A WORCESTER-based housing and care provider is expecting apprentice numbers to grow when the government introduces its new Apprenticeship Levy this April.

Sanctuary Group is committed to developing its own apprenticeship programme and bringing in fresh talent in support of the levy.

From April 6 this year, the way the Government funds apprenticeships in England is changing.

Some employers will be required to contribute to the new Apprenticeship Levy which requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill of more than £3million each year, to invest in apprenticeships.

The levy applies to all sectors and both private and public organisations.

In Worcestershire, there were 5,420 apprenticeship starts between 2015 and 2016, with nearly 60 per cent of those going to the county's 16-24 year olds.

Nicole Seymour, director corporate services from Sanctuary Group, said: "We deliver an award-winning apprenticeship programme which has already helped support nearly 1,400 into apprenticeships across the country.

"Over recent years apprenticeships have increasingly been seen as an excellent opportunity for young people to find a route into work, and with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy this number is expected to grow further."

Representatives from Sanctuary will be speaking at a free breakfast meeting, along with other key influential figures, which is open to Worcestershire businesses who want to find out more about the new levy.

The event is taking place on Tuesday, March 28.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This informative event will help to give local businesses additional information on the Apprenticeship Levy before it comes into effect.

"The levy will be applied to all apprenticeship employing businesses earning over £3million a year and I would therefore encourage all interested employers to attend the event or contact the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Hub for more information.”

The breakfast meeting is taking place from 8am until 10am, at Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

To book a place visit business-central.co.uk/events/apprenticeship-levy-event or call 0300 6663666, or email info@worcsapprenticeships.