Message from Katharine

Hope everyone has had a good week! Points of interest this week:

Limited number of allocations available for the Essex 200 Apprenticeship Support Fund
These will be issued on a first come, first served basis (subject to eligibility), so please encourage employers to submit their applications as soon as possible.

The Essex 200 Apprenticeship Support Fund has been created to help SME employers and schools bring new talent into their workforce and provide high‑quality support throughout the apprenticeship journey.

Eligible organisations can receive up to £2,000 per apprentice, paid in two equal instalments. This funding can be used flexibly to help cover a range of costs, such as:

• Enhanced wages (above the National Minimum Wage for apprentices)
• Equipment and tools (e.g. laptop)
• Travel expenses (e.g. commuting, attending workshops or training sessions)
• Additional training courses beyond the apprenticeship standard
• Extra mentor support or staff time dedicated to the apprentice’s development

Eligibility Criteria:
📍 Location

• The employer (school or SME) must be based within a Greater Essex postcode area.
• The apprentice must also reside in Greater Essex.

💼 Employment Status & Apprenticeship Programme Start Date
Recently hired apprentices:

• Employment must have begun no more than 3 months before the application date.

Currently recruiting apprentices:

• The apprentice must be employed and enrolled on their apprenticeship programme by 31 March 2026.

🔢 Funding Limit

• Employers may apply for funding for up to two apprentices.

Apply Now
Funding is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis (subject to eligibility). We strongly encourage schools and SMEs to apply as early as possible.
👉 Click here for the online application form. 

Important Information
All apprentices must start employment and their apprenticeship programme by 31 March 2026, regardless of application date.

This requirement supersedes the “within three months of application” wording currently displayed on the online application form, which is in the process of being updated.

Why has this changed?
To ensure all remaining places are allocated before the funding deadline of 31 March 2026.

Please Note
After applying, applicants may be prompted to register on Essex.gov.uk. This step is optional – we will still receive their application, and they will receive a copy for their records.

Functional Skills tuition for NEETs
Essex Council’s Apprenticeship Hub can offer support to 16–19-year-olds who cannot access Adult Education Budget functional skills provision, as this can be a barrier to getting an apprenticeship.
It is suitable for young people who are NEET or in low-level employment and looking to upskill, including those working only a few hours a week who may not meet the threshold for NEET Team support.

Training is delivered online by Clarion Futures on a 1:1 basis, with sessions tailored to each individual.
To refer young people who would benefit, please email apprenticeship.hub@essex.gov.uk.

Roundup of webinars, blogs, and insights from NCFE
NCFE have kindly shared a link here to the January roundup of their webinars, blogs, and insights, which they hope you find useful in the spirit of sharing knowledge and learning!

FREE NOCN Basic Lifesaving online short course
NOCN have made their Basic Lifesaving online short course free. It is approximately 1 hour long and great CPD for staff and learners.

The course aims to provide individuals with knowledge and understanding of basic lifesaving, along with the use of AEDs. Developing a fundamental understanding increases confidence when using AEDs and can directly impact lives. This course will benefit those who wish to learn about basic life-saving techniques before going on to an approved First Aid Course.

The course is:

• Self-directed e-learning with a digital certificate upon completion
• User-friendly platform
• Study at your own pace, on your own terms
• Fully interactive e-learning with activities, videos and short quizzes

👉 Tyron Wain has shared the guidance document HERE on creating an NOCN Hub Account, and accessing the course and certificate.

Essex Woodcarving Group invite new and younger members:
Essex Wood Carvers is a friendly, active and established group of woodcarvers of varying levels of skill, from masters to beginners, dedicated to maintaining and expanding both traditional and modern wood carving skills.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or a more advanced wood carver, we have skilled artisans who can support you as you embark on this wonderful pastime, starting with basic projects up to masterpieces. There is a huge range of projects to try from traditional to the more contemporary, each supported by expert, inspiring mentorship.

A great way for individuals of any age to immerse themselves in an absorbing world for a few hours a month, unleashing creativity (that you may not think is within you) and satisfaction, producing works of beauty and wonder.

Please share details with your student networks. A great opportunity for Carpentry students or those considering a career in woodwork to try/gain experience on the tools and interact with peers of all ages interested in the craft, or just a fantastic wellbeing activity for any individual.
Tools, materials and tea are all readily available.

When and Where?

• Margaretting village hall – first Sunday of each month
• The Bridgewater Drive Church, Westcliffe-on-Sea – every other Monday.

👉 For more information, visit: https://www.essexwoodcarvers.org/ and if you have additional questions, please email essexwoodcarvers@gmail.com or use the contact form on the website.

Self-employed workers can now apply for Enhanced DBS checks
As of Wednesday 21^st January 2026, self-employed people and personal employees who are paid for their roles can apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks through a registered Umbrella Body, provided their role is eligible.

This change will benefit workers such as private tutors offering lessons directly to children or personal employees hired directly by individuals, for example, through direct payments or personal health budgets.

Use the Find an Umbrella Body tool here, www.gov.uk/find-dbs-umbrella-body and filter for organisations that process checks for self-employed individuals.

FREE Webinar from ECP Safeguarding
Behind the Screen | The Hidden Safeguarding Threats of AI: Join our FREE 25‑minute webinar, AI Risks Uncovered: Protecting People in a Digital World, where we explore the rapidly growing safeguarding threats linked to artificial intelligence, including deepfakes, nudification apps, blackmail, image misuse, and unhealthy online relationships.

When:
Tuesday 10th February 2026 at 12:00 noon and Thursday 12th February 2026 at 13:00 pm

Aimed At:
This webinar is designed for anyone working with children, young people, or adults who needs to recognise early warning signs and respond effectively.

Discover practical steps to protect individuals, promote ethical AI use, and register today. If you can’t attend live, you’ll still receive the full recording.

👉To book your place click HERE.

Martyn’s Law Guidance

Organisations are being urged to prepare for Martyn’s Law, the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025, which introduces new duties to mitigate terrorism‑related risks. A new briefing outlines both Standard and Enhanced Duties and the steps leaders should take ahead of phased implementation. Please access the guidance here.

Higher & Degree Listing – April edition 

Amazing Apprenticeships will release a Spring Higher and Degree Listing on the 21st April 2026, showcasing Level 4-7 apprenticeships. The January edition generated over 30,000 views and strong engagement. If the employers you work with would like to feature in the April listing, please contact Charlotte.

Share your NAW2026!

We are excited for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week! We’d love to hear what you’re doing, so make sure you drop Becca an email throughout the week. There is a wide range of resources available to help you celebrate, including guides, films, quizzes, display packs, classroom challenges, arcade activities and more. To explore all the resources, please click here.

What’s coming up for apprenticeships and skills?

The next Employer Exchange webinar is on Monday 16th March. Join to hear from AELP Deputy CEO Simon Ashworth, who will explore government plans for apprenticeships and skills following expected announcements in February and March. Please click here to register.