Apprentices are required to spend at least 20% of their normal working hours, over the duration of the apprenticeship, in off-the-job training and must work towards achieving an approved "apprenticeship standard", which sets out the requirements for completing an apprenticeship programme in a particular occupation or industry.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

It must last for at least 12 months, but many will take longer to complete, depending on the nature of the qualification. The usual duration is between one and four years. The minimum duration of 12 months relates to the "practical period" of work and training (not including the end-point assessment) and is based on the apprentice working at least 30 hours per week (including off-the-job training).

How does funding work for smaller employers?

If you do not pay the apprenticeship levy (if your annual pay bill is less than £3 million), the employer shares the cost of training and assessing their apprentices with the government. This is called ‘co-investment’. The employer pays 5% towards the cost of apprenticeship training.  The government will pay the rest (95%) up to the funding band maximum.

Funding cannot be spent on other costs associated with apprentices, for example salaries, supervision, recruitment or travel.

Did you know you can use apprenticeships to upskill your existing workforce…..

Apprenticeships can be completed at any age, even where the individual already has a qualification at the same or a higher level in a different area.  The only condition is that the apprenticeship must enable the apprentice to develop a new set of skills.  For example, someone who has completed a degree in business may not be eligible to complete a level 6 or 7 apprenticeship in business management, but someone with a degree in engineering will be.

Key points

• Ensure you have a genuine role and are able to commit time to support and supervise the apprentice, this may be their first job so they may need more guidance than most on expected behaviours in the workplace.
• Work with a training provider to select the right approved "apprenticeship standard” course - Apprenticeship training courses (education.gov.uk). Agree a training plan and select an end point assessment organisation - Finding an end-point assessment organisation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• You will need to register for an apprenticeship service account to gain access to funding support - How to register and use the apprenticeship service as an employer - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Additional incentive payments are available to small employers with 49 or fewer employees that recruit apprentices who are aged 16 to 18 (or aged 19 to 24 if they have an education, health and care plan provided by a local authority or have spent time in local authority care).
• The apprentice needs an employment contract that is long enough for them to complete the apprenticeship successfully, so a fixed term contract and also an apprenticeship agreement is required.

There is a lot to consider when taking on an apprentice which cannot be covered in a blog, however if you have more questions about apprenticeships or need a fixed term employment contract and apprenticeship agreement, then reach out on 01905 900080.