Employer Page
This page is intended for current and potential employers looking for advice on apprenticeships.
Below are some useful links to provide general information. If you have any queries, please contact us either by phone or email and we'll be happy to help.
Employing an Apprentice
Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job.
Apprentices can be new or current employees and must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
The National Minimum and Living Wage
The minimum wage a worker should get depends on their age and if they’re an apprentice. The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay per hour almost all workers are entitled to. The National Living Wage is higher than the National Minimum Wage - workers get it if they’re over 25. It doesn’t matter how small an employer is, they still have to pay the correct minimum wage.
For Current Rates please see the Link below:
Off the Job Training
All apprentices on the new apprenticeship standards are required to spend a minimum of 20% of their paid time in ‘off the job’ training. Apprentices and employers will be required to maintain records to demonstrate this requirement is being met.
'Off the job' training includes time in class with us as well as training activities at work such as shadowing, industry visits, practical training etc.
16-18 Employer Incentives
All businesses that employ an apprentice aged 16-18 will be entitled to a £1000 grant in recognition of the additional costs of training a young person. The grant is made in two payments of £500, one after the apprentice has been on programme for 13 weeks and one after the apprentice has completed 12 months.
Fees
The costs for taking an apprentice depend on multiple factors. If you are a levy paying employer, the qualification will be fully funded by levy contributions.
For non-levy paying employers, if you employ a 16-18 year old apprentice, there are no course fees as the apprenticeship will be fully government funded. For apprentices aged 19 or over, employers are required to pay a 5% contribution towards the course.
For prices, please contact us.
Complaints
You can find our Complaints Policy and Procedure here.
Safeguarding and prevent duty
This information is intended to help you understand your responsibilities, how to be vigilant about spotting any signs of harm or potential harm and what to do about It. If your questions are not answered here, please get in touch with us using the contact details provided on the back of this leaflet.
