We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your settings, understand how people use the website and make improvements.
You’ve accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You’ve rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Here you’ll find everything you need to know about hiring an apprentice, supporting existing staff through apprenticeships, and making the most of these valuable programmes.
Apprenticeships have existed for centuries and continue to evolve across hundreds of sectors. They are increasingly used by employers to:
An apprenticeship combines paid employment with a recognised training programme, typically delivered by an independent training provider or college. Apprenticeships balance on-the-job learning with off-the-job training, helping individuals earn while they learn and develop skills tailored to your organisation.
Apprenticeships are available for:
Apprenticeships must last at least eight months, plus time for the end-point assessment (EPA), which typically takes up to three months to complete. While the minimum duration is eight months, most apprenticeships still run for 12 months or longer. Some particularly higher and degree-level apprenticeships can last up to five or six years, depending on the level and complexity of the training.
In general, higher-level apprenticeships (Levels 4 to 7) take longer to complete due to the depth of study and the inclusion of professional qualifications. The training provider, in collaboration with you as the employer, will help determine the appropriate duration based on the apprenticeship standard and any prior learning or experience the apprentice brings.
This ensures the programme is tailored to meet both regulatory requirements and the needs of your organisation.
Delivery methods vary by subject and provider, but typically include:
Apprentices may achieve:
For full details, visit the Institute of Apprenticeship and Technical Education website or speak with your training provider.
Apprentices can:
It’s also possible to offer apprenticeships to your existing staff as a way to help them upskill, progress into a new role (e.g. management) and boost their productivity as well as improve retention. Apprenticeships can be tailored to the needs of your organisation and balance learning on-the-job with off-the-job training.
As an employer you can fund apprenticeships by using the Apprenticeship Levy. levy transfer scheme ADD .
IEmployers can receive an exemption on Class 1 National Insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25. This exemption applies to earnings up to the Upper Secondary Threshold (UST) of £967 per week or £50,270 a year Read more on government’s website.
t is important to set a realistic living wage that both attracts and retains the apprentice. As the employer you may want to, working with the training provider, add incremental wage increases aligned to completion of components of the apprenticeship programme that will support motivation of the apprentice through the placement. The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £6.40 per hour. This rate applies if the apprentice is under 19, or if they are aged 19 or over and are in their first year. Apprentices must be paid the national minimum wage for their age if they are an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed your first year.
The current National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage rates are:
For employers that opt into Real Living wage for London the rate is £13.85.
Please note that these pay rates are minimums only. Most employers will often set their salaries at higher rates, depending on company policy, the sector and the role, to make their apprenticeship opportunities competitive.
If you are an employer and are considering offering an apprenticeship role with your organisation, our apprenticeship team can help with free advice and guidance.
Contact us if you would like to know more about:
You can contact us via email apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk or phone 020 8825 6234. Our line is open Mon – Fri between 9am – 5pm. If the line is busy, please leave your name and phone number and we will return your call.