AI Enablement
Our Level 3 AI Enablement programme enables learners to use AI confidently, reducing manual work, and improving how systems are used across the business.
FUND FORWARD: Apprenticeship Funding for Charities
Fund Forward connects Levy-paying employers with charities, non-profits and other eligible organisations looking to invest in their people through apprenticeships.
Group Of Businessmen And Businesswomen Applauding Presentation At Conference
WHAT IS FUND FORWARD?
Levy-paying employers may have more apprenticeship funding than they expect to use within their own organisation. Rather than letting those funds expire, they can transfer some to another eligible organisation. The transfer pays for all associated apprenticeship training costs, helping the receiving organisation develop an existing employee or bring someone new into its team.
Through Fund Forward, Baltic connects levy-paying employers with charities and other eligible organisations seeking apprenticeship funding. We take the time to understand what each organisation needs, then match relevant funding applications with Fund Partners whose priorities align. Once a partner approves a transfer, we coordinate the funding, deliver the apprenticeship and support both the apprentice and their employer throughout the programme.
FUND FORWARD SO FAR
Since January 2026, Fund Forward has supported 25 apprentices across 16 organisations.
£534,733
Pledged by Fund Partners to support apprenticeship training
£338,348
Allocated to training for charities and other eligible organisations
£196,385
Available to support further apprenticeships
Charities
I’M LOOKING FOR APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING
Employers
I WANT TO BECOME A FUND PARTNER
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Fully funded apprenticeships for charities
Digital and technical skills shape how charities deliver their services, from managing information and keeping systems running to understanding what’s working and reaching the people who need support.
When budgets are stretched, investing in those skills can be difficult. Over time, gaps in a team’s skills can make it harder to deliver services effectively and respond to changing needs.
Fund Forward helps charities, non-profits, NHS organisations and other eligible organisations access apprenticeship training paid for through a levy transfer. This means a levy-paying employer uses some of its available apprenticeship funding to cover the cost of training in your organisation.
View the Charity PackApprenticeship Funding for Charities FAQs
Registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), non-profit organisations and NHS organisations can apply for funding through Fund Forward.
Your organisation must employ the apprentice, provide line management and meet the usual requirements for an apprenticeship employer. If you’re unsure whether your organisation or proposed role is suitable, we’re happy to talk it through with you.
Charities can access fully-funded apprenticeship training across digital, data and technical roles. These include IT support, network engineering, data analysis and engineering, digital marketing, AI and digital transformation, and software development.
We’ll look at the skills your organisation needs and the work the apprentice will do, then help you identify a programme that fits.
Yes, you can use the funding to develop your current team or hire someone new.
A new recruit
Bring someone into a role where your organisation needs additional skills. An apprenticeship gives them structured training alongside practical experience in your team.
An existing employee
Help a current team member develop new skills relevant to their role. Their apprenticeship should provide genuine learning and opportunities to use those skills at work.
The levy transfer covers the full cost of apprenticeship training.
Your organisation does not pay a training fee or a charge for arranging the transfer. You remain responsible for employing and paying the apprentice, providing line management, and giving them the time and support needed for training. We’ll explain what this involves before you decide whether to proceed.
Complete our funding enquiry form and tell us a little about your organisation and the skills you want to develop.
You don’t need to have chosen an apprenticeship or identified a learner yet. We’ll get in touch to discuss your plans, check eligibility and explore available funding.
If there’s a suitable opportunity, Baltic will guide you through the application and coordinate the levy transfer. Funding is subject to availability and approval by a Fund Partner.
How do charities access fully-funded apprenticeships?
To access apprenticeship funding through Fund Forward, tell us about your organisation and the skills you want to develop.
We’ll check eligibility, help you choose a suitable apprenticeship and seek approval for available funding from a Fund Partner before training begins.
STEP 1
Let us know which skills you want to develop and whether you’re thinking about an existing employee or a new recruit. We’ll discuss the role and check your potential eligibility.
STEP 2
We’ll help you find a programme that fits the role and gives the apprentice relevant new skills.
STEP 3
We will look for available funding and share your application with a Fund Partner for approval. Once approved, we’ll coordinate the transfer through the government’s Apprenticeship Service.
STEP 4
When funding and enrolment are confirmed, the apprenticeship can begin! We will support your organisation and your apprentice throughout the programme.
OUR FUND PARTNERS
We are backed by a number of fantastic organisations across the UK…
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Could your unused levy make a difference?
Fund Forward helps levy-paying employers transfer available levy funds to support training in charities, non-profits, NHS organisations and other eligible organisations across the UK.
Many of these organisations need stronger digital skills, but limited budgets can make training difficult to prioritise. If you expect to have more levy funding than you can use for your own apprenticeships, you can help another organisation invest in its people.
Fund Forward matches employers with charities and other eligible organisations seeking apprenticeship funding. We share suitable applications for you to review, coordinates the transfers you approve, and delivers the training.
Finally, you choose which opportunities to support and receive updates on the organisations and apprentices benefiting from your funding.
View the Fund Partner ProspectusOUR FUND PARTNERS
Meet the organisations helping charities access apprenticeship training through Fund Forward.
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Support the causes and skills that matter to you
You can shape your Fund Forward partnership around your available levy and the organisations or skills you’d like to support.
You can support organisations in a particular region or help charities develop skills in AI, data, or IT – tell us what matters to you and we’ll introduce you to eligible organisations whose training needs align with your priorities.
You could make a one-off transfer, agree an annual pledge or set aside a proportion of your available levy. You can also review applications individually without committing to a fixed amount upfront.
Each application shows you the organisation, the proposed apprenticeship and the funding required. You decide which transfers to approve, and Baltic coordinates the process in line with your internal approval requirements.
Why Become a Fund Partner?
Help organisations build skills
Your levy transfer funds apprenticeship training within an eligible organisation, helping its people develop relevant digital skills.
Choose what you support
You can review the proposed charity organisation, apprenticeship programme and funding required, then decide whether to approve it.
Allocate unused funding
Funds entering levy accounts from August 2026 expire after 12 months if unused.
See the impact
Receive six-monthly updates on funding transferred, apprenticeship starts, organisations supported and progress.
Share the story
Where everyone involved agrees, we can explore joint updates or case studies.
How do apprenticeship levy transfers work through Fund Forward?
Fund Partners agree how they’d like to take part, review applications from eligible organisations and approve any levy transfers they wish to make.
Baltic coordinates the transfer, delivers the apprenticeship training and reports on the impact.
STEP 1
We’ll start with a conversation about your available funding, the scale of support you’re considering and any preferences for the organisations or skills you would like to support.
STEP 2
We’ll establish how applications should be shared and approved, and support you with the steps needed to arrange transfers through the Apprenticeship Service.
STEP 3
Eligible organisations apply through Baltic. We’ll share relevant opportunities with your nominated contact so you can see how your funding would be used.
STEP 4
You decide which applications to support. Once approved, Baltic coordinates the transfer and the receiving organisation’s apprenticeship enrolment.
STEP 5
Baltic delivers the training and provides six-monthly impact reporting. We can also discuss appropriate opportunities to share the partnership’s progress more widely.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES
Fund Forward can support apprenticeship training across Baltic’s digital, data and technical programmes.
Data & Business Insights
Our Level 3 Data & Business Insights apprenticeship builds the skills needed to unlock data capabilities and spark digital transformation. By the end of this course, apprentices will have the confidence to make data-driven decisions.
Microsoft IT Support Technician
Our Level 3 IT Support apprenticeship creates expert IT Technicians with exceptional problem-solving skills. Apprentices will learn to optimise systems, configure devices, and provide outstanding customer service.
Modern Marketing Professional
Our Level 3 Modern Marketing Professional apprenticeship develops the skills to understand audiences, create compelling content, plan and deliver integrated campaigns, and use data and AI responsibly to improve marketing performance.
AI & Digital Transformation
Our Level 4 AI & Digital Transformation programme develops internal leaders who can embed data-driven decision-making, support technology adoption, and build confidence with automation and AI tools.
AI for Business Automation
Our Level 4 AI for Business Automation programme enables learners to identify automation opportunities, implement AI solutions confidently, and deliver measurable business value across the organisation.
Sustainability for Business Impact
Our Level 4 Sustainability for Business Impact apprenticeship is designed for Sustainability Managers and Business Leaders, providing an ROI-focused training solution to embed sustainable practices into operations that deliver immediate business impact.
Data Analyst
Our Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship develops professionals who can turn organisational data into clear, actionable insight, empowering learners to move beyond reporting to support smarter, data-driven decisions.
Infrastructure & Security Engineer
Our Level 4 Infrastructure and Security Engineer apprenticeship develops the skills to design, maintain, secure, and optimise modern network infrastructure across cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, helping organisations support resilient digital operations.
Marketing Executive
Our Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship equips marketers with a deeper understanding of marketing approaches and strategy. We teach people how to plan and execute tactical and targeted marketing activities that lead to conversions.
Software Developer
Our Level 4 Software Developer apprenticeship is the solution for people looking for the next step in their software career. Building on existing knowledge, we teach advanced project management skills & development practices, creating future leaders.
Data Engineer
Our Level 5 Data Engineer apprenticeship develops strategic, business-minded engineers. Participants gain hands-on experience with data products, platforms, data pipelines, and AI-enabled engineering – aligning technical solutions with broader organisational goals.