GLOUCESTERSHIRE College has teamed up with law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys to put on a special conference to inform the county’s businesses on the apprenticeship reforms coming into effect in April.

The event also aims to give employers a greater understanding of the law governing the employment of apprentices.

It will benefit both levy-payers and those who do not meet the annual wage bill threshold, with the opportunity to speak to experts in the field and gain practical guidance on getting the most from apprenticeships.

The conference will take place from 9am to 3pm on Thursday, January 26, at the college’s Cheltenham Campus.

It will include:

  • Education reforms and skills plan - Sue Steed, Vice Principal at Gloucestershire College
  • Financial implications for levy and non-levy payers – Andy Bates, chief financial officer at Gloucestershire College
  • New Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS)
  • Legal guidance on employing apprentices – Jenny Jones, head of employment, and Rachel Parkin, senior associate at Harrison Clark Rickerbys
  • Group discussions and Q&A

Andy Bates, chief financial officer at the college, said: “89 per cent of apprentice employers say that apprenticeships have helped improve the quality of their product or service, and I would encourage business owners, directors, managers and senior HR professionals to get to grips with the opportunities apprenticeships offer.

“The scope of apprentices is always changing, for example at GC we offer more than 35 different apprenticeships, from accountancy to professional cookery.

"For employers, having a good idea of the possibilities will ensure the best return on their levy payments, and the Levy Conference is designed to ensure businesses are up-to-date and fully prepared for the forthcoming changes.”

Rachel Parkin, senior associate solicitor at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, said: “Harrison Clark Rickerbys is delighted to be working in partnership with Gloucestershire College on this event.

“With the introduction of the apprenticeship levy, it is even more important that employers understand their legal obligations in relation to employing apprentices. We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with delegates at the Levy Conference.”

Tickets to the conference are priced at £50 each and include a light lunch.

Visit gloscol.ac.uk/events to book your place.