Employer Apprenticeships: FAQs

Explore this page to find the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about apprenticeships.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an excellent way to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of new or existing staff. Apprentices will spend 6 hours per week of their paid time learning ‘Off the job’ training. This involves the essential training to help them gain the skills required to complete their apprenticeship standard.  Upon completion of their practical training and End Point Assessment they will receive vocationally recognised industry standard recognition.

Most programmes require regular weekly college attendance however the frequency is dependant on the apprenticeship standard.  As an employer any In-house training, relevant to the standard can contribute to the skills development also. Assessors will visit the apprentice to assess their work, set targets, and review their progress and it is expected that the apprentices’ line manager is involved to make sure all parties are satisfied with the progress of the Apprenticeship. 

What is the benefit for my business?

  • you can adapt their training according to the needs of your business
  • they’re motivated to learn new skills
  • you can expand and upskill your workforce
  • As an employer, you can get funding from the government to help pay for apprenticeship training.

How long is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships differ depending on which one you chose; however, they have to be a minimum of 12 months in duration to be classed as an apprenticeship.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Apprentices must be over 16 years old and have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of their programme. They will need to hold the entry grades for the specific programme and as an employee must have a contract of employment that cover as least the duration of the apprenticeship training.

Do I need to pay an apprentice?

Apprentices get paid a minimum wage. Apprentices aged 19 and over, in the second year of study, will be entitled to the age-related rate. However, many apprentices get paid much more than this. Apprentices must also be paid for the time they spend studying at college. For more information on the National Minimum Wage visit www.gov.uk

Am I required to pay the apprentice’s course fees?

Costs vary according to the company size and age of apprentice. Please visit our employer funding page for more information.

Is there an age limit for apprentices?

Apprentices can be any age over 16. There is no upper age limit meaning your existing staff can benefit as well.

Course Search
Type of Student
Any
Apprenticeships
School Leavers
Adult
Higher Education
Subject Area
Any
Access to Higher Education
Animal Management
Art & Design
Automotive
Beauty Therapy
British Sign Language
Business & Accountancy
Catering
Computing
Construction
Counselling
Education
Engineering
English and maths
ESOL for Adult Learners (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Hairdressing
Hairdressing
Health & Social Care
Higher & Professional Education
Humanities
Languages
Learning Development
Leisure & Community Courses
Leisure & Community Courses
Media
Multiply
Online Learning
Public Services
R2E and Pathways
Science
Skills Bootcamps
Sport
Teacher Education
Travel and Tourism
YL7 SFA - Community Learning
Start Date
Any
August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
November 2023
December 2023
January 2024
February 2024
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
Career Search
Need Help?
Get in touch: 0800 052 1577
  • Bishop Grosseteste University
  • UK Quality Assured
  • Ofsted Good Provider
  • Lottery Community Fund
  • EU Social Fund
  • Armed Forces Covenant
  • NBAP
  • IOT
  • Skills Builder Gold Award
  • Multiply
  • Lincolnshire County Council