Apprenticeships

On the occasion of National Apprenticeships week (February 9-15) National Apprenticeship Week - Home - National Apprenticeship Week, it’s very timely to shine a light on a unique new apprenticeship scheme dedicated to cosmetic science training, which has been launched by our member, Tiro, in collaboration with the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS).

Changes to the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme

The Apprenticeship Levy system in the UK is undergoing its most significant reform since 2017, focusing on flexibility, early-career development, and alignment with economic priorities. The reforms impact employer contributions, fund usage, and training options. Significant changes to the Apprenticeship Levy (due to come into force in 2026) include the introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy, a reduction in the expiry period for levy funds, and expanded training options for employers.

 Key Changes to the Apprenticeship Levy include:

• Introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy, allowing businesses to use their levy funds for a broader range of training programmes, aiming to address specific workforce needs and enhance skills development across various sectors

• Shortened expiry period for levy funds (reduced to 12 months down from 24 months for unspent levy funds)

• Removal of the 10% top up

• Changes to co-investment rates

• Revisions to off the job training requirements

New Level 3 Cosmetic Technician Apprenticeship

Against this background, the timing is just right for the brand-new Level 3 Cosmetic Technician Apprenticeship, which has been developed specifically for the cosmetic science/formulation space and includes learning modules authored by the SCS alongside the Laboratory Technician standard - so apprentices get the exact skills that teams need in the real world, according to Hayley Hannaford, Senior Partnership Manager at Tiro. 

“With weekly start dates available, employers can onboard learners at a time that suits their operations. For larger organisations, employers with a wage bill above £3 million can use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover the full cost of training. Non-levy employers benefit from 95% government funding towards training costs. 

Where possible, Tiro supports businesses through the Government Gateway to arrange levy transfers, enabling 100% funding. For learners that enrol under the age of 25, employers benefit from 100% funding, and are exempt from paying Employer National Insurance contributions for the individual during their apprenticeship training”.

Hayley continued that this is suited to new recruits and upskilling current team members. She is happy to speak with businesses that are keen to explore how this could support them, even if it's just for future planning.

CCUK members that Tiro are already working with include: Carvansons, Orean, Surfachem (2M Holdings) and they are in conversations with many more! Non-members include a variety of companies including: Meiyume, CPL Aromas, Expac, Protec Ingredia, DCS Group, Woodhurst Innovations, Ellipsis Brands and Arcania Apothecary, amongst others.

To find out more, please contact: Hayley Hannaford, Senior Partnership Manager, Tiro

Direct Line: 0121 726 3025, Email: Hayley.Hannaford@Tiro.co.uk