Employers

What Employers Should Expect

Employing apprentices can be a great way to develop new talent while supporting the growth of your business. However, there are key expectations and responsibilities to consider.

Commitment to Training and Development

Apprentices are learners, so they will need time to develop their skills.
Employers must provide regular training opportunities, either on the job or through an external training provider.
A structured learning plan will be in place to help the apprentice achieve their qualification.

Supervision and Support

Apprentices should work under the supervision of experienced staff to ensure best practice.
Regular feedback and mentoring will be needed to help them develop confidence and competence.
An assigned workplace mentor is often required to support their learning journey.

Study Time and Assessments

Apprentices must be given at least 20% of their working hours as off-the job training time (e.g., attending college, online courses, or practical assignments).
Assessments may include observations, coursework, and an end-point assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship.

Compliance with Early Years Regulations

Employers must ensure apprentices are safeguarding trained and aware of policies related to child protection (If course applicable).
Background checks such as DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance are mandatory (If course applicable).

Pay and Working Conditions

Aged 16 to 18: The current national minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £7.55 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in their first year: The current national minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £7.55 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and have completed their first year: Apprentices will be entitled to the national minimum wage for their age.

Long-Term Benefits for the Employer

Apprentices can become skilled, loyal staff members after completing training.
They bring new ideas and energy into your business.
Government funding and incentives may be available to support their employment.

Funding & Incentives for Employers

Employers can access government funding to help cover the costs of hiring and training apprentices.

✔️ Government Apprenticeship Levy

If your payroll exceeds £3 million per year, you pay into the Apprenticeship Levy, which can fund training.
If you don’t pay the Levy, you may still be eligible for 95% of training costs covered by the government.

✔️ Employer Incentives

Additional £1,000 grant if you hire an apprentice aged 16-18 (or under 25 with an Education, Health & Care Plan).

✔️ Wage Costs

Apprentices aged under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship are entitled to the apprentice minimum wage (£6.40 per hour from April 2024).
After their first year (if 19+), they must be paid the National Minimum Wage for their age group.