Talent and Skills
in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria
Apprenticeships
Whether you are a large organisation or a small business, apprenticeships offer a flexible and effective way to build skills within your workforce. They provide opportunities to develop new talent and support the progression of existing employees.
Employers are responsible for paying apprentice wages. Training costs are supported through government funding. Smaller employers may be eligible for significant support towards these costs, depending on the apprentice and current funding rules.
Larger employers contribute through the Apprenticeship Levy, which is charged at a rate of 0.5% of an employer’s annual pay bill where this exceeds £3 million. Levy funds can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment.
From 2026, the government is introducing changes through the Growth and Skills Levy, which expands how funding can be used and provides greater flexibility for employers to invest in training and workforce development.
Employers who do not pay the levy may still contribute a proportion of training costs, although full funding may be available in certain circumstances, such as when recruiting younger apprentices or through levy transfer arrangements.
Additional Government Support
Additional support is available to employers who recruit younger apprentices or individuals with additional needs. Funding may also be available for:
- Employers supporting apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19 to 24 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
- Training providers delivering apprenticeship programmes
- Travel and accommodation support for specific sectors such as construction
Government funding is also available to support apprentices in achieving essential English and maths qualifications where required. Employers may be exempt from paying National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 who meet the relevant criteria.
Funding levels and incentives are subject to change, and employers should refer to current government guidance for the latest information.
For more information on hiring an apprentice, including funding and support, visit: Hire an apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk)
Steps into Work
Connect to Work
Connect to Work is a government-funded programme designed to support disabled people, those with health conditions, and individuals facing complex barriers to employment.
Delivered locally across England and Wales, the programme provides personalised support to help people move into work and sustain employment. This can include job matching, access to training, and ongoing in-work support.
The programme is being rolled out in phases from 2025 and aims to help individuals access suitable employment opportunities while supporting employers to build inclusive workplaces.
Education
Westmorland and Furness benefits from a strong network of schools, colleges and universities, working closely with employers to ensure skills provision meets local needs.
In Barrow-in-Furness, the University of Cumbria and Furness College have a long-standing partnership with BAE Systems. Kendal College also plays a key role in supporting the local economy and developing a skilled workforce.
A Barrow-based further education college operating across two campuses:
- Channelside Campus, delivering vocational courses, apprenticeships, T Levels and higher education
- Sixth Form Campus, offering A Levels, adult learning and post-19 education
A leading further education provider based in Kendal, with three campuses:
- Milnthorpe Road Campus
- Arts and Media Campus
- Westmorland Campus
Courses include A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, adult learning, vocational training and English and maths qualifications.
A multi-campus university with sites in Ambleside, Carlisle, Lancaster, London and Barrow-in-Furness, supporting over 14,000 students.
The University has expanded its presence in Barrow through the Barrow Learning Quarter, which opened to students in 2025.
Located near to the BAE Systems Submarine Academy for Skills and Knowledge, the campus delivers degree-level programmes aligned to local industry needs, including digital, engineering, project management and logistics.
Consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities, Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Its campus provides a full student experience, with extensive facilities including academic buildings, accommodation, shops, and social spaces, alongside strong links with employers and industry.
