Helen supporting Small Businesses and boosting Apprenticeships

Helen Edward welcomes major reforms to support SMEs and apprentices in Kingston Borough to unlock their full potential and secure a brighter future


Since 2010, the Conservative Government have created a world-class apprenticeship system, delivering over 5.7 million apprenticeships since 2010 and offering more opportunities for young people to gain the skills they need to succeed and helping to grow the economy. 

Building on this strong track record, the Prime Minister has announced that the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships for young people in small businesses from 1 April 2024 and increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to provide more opportunities for young people, ensuring everyone can get the skills they need to secure high-skilled jobs and build a brighter future. 

Helen has welcomed the Conservative Government’s major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, benefitting local small businesses and young people across 

Kingston, backed by £60 million of new Government funding for 2024-25, the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21 –reducing costs and burdens for businesses and delivering more opportunities for young people to kickstart their career. The Conservative Government will also increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses –from 25 per cent of their unused Levy to 50 per cent. Taken together, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, unlocking the opportunities our young people deserve. 

This builds on the Conservative Government’s strong track record of creating a world-class apprenticeship system, with over 5.7 million people starting an apprenticeship since 2010.The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to create opportunities for young people while supporting small businesses, building a brighter future where everyone can fulfil their potential. 

Commenting, Helen Edward said:“In the last year we have seen more young people in Kingston and Surbiton start an apprenticeship, and many more since 2010, meaning thousands more young people have gained the skills they need to secure good jobs.“Today’s announcement will build on that progress to support even more young people to fulfil their potential, while also helping small businesses make the most of our fantastic local talent and grow the economy.