Small employer indicator (SEM1)

What is the small employer indicator (SEM1)

Training Providers must ensure apprentices employed by a small employer are recorded with the small employer indicator (SEM1).

What is classed as a small employer

Employers with fewer than 50 people working for them can train, at no cost, apprentices aged 16-18 or aged 19-24 who have previously been in care or who have a Local Authority Education, Health, and Care plan.

When SEM1 Needs to be recorded

The SEM1 must be recorded in each academic year that the learner is in learning:

• Failure to record this in an academic year will mean that co-investment contribution will be due from the employer.
• If the SEM1 is not recorded and co-investment contributions are outstanding, the ESFA will not pay the completion element of the apprenticeship programme.
• Retrospective recording of the small employer indicator will not remove the requirement for co-investment contributions from an employer in a previous academic year.

Find further guidance on the small employer indicator (SEM1) or if you have a specific query about SEM1 not covered here contact us via our enquiry form.