A TRAINING provider is set to hold free briefing events for employers, ahead of what has been described as the “most far-reaching change to workforce training this century”.

Thirsk-based SuperSkills said the sessions on December 6, 7 and 8, from noon to 2pm, would focus on the changes to apprenticeships, funding arrangements and how grants could be used to train staff.

From May, employers with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million - meaning 98 per cent of employers will be exempt - must contribute to an apprenticeship levy, and the government is also introducing changes to funding for apprenticeship training for all employers.

Former chancellor George Osborne announced the scheme last year. He said: “It’s a huge reform to raise the skills of the nation and address one of the enduring weaknesses of the British economy.”

Peter Walker, Superskills chief executive, said firms needed to recognise that apprenticeships were no longer just for school leavers.

He said: “It is a really exciting development. It means government grants for apprenticeships will improve because they won’t be dependent on age and employers will be able to choose who delivers apprenticeships.

“It will also mean firms can become their own training providers and the skills the apprentice gets will be decided by the employer, so they are more relevant.

“Even if someone has been working for a firm for 15 years, employers can get them the skills and training they need.”

For details about the briefings or to book, call 01845-527445.