We’ve dug down deep into the detail of the UK Autumn Budget 2024, so that you don’t have to. Here’s an update on the future of the Apprenticeship Levy – it’s being transformed into a new Growth & Skills Levy – and the bidding opportunities it presents for education and training providers.  

The Growth and Skills Levy is set to become the UK’s newest workforce development strategy, replacing the current Apprenticeship Levy. Announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, this funding model will give businesses more flexibility to direct training and upskilling where it’s needed most.  

For organisations committed to building future talent and addressing skills gaps, the Growth and Skills Levy offers a unique opportunity.  

But with new requirements, creating a standout bid will be essential. 

 

What is the Growth and Skills Levy? 

The Growth and Skills Levy will seek to address the limitations of the current Apprenticeship Levy by expanding the types of training it can support. Here’s a look at the key features expected to shape the new, expanded Levy: 

 

1. Broader Scope

Unlike the Apprenticeship Levy, which only funds adult apprenticeships, the Growth and Skills Levy will allow funding for a variety of training programmes, enabling businesses to target specific needs. 

 

2. Shorter Apprenticeships

The new Levy will support shorter apprenticeships, ending the current 12-month minimum requirement. This will allow employers to invest in more flexible, skills-focused training. 

 

3. Foundation Apprenticeships

Expected to open early career pathways for young people, foundation apprenticeships will target sectors where critical skills shortages hold back growth. 

 

4. Youth Focus

The Levy will encourage organisations to focus on youth training, helping businesses build a robust talent pipeline from an early stage. 

 

5. Level 7 Apprenticeships Co-Funding

Organisations will need to co-fund Level 7 (master’s level) apprenticeships, hoping to shift the Levy’s focus toward entry- and mid-level upskilling while still allowing businesses to handle advanced training independently. 

The Growth and Skills Levy will be overseen by Skills England, a new body tasked with determining eligible training types. This body will aim to ensure that training investments meet both the needs of employers and wider economic goals. As more details emerge on access and implementation, businesses will need to prepare strong, strategic bids to secure this funding from public and private sector customers.  

AutogenAI can help you create a range of content to meet these needs, from commercial pitches to corporate executives to public sector bids and tenders that align with Skills England’s criteria. 

 

AutogenAI: Powering Your Growth and Skills Levy Bids 

 AutogenAI’s AI-powered bid writing platform will make it easier to create high-quality, compelling, and compliant bids for the Growth and Skills Levy, when the time comes. From initial drafting to final review, AutogenAI will streamline the process, giving you a competitive advantage. Here’s how: 

 

1. Generate Quality Drafts, Fast 

With new requirements and high competition, speed and precision will be crucial. AutogenAI’s bid writing engine generates a structured first draft in minutes, giving your team a strong foundation for a well-aligned, persuasive proposal. By providing a “70% response” so quickly, AutogenAI allows you to focus on customising rather than starting from scratch. 

Example: Applying for funds to support foundation apprenticeships in tech? AutogenAI will deliver a structured draft that aligns with the Levy’s goals, ready for your team to refine with specifics on how your programme addresses skills shortages. 

 

2. Incorporate Data-Driven Content for Real Impact 

A successful Growth and Skills Levy bid will need concrete data. AutogenAI will let you integrate metrics, previous success stories, and measurable outcomes directly into your proposal, giving buyers a clear view of your impact. This data-driven approach is key to demonstrating alignment with the Levy’s goals. 

Example: For a youth training bid aimed at a local authority, AutogenAI can integrate evidence of past success, such as increased job placements and skills improvements, strengthening your content with data that speaks to public sector evaluators. 

 

3. Tailor Content to Different Training Needs 

The Growth and Skills Levy’s broader scope will cover more types of training, making flexibility essential. AutogenAI will let you adjust your core message to target different areas, from youth-focused skills development to shorter, sector-specific apprenticeships. This approach allows you to highlight the unique benefits of each training type. 

Example: Proposing modular training programmes in digital marketing or coding? AutogenAI will help you tailor your bid to corporate decision-makers by showcasing these short courses as solutions to immediate industry needs, while also aligning with Skills England’s broader requirements. 

 

4. Build a Compelling Story for Sector Impact 

Funders will want to see the real-world impact of your training programme on the sector. AutogenAI’s platform enables you to build a compelling story that positions your organisation as a proactive partner in closing skills gaps, making your proposal memorable and impactful. 

Example: Pitching foundation apprenticeships in healthcare? AutogenAI will help you build a narrative that shows the essential need for healthcare skills, creating a connection with corporate funders and public sector evaluators alike. 

 

5. Ensure Compliance, Simply and Effectively 

With strict criteria expected for the Growth and Skills Levy, compliance will be essential. AutogenAI will keep your bids compliant by cross-referencing your proposal against the Levy’s requirements, ensuring every element is covered. This reduces the risk of missing crucial details and lets your team focus on enhancing the bid. 

Example: For a public sector bid aimed at securing foundation apprenticeships, AutogenAI will ensure your proposal meets all compliance requirements, from youth training focus to alignment with Skills England’s standards, making it easier to submit a strong, compliant bid. 

 

Why AutogenAI Will Be Your Advantage for Growth and Skills Levy Bidding 

 The Growth and Skills Levy promises new flexibility for workforce development, but it will demand clear, strategic proposals aligned with the Levy’s priorities. AutogenAI enables you to create high-quality, compelling and persuasive bids that demonstrate your impact and readiness. By reducing workload, improving quality, and simplifying compliance, AutogenAI will give you a clear advantage in the Growth and Skills Levy bidding process. 

 If you’re ready to secure funding through the Growth and Skills Levy, AutogenAI will provide the tools and expertise to help you succeed. Let’s make your proposals clearer, stronger, and more persuasive — one winning bid at a time.