholding payments.

4. What support will DfE offer?

The DfE has access to comprehensive apprenticeship data and can review which training providers offer and deliver specific apprenticeship programmes. Using this information, the DfE will identify training providers located near you that may be able deliver the training required for your apprentice(s). 

The DfE will supply you with a list of potential providers who you can contact. 

As apprenticeships are employer-led, it is your responsibility to decide which training provider you contact and potentially contract with to deliver apprenticeship training to your apprentices; the DfE cannot have these discussions on your behalf. You must undertake your own due diligence before entering a contractual relationship with a training provider. 

The list provided by the DfE will contain:

• Name and UKPRN of the provider
• Location (main address of the provider and where they deliver the apprenticeship)
• Contact details of the provider

• Published quality data, such as the most recent Ofsted inspection outcome and the training provider's latest published qualification achievement rates

   

Need support?

Please contact the the Apprenticeship Service if you are having issues. 

If you have a specific query about that is not covered by this information or the guidance, please contact us using the Customer Help Portal.