Employers must give their apprentice an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training and paid time for “off the job” training. Employers are responsible for paying their apprentice’s wages and issuing their contract of employment. By employing an apprentice, employers have certain requirements to meet:

An Apprenticeship Agreement between the employer and the apprentice must be in place

The apprentice must receive the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage. Apprentices aged 16-18, or for those 19 and over in the first year of their Apprenticeship, must be paid a minimum of £4.15 per hour, however many businesses pay more.

The minimum hours of employment for an apprentice should be at least 30 hours per week. By exception, where the individual’s circumstances or the particular nature of employment in a given sector makes this impossible, then an absolute minimum of 16 hours must be met. In such cases the duration of the apprenticeship should be extended.

All apprentices must receive the same benefits as their other employees.

Most of the training is on-the-job, working with a mentor to learn job specific skills in the workplace.

At least 20% of the apprentices time must be spent  “Off-the-job “training this will depend on the occupational area, training may be delivered in the workplace, through ‘day release’ or at premises away from the working environment. Typically apprentices spend days a week at work and 1 day a week at college, however some programmes are delivered 100% in the workplace.

On completion of the Apprenticeship the apprentice must perform tasks confidently and completely to the standard set by the industry.

Apprenticeships are available for individuals aged 16 and upwards who are living in England and not in full time education.

Employers can offer apprenticeships to new entrants or use them to grow talent from among current employees. The focus of an apprenticeship is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge required for specific job roles, future employment and progression.

Hiring apprentices is a productive and effective way for businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Other benefits that Apprenticeships contribute towards include:

• improving productivity in the workplace
• increasing employee satisfaction
• reducing staff turnover
• reducing recruitment costs

Typically Apprenticeships can last between 12 months and 4 years. Many of our apprentices progress from one Apprenticeship programme to a higher level programme. 99% of the apprentices we train stayed with their employer at the end of the programme.

When employers take on a 16-18 year old apprentice they will receive £1000 to help meet the extra costs associated with this. This will also apply if they employ a 19-24 year old care leaver, or a 19-24 year old with a Local Authority Education, Health Care Plan.

This will be paid to employers in two equal instalments at three months and twelve months from the Apprentices start date.

From April 2017 funding will be available to all graduates, regardless of their experience or age. The Apprenticeship that they are using must be significantly different to the qualifications they already hold so new skills are learned.

Yes. Many employers are now training existing members of staff under the Apprenticeship programmes providing them with new skills and clear career progression.

We provide a FREE recruitment and selection service. We pride ourselves on getting the right people in the right places.

Our service includes:

• An initial meeting to discuss whether an apprentice is right for your business
• A training needs analysis
• Drafting job adverts in line with your specific criteria
• Advertising free on your behalf on the National Apprenticeship Service website and through our established social media channels
• Accessing government funded training, grants and financial incentives
• Advising on Employment Law and Health & Safety surrounding employing an apprentice
• Advising on End Point Assessments
• Advising and guidance on levy funding and using your digital account
• Quality training and ongoing support