Before the Apprenticeship Training Start Date;

Before the Apprenticeship Training Start Date;

Funding was devolved to the Tees Valley Combined Authority to deliver the Age Grant for Employers from 1st August 2016. To date thefund has supported over 730Companies to employ 830 Apprentices in a variety of different apprenticeship frameworks.

Applications for apprenticeship starts from 1st April – 31st July 2017 are now being accepted. We have identified a few issues which have arisen; therefore to enable the scheme to run smoothly we have set out below further clarification on the processes to be followed by Training Providers, Employers and the Tees Valley Combined Authority. Full information on the scheme, which as stated in the guidance notes, is subject to change, should be checked on a regular basis and can be found on the website at

Training Provider / Employer / Tees Valley Combined Authority
Grant Request Forms:
These should be submitted as soon as possible so that TVCA is aware that the employer intends to apply for a grant. Although we would prefer complete request forms theycan be submitted:
  • before the apprenticeship training start date;
  • without an ULN or ERN which can be sent in at a later date. (We would request this information before processing the full application);
  • Before you complete your own checks on the company; and
  • Without a completed application form.
Please Note: Failure to submit a request form within the specified start dates and before the deadline for applications will result in the employer not receiving a grant. / Applications Forms:
Employers are required to complete an application form which can be submitted directly to TVCA or via their training provider. The employer is requested to:
  • Complete the information requested on the application form;
  • Ensure that the training information matches that submitted by the training provider;
  • Ensure that the application form is signed by an authorised signatory within the company;
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information; and
  • Complete the De-Minimis Declaration form and post the hard copy to TVCA (we must have this on file before payment can be processed).
/ Grant Request Forms:
  • Are logged on the date they are received by the Project Team and allocated a unique reference number.
  • Eligibility checks are carried out and training providers and employers notified when they have been passed.
  • Application forms are sent to the employer if they have indicated that they want to apply directly and not through their training provider.
  • Keep training providers up to date with deadlines for the receipt of grant request forms.
Application Forms
  • Applications forms are checked against eligibility criteria and the grant request form;
  • Checks are completed to ensure the signatory is authorised; and
  • Additional information is requested in a timely manner to ensure no delays at payment stage.

Early Leavers:
  • Inform TVCA promptly in the event of the apprentice leaving their training.
/ Early Leavers:
  • Inform TVCA promptly in the event of the apprentice leaving their employment.
/ Early Leavers:
  • Re-allocate the funding to other Tees Valley employers.

13 week Declaration Forms:
  • Do not return until the 13 week review meeting has been held with the Employer and Apprentice.
  • Ensure the date of the review meeting is entered on the form and is either on or after the 13 week qualification period.
/ 13 week Declaration Forms:
  • Do not return until the 13 week review meeting has been held with the Training Provider and the Apprentice.
  • The authorised signatory who signed the application form must be the person who also signs the 13 week declaration form.
/ 13 week Declaration Forms:
  • Send out the declaration forms on or as close to the 13 week qualification date.
  • Check that the signatures on the declaration and application forms match and are the authorised person at the company.
  • Ensure timely payment of the grant to the employer.

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