Apprenticeship funding compliance checklist
A practical checklist covering eligibility, evidence, off-the-job training, prior learning and the funding claim, with what an auditor looks for at each point.
Before the apprentice starts
Right to work and residency evidence on file, dated before the start. Age confirmed, which now matters more because funding differs for 16 to 24 year olds at non-levy employers and Level 7 is closed to new starters aged 22 and over. Prior learning assessed and documented, with the price reduced where it applies.
Initial assessment completed, including English and maths. A contract of employment covering at least the minimum duration. An apprenticeship agreement signed. The standard confirmed as still funded on the intended start date, which is not a formality in a year when sixteen have been withdrawn.
At the start
A training plan signed by apprentice, employer and provider, setting out what will be delivered, when, and how off-the-job hours will be met. The planned off-the-job hours must be at or above the published minimum for that specific standard, less any recognised prior learning, and never below 187 hours.
The price agreed and recorded, within the funding band. The reservation made where the employer does not pay the levy.
During delivery
Off-the-job training recorded as it happens, with enough detail to show what was delivered and that it was within working hours. Progress reviews at least every twelve weeks with all three parties. Any break in learning recorded properly rather than left as a gap.
Changes to the employer, the standard version or the price documented at the time, not reconstructed later.
At the end
Gateway evidence showing the apprentice met the requirements. English and maths where required. The end-point assessment organisation engaged and the assessment completed. The final claim reconciling to what was delivered.
Common questions
How often should we run this check?
Monthly on new starts, when the evidence is easiest to fix, and a full sample quarterly. Annually is too late to correct anything.
What is the single most common failure?
Off-the-job training recorded as a running total rather than against the published minimum for that standard. It looks compliant until someone checks the figure for that particular standard.
Track this yourself
Skills Radar follows every change to the funding rules, the standards register and T-Levels, with what changed, what it changed from, and what follows. Free to read.