Hiring an apprentice is a brilliant way to expand and grow your team. By taking advantage of the government-funded apprenticeship scheme for employers, you benefit from bringing a fresh perspective to your organisation and contributing to skill-building within your industry sector.
If you are an employer thinking about taking on an apprentice but still have a few questions before taking the next step, we’ve created an apprenticeship scheme guide by answering some key questions to support your decision-making process:
What is an apprenticeship scheme?
An apprenticeship is a structured programme that combines on-the-job training with online classroom-style learning, known as off-the-job learning.
For the apprentice, it offers a great route into a career combining the best of both worlds. They gain hands-on experience and a salary whilst being able to continue their academic learning and they also receive a recognised qualification upon completion of the programme.
For employers, it’s an opportunity to utilise government funding to develop talent tailored to the specific needs of your business whilst also investing in the next generation of workers.
How do apprenticeships work for employers?
Employers have the flexibility to use apprenticeship scheme funding to either hire new team members or to upskill existing employees, such as helping them gain qualifications in management or leadership. One of the key advantages of the apprenticeship scheme for employers is the ability to assess the specific needs of your business and strategically address any skill gaps.
As an employer, you are responsible for:
- Providing practical work experience that aligns with the apprentice’s learning goals.
- Supporting the apprentice’s development by assigning tasks that build their skills.
- Working with the training provider to ensure they’re progressing as expected.
One of the significant benefits of apprenticeships is that they’re adaptable. Working alongside a recognised training provider like Access Industry means you can ensure the correct standards are met whilst working together to design a training programme – delivered by Access Industry – to fit the real needs of your business.
It’s a win-win situation: apprentices can gain real work experience, and your company will benefit from their contributions.
How do I hire an apprentice?
- Step 1 – Identify the need in your business – determine the type of role you would like the apprentice to fill and create a job description based on those skills.
- Step 2 – Choose a recognised training provider – partner with a training organisation or college like Access Industry that offers apprenticeship programmes relevant to your industry.
- Step 3 – Advertise the role – as a training provider, Access Industry can help with this, promoting your company’s role through our channels.
- Step 4 – Interview and choose a candidate – find the best fit for your team and sign a contract of employment.
As well as assisting with advertising the role, reputable training providers ensure compliance with apprenticeship scheme regulations at every stage of the process. They also provide ongoing support to both you and your apprentice, helping you both to maximise value from the experience.
Do employers get paid for having an apprentice?
Whilst you don’t get paid for hiring an apprentice, the good news is that many employers are eligible for apprenticeship scheme funding, which can cover all or part of the training costs. The amount depends on whether or not your company pays the apprenticeship levy.
If you do not pay the apprenticeship levy:
- 95% of the training and assessment costs will be covered by the government (up to the funding band maximum).
- The remaining 5% of the training and assessment costs will be covered by the employer, and paid directly to the training provider on a mutually agreed payment schedule.
If you pay the apprenticeship levy:
- You are eligible for funds towards training and assessing your apprentice and the government will add 10%.
You could also be eligible for up to £1,000 in additional support if your apprentice meets any of the following criteria at the start of their apprenticeship:
- If they are 16 to 18 years old (or 15 years old if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31 August).
- If they are 19 to 24 years old with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.
- If they are 19 to 24 years old and have been in care.
This money can be spent on costs relating to their employment, for example, salary, travel costs or uniform.
How many hours can an apprentice work a day?
Once onboarded, an apprentice can start contributing to your organisation straight away, but you do need to ensure time is set aside for their training.
Off-the-job training typically accounts for 6 hours per week of their working hours. This time will ensure they can focus on developing their skills and completing their qualification.
Apprentices are considered employees and must follow standard working regulations.
Typically:
- Apprentices aged 16 to 18 can work up to 8 hours a day and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
- For those aged 19 plus, unless they opt out, the Working Time Directive – which states that employees cannot work more than 48 hours a week – applies.
How does paying apprenticeship wages work?
As an employer, you’re responsible for paying your apprentice a wage as you would pay an employee.
An apprentice must be paid the national minimum wage and there are different rates of pay depending on the age of the apprentice and how far along they are in their apprenticeship.
Of course, as with any contract of employment, the wage the apprentice will receive and the working hours must be clearly stated.
Where can I hire an apprentice?
An industry-leading apprenticeship training provider, such as Access Industry, offers comprehensive support throughout the entire process.
From assisting with recruitment to ensure your new team member is the perfect fit for your organisation, to supporting the end-point assessment so the apprentice can successfully earn their formal qualification, we are there to guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch to kickstart your apprenticeship hiring journey!
