Apprenticeship

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future. Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

How long does an Apprenticeship take?

The duration of the Apprenticeship will depend on the ability and prior learning of the individual Apprentice and the programme they are enrolled on.

During their Apprenticeship, the Apprentice will be employed for at least 30 hours per week. The number of hours per week may sometimes be less than this, but in that case the length of the Apprenticeship must be extended. The Apprentice will be required to complete 20% off the job training throughout their programme which must be supported by the employer.

What does the training consist of?

Apprenticeships may be taken at Level 2, through to degree level Apprenticeships, at Level 7.

• Level 2 Apprenticeships equivalent to five good GCSE passes
• Level 3 Apprenticeships equivalent to A Levels
• Level 4 Apprenticeships equivalent to a higher national diploma

Apprenticeships include a number of elements that together make up the whole training package.

An Apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future. Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Functional Skills in Maths and English will also be part of the training if you have not previously achieved the required level for the programme.

The benefits of employing an apprentice:

• Reduce staff turnover - retain staff for at least 372 days whilst they complete their apprenticeship
• Increase your diversity
• Develop your workforce by upskilling existing staff
• Improve your productivity
• Attract the best candidate
• Create a talent pipeline across your organisation
• Improve your company image
• Match the skills of employees to the skills you need
• Pay no National Insurance contributions for an apprentice under 25.
• Receive financial incentives from the Government upto £3000 per apprentice
• Full support for recruitment process by CSL

Employer Responsibilities

There must be a genuine job available with a contract of employment long enough for an apprentice to complete their apprenticeship. Employers must pay an apprentice’s wages and the role must help them gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to achieve the apprenticeship with support from the employer.

If you are an employer looking to start an apprentice, learn more about the process and create an account on the Apprenticeship service website, using the links below.