Accountancy apprenticeship adds up for electrical wholesaler

Following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, electrical wholesaler, CEF, has enrolled 10 members of its UK finance team on a range of professional accounting qualifications as a result of the company’s use of the apprenticeship levy.

Whilst many employers have struggled to get to grips with the £3bln Government Apprenticeship Levy, electrical experts CEF who are members of the EDA, have embraced the opportunities from the outset. By redefining these funds as a Skills Development Levy, CEF has seized the opportunity to apply its investment to the up-skilling and well-being of both existing employees and new recruits.

Located across a number of locations around the country, with five in its head office at Kenilworth and five other young professionals around the business, the CEF team will gain up-to-date knowledge in a learning environment.

John Henry of EDA Apprenticeship Plus – Apprenticeship Management comments: “The early adoption of the levy by CEF is an ideal case study for other employers on how to use and benefit from the recent and progressive apprenticeship reforms. Not only will CEF continue to attract the best talent, but in addressing the specific skills requirements of existing colleagues both the business and the individual will benefit. With the rising costs of going to university, professional apprenticeships offer a debt-free and direct career route.”

Talented

Kim Davies, CEF Chief Accountant approved the use of the levy explaining: “The business is continuing to develop our talented team whilst the individual will benefit with a well-rounded set of skills and experience recognised through a highly sought-after professional qualification.”

Employers with a wage bill of over £3million fall within scope of the Levy. Employers with a wage bill of under £3million can access apprenticeship training under a different set of funding rules, with a maximum contribution of 10% of the apprenticeship cost required from the business and financial incentives to engage young people.

Tom French is one of the new apprentice accountants at CEF and said: “I looked at University as a spring board to a professional career in accountancy. Having considered the advantages of combining learning with my role at CEF, acquiring real and practical financial experience as well as achieving exactly the same professional qualification without paying off student loans for the next ten years, is certainly the right route for me”

The Apprenticeship Management Group was formed this year to lobby on behalf of companies of all shapes and sizes and help them adjust to life during and after the levy has come in to effect.

For more information please contact The Apprenticeship Management Group on 0117 2302313 or email info@theapprenticeshipgroup.co.uk

Pictured above: Back row left to right: Callum Whitehouse, Tom French. Front row left to right: Will Moreton, Jamie Ward.