What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is paid employment where the employee learns and gains valuable skills and experience. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning within college, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
Through a wide mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment, apprentices gain skills and knowledge that benefit employers by boosting the skills of the workforce.
They are for people aged 16 or over and can be new or current employees. An apprenticeship could take from 8 months to 6 years to complete, depending on the type and level of the apprenticeship.
Benefits for your organisation
Hiring an apprentice is an effective way for your business to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. By offering an apprenticeship you can ensure that the skills developed are matched to your company’s needs, filling any skills gaps and allowing your business to source future leaders from within.
Other benefits include:
- Increasing productivity
- Developing specialist skills
- Improving retention and morale
- Lowering recruitment and training costs
- Build a culture of learning and development
- Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Don’t just take our word for it:
- 92% of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
- 86% said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
- 80% have seen a significant increase in employee retention
*Source: apprenticeships.gov.uk
The Apprenticeship Levy
The Apprenticeship Levy is a form of taxation designed to help companies offer more apprenticeships. The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced for all employers paying a wage bill of more than £3 million per year.
The Apprenticeship Levy could unlock funding towards hiring an apprentice for your company. Our team can support you to make the most of the Levy, contact us at
How to employ an apprentice
Our team are available to support you to employ an apprentice. Follow the step-by-step guide below to see the process.
- Arrange a meeting with us
We will arrange an initial meeting to help us understand your business needs and what you are looking for in an apprentice candidate.
We can also answer any questions you may have about the process, as well as any funding options that may be available to you.
You can contact the team at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Work with us to select the apprenticeship
Our team will help guide you when selecting an apprenticeship standard that will work for your business.
- Unlock any funding availability
Our team will help you navigate funding opportunities to make the most of the funding available for your business, how to unlock the funding and explain how you can use it.
- Screen and select applicants
Our team will advertise the role, shortlist and pre-screen applicants to ensure that when it gets to the interview stage you have a pool of enthusiastic people looking to work for your company.
