Apprenticeships: Information for employers and training providers
Apprenticeships are real, paid roles offered by companies across a range of sectors. They are for anyone who's over the age of 16 and not in education (full or part-time). They offer a way to find and train new employees or develop existing staff so they have the skills your business needs to succeed.
This page is aimed at employers and training providers. If you'd like to learn more about doing an apprenticeship, see information about apprenticeships for Londoners.
Information for employers
Apprenticeships benefit your business by allowing you to:
- offer on-the-job training in a safe working environment
- build a culture of learning and development
- enjoy higher staff retention and morale
- promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
If you employe an apprentice, you'll need to make sure they are paid at least minimum wage. They'll need to work with experienced staff, learn job-specific skills and get time off during their working week for apprenticeship training.
Learn more about employing an apprentice, see other resources for employers, or see some myths about apprenticeships debunked.
Funding for employers
Employers can get help from the government to pay for apprenticeship training. You might be able to get an additional payment of £1,000. Learn more about funding for apprenticeships.
Choosing a training provider
A training provider delivers the ‘on-the-job training’ for your apprentice. See how to choose a training provider, and some key facts about training providers.
SMEs can access free support to help you to understand if taking on an apprentice is the right move for your business.
The Federation of Small Businesses also produce a guide you can download for free.https://workwhile.org.uk/for-employers/free-apprenticeship-support-for-…
https://www.fsb.org.uk/knowledge/business-basics/how-to-hire-an-apprent…
Information for training providers
The Early Connect Pilot: Apprenticeship Support for Young People is run by the Department for Education (DfE) in partnership with the Great London Authority. The pilot aims to increase the number of Year 13 students applying for and starting apprenticeships.
- Early Connect can provide information and resources to students in Years 12 & 13. Students in Year 13 who need additional help can access 1:1 support.
- All students can book on to online and in-person sessions advertised on our webpages. Students needing bespoke support and guidance can access the service through the DfE's Get an apprenticeship adviser page where they will be directed to our provider in London.
Useful resources
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The most comprehensive information resource for teachers is Amazing Apprenticeships which provides resources about apprenticeships and pathways into apprenticeships.
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See a lesson resource to help student understand apprenticeships, and a guide aimed at students about what support they can access.
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See guidance on how to talk to SLT about apprenticeships.
Spotlight on...
Apprenticeship support
Sixth-form students can access support to find out about and apply for apprenticeships through our pilot project running in partnership with Department for Education.
If you'd like to find out more about apprenticeships, ASK hosts online sessions which students in Years 12 and 13 can attend.
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