Exceptional funding band reviews
We know that some employers are concerned about rising costs, and may feel that the current funding band for the standards they use requires review. As an employer-led organisation, we will continue to listen to the different employers we work with every day. We understand that during this period of uncertainty trailblazer groups may be thinking about asking IfATE to review funding bands.
How funding band reviews work
There is an established system in place to regularly review funding for individual apprenticeships, to make sure providers can deliver good quality training and assessment for both employers and learners. IfATE has a published change process which outlines the required steps for funding-only revision requests.
Our priority is to ensure the content of standards is relevant and up to date, and we will prioritise funding reviews where standard content changes. We will, though, consider the case for funding-only reviews where appropriate
Trailblazer groups can request a funding band review where there is evidence that the current funding band does not reflect the typical cost of off-the-job training and/or the typical cost of end point assessment.
If you decide to seek a review, then we are here to support you.
Exceptional funding band reviews
In addition to the established process, the Department for Education (DfE) have asked IfATE to conduct a one-off and exceptional set of faster, targeted funding band reviews. The aim of this is to respond to current rising cost pressures for a number of priority standards, whilst ensuring value for money and affordability.
DfE have selected a number of priority apprenticeships as being eligible to apply for an exceptional funding review. These standards were selected based on a number of factors, including available evidence on the impact of cost rises, skill shortage occupations, priority sectors and the number of starts from the 2021/22 academic year.
Trailblazers in scope can ask for an exceptional funding review, and IfATE will undertake intensive work to make a funding band recommendation to DfE as quickly as possible.
Our expectation is for the submission of evidence to be completed by early March. IfATE intends to make recommendations to DfE at the end of March, with DfE’s intention to implement the funding band recommendation by 1 May 2023.
Apprenticeships selected for an exceptional funding review
- Adult care worker
- Lead adult care worker
- Chef De Partie
- Commis Chef
- Senior Production Chef
- Production Chef
- Gas Engineering Operative
- Painter and Decorator
- Advanced Carpentry and Joinery
- Carpentry and joinery
- Groundworker
- Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic
- Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician
- Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician
- Engineering Fitter
- Engineering operative
- Motor vehicle service and maintenance technician (light vehicle)
- Engineering technician
- Autocare Technician
- Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver C and E
We will contact the Trailblazer group for each of the selected apprenticeships to outline the next steps in preparing for an exceptional funding band review submission.
How exceptional funding reviews will be managed
Funding band recommendations made as part of this project will be made using the proposed funding model. It is envisaged that any funding band increases will be limited to an increase of one funding band only.
A new IfATE funding band recommendation could result in apprenticeship funding going down, or staying the same, as well as going up. If you wish to seek to challenge a funding band recommendation following an exceptional funding band review you may be able to seek a procedural review. This may impact the timing of any change to a standard’s funding band.
Published 17 Jan 2023
Last updated 17 Jan 2023
(KH/NS)