Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are designed to combine work with study for a specific job. An apprentice will train or study for at least 20% of their normal working hours. Apprentices can be new or current employees and the contract must last for at least a year. Depending on the apprenticeship level can last up to 5 years. Courses range from level 2 (GCSE) to 6-7 (Degree or Masters) and are available in a range of sectors and subjects. .

Can I be an apprentice?

You don’t have to be just starting out your career, apprenticeships can help you up-skill in your current role and can open opportunities to new areas, even if you have a degree. Anyone aged 16 or over Not in full-time education Live in England Contact your apprenticeship authority if you’re an employer in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. .

Employee Benefits

• Learn and train on the job. Gain that hands-on experience that employers look for.
• Study a new skill. You will train or study for at least 20% of your normal working hours. This will be with a qualified training provider, such as a college or university.
• New career path. An apprenticeship can set you on your chosen career path or help change direction.
• Gain a qualification. You will be required to complete assessments at the end of the apprenticeship which can be professional qualifications to enhance your potential.
• Get paid! You will get paid and receive holiday leave. No tuition fees here!

Hiring an apprentice

Minimum Wage
You must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage and they must work with experienced staff.

Apprenticeship Agreement

Research the right training provider and apprenticeship level. You will make an apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement to commit to training.

Funding

We advise you to check what funding is available to you from the Government to help you fund the apprenticeship training. The amount you receive depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy (if your pay bill is over £3 million). If you do not have to pay the levy the government will pay 95% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice. The government can offer incentive payments of up to £2,000. .

Employer Benefits

• Adapt training to meet business needs You can adapt their training according to the needs of your business.
• Hire someone new. You can hire someone new and expand your workforce by advertising the benefits of an apprenticeship.
• You can get funding from the government. As mentioned previously if you do not have to pay the levy, the government will pay 95% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice.
• Upskill an existing employee. Upskill an existing employee and work towards their professional development goals.

12 Step Checklist

1. Sign a commitment statement
2. Choose the right apprenticeship
3. Make sure your apprentice is ready for EPA
4. Review progress
5. Keep a file for your apprentice
6. Understand the rights of your apprentice
7. Understand your obligations
8. Advertise and recruit
9. Check what funding is available
10. Find an apprenticeship training provider
11. Set up an apprenticeship agreement
12. Induction and training