Skill Funding Matters: How the 2026 Growth and Skills Levy Makes Security Training Easier to Get

The landscape for skills and training in the UK is about to undergo a massive transformation. As of April 2026, the old Apprenticeship Levy is officially being replaced by the more flexible Growth and Skills Levy.

If you are a business owner or an individual looking for security training Birmingham, this is the news you have been waiting for. This reform isn't just a name change; it is a complete overhaul of how training is funded, making it easier than ever to access high-quality course security training.

At Zems Academy, we stay ahead of these legislative shifts to ensure our learners and partner employers in Birmingham get the most value out of available government funding.

What Is the 2026 Growth and Skills Levy?

For years, the Apprenticeship Levy was criticized for being too rigid. Employers paid into a pot but could only use those funds for long-term apprenticeship programs that lasted at least 12 months. This didn't always work for fast-paced industries like private security.

The new Growth and Skills Levy changes the game. Starting in April 2026, the government is introducing more flexibility into how these funds can be spent. The goal is simple: get more people trained in the skills that the economy actually needs right now.

For the security sector, this means funding is no longer tied strictly to long-term apprenticeships. You can now use levy funds for shorter, high-impact courses.

The Power of Modular Training

The most exciting part of the 2026 reform is the introduction of modular units. Under the old system, training had to be a long-term commitment. Under the new Growth and Skills Levy, the government has approved training modules that can be as short as one week.

This is a perfect fit for the security industry. Standard SIA licensing courses, such as Door Supervision or CCTV Operation, are intensive but short.

• Door Supervision: Typically 7 days.
• CCTV Operation: Typically 3 days.
• Security Officer: Typically 5 days.

Previously, these didn't always fit the "apprenticeship" mold. Now, they fit the "modular" mold perfectly. You can get your sia training course birmingham funded through this new flexible pot, allowing you to get licensed and into work faster than ever before.

Huge Benefits for Birmingham SMEs

If you run a Small or Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) in Birmingham, the 2026 reforms are designed specifically for you.

Before this change, SMEs often had to pay a 5% "co-investment" fee toward training costs. While 5% sounds small, it created an administrative and financial barrier for many local security firms.

As of April 2026:

• 100% Funding for Under 25s: SMEs will now receive full funding for apprentices and trainees under the age of 25.
• Zero Co-investment: The 5% barrier is gone for this age group.
• Simplified Access: The government is cutting the red tape, making it easier for small businesses to claim their funding.

This is a massive opportunity for security firms in Birmingham to upskill their younger workforce without any out-of-pocket training costs.

Changes for Larger Employers

While SMEs are seeing a boost, larger firms: those with a paybill over £3 million: need to pay close attention to the new rules. The "use it or lose it" window is getting tighter.

1. Expiry Window: Previously, employers had 24 months to spend their levy funds. Under the Growth and Skills Levy, this window is reduced to 12 months. If you don't spend it on training, the government takes it back.
2. Co-investment Jump: If a large firm exhausts its levy pot and wants to do more training, the co-investment rate is jumping to 25%.

The Strategy: Large security providers in the West Midlands need to act fast. You must plan your security training birmingham schedule precisely to ensure you utilize 100% of your levy funds within the 12-month rolling window. Zems Academy can help you audit your workforce needs to ensure no funding goes to waste.

Why This Matters for Security Training in Birmingham

Birmingham is a hub for nightlife, retail, and major public events. The demand for licensed security professionals is always high. However, the cost of licensing has often been a hurdle for those looking to enter the industry.

By making course security training eligible for modular funding, the 2026 reforms lower the entry barrier.

Whether you are looking for a sia training course birmingham for yourself, or you are an employer looking to train a new cohort of staff, the Growth and Skills Levy provides the financial engine to make it happen.

Key courses eligible for modular focus:

• Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors.
• Level 2 Award for Security Officers.
• Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance).
• Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (often a prerequisite for security roles).

Navigating the Changes with Zems Academy

At Zems Academy, we don't just provide training; we provide a pathway to employment. We understand that navigating government levies can be confusing. That’s why we offer end-to-end support for both individuals and businesses.

We are located right in the heart of the city, making us the premier choice for security training birmingham.

What Zems Academy offers:

• Expert Guidance: We help businesses understand how to access the Growth and Skills Levy.
• Flexible Scheduling: Our courses are designed to get you qualified quickly.
• High Success Rates: Our trainers are industry veterans who know exactly what it takes to pass the SIA exams.
• Support for SMEs: We specialize in helping small Birmingham firms maximize their 100% funding for staff under 25.

The New "Urgency" for 2026

With the shift to the Growth and Skills Levy, the government is also introducing a faster approval process for new training standards. This means that as the security industry evolves: perhaps with new requirements for AI-integrated CCTV or advanced crowd management: the training courses can be updated and funded much faster than under the old system.

However, the reduction in the funding window for large firms (from 24 to 12 months) means you cannot afford to wait. If you have levy funds sitting in your account, April 2026 is the deadline to have a strategy in place.

Summary of Key Levy Changes

Get Security Trained Today

Don't wait for the funding landscape to change before you start thinking about your career or your workforce. The demand for sia training course birmingham is increasing daily.

If you are an individual looking for work, getting your SIA license is the fastest way to secure a stable, well-paying role in the West Midlands. If you are an employer, upskilling your team now ensures you are ready for the regulatory changes ahead.

Zems Academy is ready to help you:

• Book your Level 2 Door Supervision course.
• Secure your spot in our CCTV training sessions.
• Learn how to claim 100% funding for your employees under 25.

Action Steps for Birmingham Employers

1. Audit Your Staff: Identify anyone under 25 who needs an SIA license or a Top-Up course.
2. Check Your Levy Pot: If you are a large employer, look at your balance and calculate your 12-month spend.
3. Partner with Zems Academy: Let us handle the training delivery while you focus on running your security operations.

The 2026 Growth and Skills Levy is a massive win for the security industry. It recognizes that short, sharp, modular training is just as valuable as long-term apprenticeships. It puts the power back into the hands of Birmingham businesses and learners.

Book Now and ensure you are at the front of the queue for the best security training birmingham has to offer. Whether it is course security training or specific SIA certifications, Zems Academy is your partner in professional growth.

Get Your License. Build Your Career. Secure Your Future.