Apprenticeship Fundamentals

An apprenticeship is a mix of work and structured off-the-job training. Apprenticeships are open to all ages, graduates and non-graduates and even existing employees looking to gain new skills to climb to the next step on the career ladder.

Apprenticeships go up to Masters' Degree Level and can include professional or chartered status. Essentially, it is a long-term investment, enabling employers to grow their own talented staff, on-the-job. This means your employees understand your business methods and processes, but have the time to reflect on their practice, learn new theories and bring new ideas into your organisation so you stay competitive and grow.

Apprentice's wages and contracts

Employers must pay the apprentice whilst working and training. The apprentice minimum wage can be paid for apprentices under 18 or on the first year of their apprenticeship. Otherwise, normal minimum pay rates apply. But the higher you pay the more likely you'll have a choice of high-quality candidates.

If you don't want to take on the employer's role, there are 'flexi' apprenticeships where you hire an apprentice on a weekly basis through a specialist agency. Read more about this here. Managed Apprenticeship Service

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Cost of training

Large companies pay the apprenticeship levy and access these funds to pay for all the training. Small companies do not have to pay for the training, as long as you are working with an approved Apprenticeship Training Provider.

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Time in training

The apprentice must be released for training for at least 20% of their paid time. You can agree with the training provider how this time is structured. Training may be provided at the business premises. You or your staff will need to show an apprentice how to do their day job, which does take time, and should be planned for.

Financial Incentives

There are financial incentives for employing young people. These often change, so please get in touch to find out what is currently available.

There are no employer national insurance contributions for apprentices that are under 25 years old - this means a significant saving if you are employing an apprentice compared with employing a non-apprentice on the same salary.

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Social Impact

Remember - it's not just about good business sense.

By taking on an apprentice you are giving someone an opportunity to develop too. For more information on how to employ an apprentice visit gov.uk

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