From August 2026, your apprenticeship levy funds expire in 12 months — not 24. If your levy pot is sitting underused, here is exactly what it is costing you, and how a marketing apprenticeship puts it to work fast.
Your Apprenticeship Levy Is Expiring in 12 Months. Here's What Happens If You Don't Use It — and How a Marketing Apprenticeship Fixes That
If your annual pay bill is over £3 million, you have been paying into the apprenticeship levy since 2017. Every month, 0.5% of your payroll goes into a digital account held with the government. That money is yours to spend on training — but only if you spend it in time.
Until recently, you had 24 months to use each monthly contribution before it expired. From August 2026, that window closes to just 12 months.
If you are currently sitting on unspent levy funds, the clock is already running.
What Has Changed with the Apprenticeship Levy in 2026?
The government has renamed the Apprenticeship Levy the Growth and Skills Levy and introduced a package of reforms from April 2026. The two changes that matter most for levy-paying employers are:
1. Levy funds now expire in 12 months, not 24
From August 2026, funds accruing in your Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account expire after 12 months. Previously, you had two years to deploy them. The shorter window means faster planning, faster decisions — and if you delay, faster losses.
2. The 10% government top-up has been removed
Until recently, the government added a 10% monthly uplift to your contributions. That top-up is gone. You now receive exactly what you pay in — nothing more.
The practical impact: Employers who previously relied on a relaxed two-year window to think about training now need to act within a single business year. Unspent funds are gone — and cannot be reclaimed.
What Does "Expiring Levy" Actually Cost You?
Let's make this concrete. Under the old rules, if your levy ran out mid-programme, the government covered 95% of any additional cost, leaving you to pay 5%. Under the new rules from August 2026, that employer contribution rises to 25%.
| Programme | Funding Band | Old co-invest (5%) | New co-invest (25%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Channel Marketer L3 | £5,000 | £250 | £1,250 |
| Content Creator L3 | £5,000 | £250 | £1,250 |
| Marketing Manager L6 | £22,000 | £1,100 | £5,500 |
The maths is straightforward. Levy funds you have already paid — and failed to use — cost you real money when any programme runs beyond your balance. The solution is not to rush. It is to plan properly and start sooner.
Why Marketing Is One of the Smartest Places to Spend Your Levy Right Now
Marketing capability is one of the most consistently underdeveloped functions in UK businesses. Many organisations rely on a small team — sometimes a single person — to manage social media, email campaigns, analytics, and content creation. A marketing apprenticeship addresses this directly, funding structured, nationally recognised development for someone inside your business.
NTG Training offers three fully funded marketing routes:
Multi-Channel Marketer
Level 3 · 8–15 months · Campaigns, content, SEO, analytics
View programme →Content Creator
Level 3 · 8–15 months · Video, copy, social, brand content
View programme →Marketing Manager
Level 6 · Degree-level · Strategy, leadership, planning
View programme →All three can be funded entirely through your levy account. If your balance covers the full funding band, your training costs nothing beyond the apprentice's salary — which you would be paying anyway.
New in 2026: Apprenticeship Units
The Growth and Skills Levy has also introduced a new category of short, targeted training called apprenticeship units — standalone modules of 30 to 140 hours that can be delivered in weeks rather than months. The first wave launched in April 2026 and focuses on AI, digital skills, and engineering. NTG can advise on whether units or a full programme better suit your current situation.
Three Questions to Ask Before Your Next Levy Review
- How much is currently sitting unspent in your DAS account — and when does the oldest tranche expire? Log into your Digital Apprenticeship Service account and check your balance and expiry dates.
- Do you have any existing employees who could benefit from a marketing qualification? Apprenticeships are not just for new hires — any existing employee may be eligible.
- Have you updated your training plan to account for the 12-month window? A plan built for 24 months needs rebuilding now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know how much levy I have left before it expires?
Log into your Digital Apprenticeship Service account at apprenticeships.education.gov.uk. Your balance and monthly contribution history are displayed in your account dashboard. NTG can also help you interpret your position during a free discovery call.
Can I use my levy to train someone who already works in my marketing team?
Yes. Existing employees can be enrolled on an apprenticeship as long as the programme delivers new skills relevant to their role, and they do not already hold an equivalent qualification in the same subject area. Find out more about upskilling existing staff.
What happens to levy funds I don't spend before they expire?
They are lost. Expired levy funds are returned to the government and cannot be reclaimed. This is why proactive planning is essential under the new 12-month rules.
How long does it take to start a marketing apprenticeship?
Once an employer and apprentice are confirmed, NTG can typically get a programme started within four to six weeks, including DAS account setup and programme registration. We work to your timeline wherever possible.
What is the difference between the Level 3 and Level 6 marketing apprenticeship?
The Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer and Content Creator are designed for those new to marketing or in early-career roles. The Level 6 Marketing Manager is a degree-level qualification for those leading or managing a marketing function.
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