National programmes

Apprenticeships
For more information on apprenticeships, download our toolkit.
Want to know more?
Find more apprenticeships resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) here.

Apprenticeship Hub
The Apprenticeship Hub is an online service that provides expert information to help you recruit and upskill staff through apprenticeships.
Our useful online resources will help to guide you through each step of the apprenticeship journey, from recruiting your very first apprentice to accessing funding and incentives to boost your apprenticeships.

T Levels
T Levels have been designed to prepare students aged 16-18 with the technical skills your business needs now and in the future. They combine classroom studies with an industry placement. The benefits for your business include:
- Cost effective channel for recruitment.
- Solution for entry level jobs.
- Develop young people into your industry/business.
- Provide extra help with on-site projects.
- Provide opportunities for existing staff to develop management and mentoring skills.
- Provide fresh ideas and new perspective.
For more information visit the official gov.uk page or for further employer resources, visit the CIPD’s page on T Levels.
For more information on these programmes, get in touch and we’ll connect you to the expertise and resources you need.
Articles
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: Expression of Interest
Interested in joining a future cohort of Stive Live Start-Up Incubator? Find out more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
Act now. 864,000 sole traders and landlords face new tax rules in two months
From 6 April 2026, those eligible will need to use recognised software to keep digital records and send HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) light-touch quarterly updates of their income and expenses. These are not extra tax returns.
Innovation Supper - Apply to Pitch
York Business School, Patch York and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are delighted to bring you a special edition of Innovation Supper. As part of this year's International Women's Day, we are inviting female entrepreneurs to apply to pitch their business.
Resources
Webinar Series: Set Up for Success with Google Business Tools
This series explores the free tools available from Google to help small businesses increase their online presence. Plus, you’ll learn how to leverage Google’s paid advertising platform for scalable growth without feeling like you are just wasting money. Participants will leave feeling confident to start using Google Tools to Improve their visibility, generate leads and make more sales online.
Webinar Recording: PR for Small Businesses
Want to get your business featured in newspapers and magazines in 2026? In this webinar, Jo and Linda explain why you should be prioritising PR – including reaching a new audience (outside your social media bubble), building trust and credibility, and boosting your sales and SEO.
Webinar Recording: Automation & Efficiency Series
This webinar series provides a straightforward starting point to streamline and reduce day-to-day tasks, through automation and efficiency, across all areas of your business.








