Apprenticeships for Business
Apprenticeships are real jobs and can benefit your business it powerful ways from developing new talent to upskilling your current workforce, and building skills for the future. Whether you’re a small employer or a large organisation, apprenticeships could be the perfect training solution for your needs.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are very much like normal, full-time jobs but with tailored training and qualifications included within them. Apprenticeships give your employees the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the job role.
Apprenticeships:
- 8 months to 5 years to complete
- earn a salary
- Level 2 – 7
Apprentices need to be:
- 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
- living in England
- not in full-time education
Your apprentices will get:
- work experience, alongside experienced staff
- job-specific skills, knowledge and behaviours
- a wage and get holiday pay
- time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)
Apprenticeships are real jobs.
Apprenticeships are a work-based programme with a skills development plan and assessments. It combines hands-on work with recognised training. Employers can hire a new employee as an Apprentice or grow talent with current employees.
Apprentices normally work a minimum of 30 hours a week, a minimum of 6 hours of the apprentice’s time will be spent completing off-the-job training (usually one day a week) at a College, University, Training Provider or on-site. They have the same rights as all employees, so they get paid and get sick pay and annual leave.
Apprentices will work towards qualifications from levels 2 -7 (education equivalent – GCSE to master’s degree).
The minimum duration of an apprenticeship is 8 months (introduced in August 2025), depending on prior experience and qualifications, and typically take 1 to 6 years to complete.
Please see ‘Benefits of hiring an Apprentice‘
The national minimum wage for apprentices can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Apprentices are paid at least minimum wage. You can pay more than this.
Pay is dependent on the industry, location and type of apprenticeship.
For more information on minimum wage, please see
Many businesses employ apprentices, small employers with less than ten employees, and large multinational and global companies based in England.
Apprenticeships are available in many industries, from A to Z, from Accountancy through to Zoology.
Please contact us, and we can help you with the process of hiring an apprentice
See ‘Steps to Hiring an Apprentice‘ for more information
For more information, contact us.
Steps to Hiring an Apprentice
Explore the challenges that you face with recruitment and skills gaps within your organisation. Find out if the apprenticeship route is the right one for your business or if there is another skills solution needed
Discuss the range and levels of Apprenticeships that are available and which may be most suitable.
We will inform you about the training provision available in your local area.
We are impartial so that we will find the most suitable provider based on your needs and preference.
We can explain to you how apprenticeship funding works. We will let you know about any Government funding opportunities available.
We can introduce you to several local colleges and training providers who will then be able to talk to you in more detail about their delivery models and costs. These will vary between training providers.
The Training Provider or College will then help you to advertise your vacancy through the Find an apprenticeship website.
We can also promote your vacancy on our website and social media
If the apprenticeship is for an existing staff member, the training organisation will talk the employer and individual through the training plan and any initial assessments required.
Once you have selected your apprentice, make an apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement [gov.uk] with them. Your Training Organisation can help with this.
Throughout your Apprenticeship and skills journey, your chosen training provider will be on hand to offer support and advice. At any time, you can always get back in contact with us for free impartial advice and guidance.
Apprenticeship and Educational Equivalents
|
Name
|
Level
|
Equivalent Educational Level
|
|---|---|---|
|
Degree Apprenticeship
|
6 & 7
|
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
|
|
Higher Apprenticeship
|
4, 5, 6 & 7
|
Foundation Degree and above
|
|
Advanced Apprenticeship
|
3
|
A Level
|
|
Intermediate and Foundation Apprenticeship
|
2
|
GCSE
|
FAQ & Myth Busting
Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages; anyone over 16 living in England can apply. There are different entry requirements depending on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level.
Apprenticeships are an alternative route into skilled employment. They are a great way to earn while you learn, gain vital work experience and start a successful career without taking out a student loan.
Employers hire apprentices so that they can get the future talent that their business depends on. So from day one, you are given real work experience alongside industry professionals, where your opinions and contributions are valued.
Yes! You can view current vacancies here
In fact, more than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends, with 67% remaining with the same employer.
Not necessarily! Our Skill Up Apprenticeships and Skills Adviser can speak to your employer if they don’t already offer an apprenticeship program.
You won’t need to change your contract and will take part in off-the-job training. Get in touch today for free impartial advice and guidance – Contact us
Benefits Apprentices Can Bring to Your Business
Apprenticeships are real jobs and can benefit your business it powerful ways from developing new talent to upskilling your current workforce, and building skills for the future. Whether you’re a small employer or a large organisation, apprenticeships could be the perfect training solution for your needs.
- Improve Productivity
Apprentices bring fresh energy and skills that boost efficiency and innovation. - Upskill Existing Employees
Develop and retain your current workforce with recognised training and qualifications. - Match Skills to Business Needs
Tailor programmes to build the skills your organisation needs now and in the future. - Enhance Your Company Image
Show your commitment to people and the local economy, strengthening your reputation. - Reduce Staff Turnover
Investing in training increases engagement, loyalty, and retention.
- Raise Staff Morale
Investing in apprentices motivates teams, boosts engagement, and fosters a positive workplace culture. - Attract the Best Candidates
Apprenticeships make your organisation appealing to ambitious people who want to learn and grow. - Increase Diversity
Open opportunities to people from all backgrounds and build a more inclusive, creative workforce. - Future-Proof Your Workforce
Train apprentices in your organisation’s values to develop skilled, loyal staff for the future. - Support Local Growth
Strengthen the local economy by connecting with training providers and creating opportunities in your community.
Cost For Employers
Non Apprenticeship Levy Payer
If you have pay bill of less than 3 million you are a Non Levy Payer.
From 1st April the Government funds all training and assessment costs for those 16-21 years old.
The Government pay a minimum of 95% towards apprenticeship training, and assessment costs are paid for by the government.
You will be asked to pay up to 5% of these costs.
If training costs are a barrier, you may qualify to receive an Apprenticeship Levy Transfer.
You will pay your cash contribution directly to the provider.
Apprenticeship Levy Payer
If you’re an employer with a pay bill over 3 million you will need to pay the Apprenticeship Levy
From 1st April 2024, you can now transfer up to 50% of your unspent levy funding
The Apprenticeship Levy allows employers to have control of their training.
You will fix a price for each apprenticeship.
For more information on the Apprenticeship Levy, click here
You report and pay your levy to HMRC through the PAYE process.
An extra 10% is paid directly to employers’ apprenticeship accounts.
For more information about the costs associated with hiring an apprentice, contact us
Financial Incentives for Employers
Employers may receive a £1,000 incentive for hiring apprentices aged 16–18 or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Employers in the UK may be exempt from paying Class 1 National Insurance contributions (NICs) for apprentices under certain conditions:
- The apprentice must be under 25 years old
- They are enrolled in an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework
- Their earnings must be below the Apprentice Upper Secondary Threshold, which is £967 per week or £50,270 per year
Find out more about Apprenticeship Levy Transfers
Could your small business benefit from an Apprenticeship Levy Transfer?
Are you looking to transfer your unspent apprenticeship levy?
Apprenticeship Levy information