Employer FAQs

About Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can be used to train and develop people in almost any business or sector and now cover more than 1500 job roles. They are available across a number of different levels of role: from apprenticeships for new starters to higher and degree apprenticeships. An apprenticeship is on-the-job training available to those aged 16 and over. Apprenticeships must last for at least 12 months, typically lasting between 12 to 18 months. Depending on the sector and level, some can last up to four years.

A key component of an apprenticeship is functional skills in English and maths. This supports the apprentice's study ensuring they are both numerate and literate and able to study at the level of their apprenticeship and conduct their work role. Employees with prior qualifications can use their previous attainment in place of this training.

Throughout the time of the apprenticeship, an apprentice is trained and guided towards a skilled role within a business, often with the help of a training provider so they gain industry knowledge and the skills required to do the job. The skills, knowledge and behaviour apprentices need to develop for a job role are defined by an apprenticeship standard. Apprentices can be new recruits or come from within your existing workforce.

Why should I employ an apprentice?

To make the most of the Apprenticeship Levy, maximising investment and meeting the increased demand for soft skills—while preparing employees for a future of lifelong learning, with support and retraining throughout their career.

The benefits for your business

Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service

Other benefits of working with apprentices include:

Adapt their training according to the needs of your business
Apprentices are motivated to learn new skills
Expand and upskill your workforce

Can the apprenticeship be tailored to my business?

Can industry-specific qualifications form part of an apprenticeship?

How much time will be needed for training?

How much will the training cost my company?

Are there any incentives to employ an apprentice?

Can existing staff join an apprenticeship programme?

Are graduates eligible for apprenticeships?

What is the maximum age to start an apprenticeship?

How much will I need to pay an apprentice?

Apprentices must be paid at least the apprentice national minimum wage for all the time they are on their apprenticeships. Please note that many employers go beyond the minimum requirements as they recognise the benefits an apprentice brings to the business and assists in staff retention.

Visit the Government website for further details

What are my responsibilities as an employer?

As a responsible employer, you will have already taken your responsibilities to your employees very seriously. Employing an apprentice is no different but it does come with some additional responsibilities that include:

Meeting employment conditions

Supply Apprentices with a Contract of Employment
Pay the minimum wage for Apprentices
Increase pay as performance and skills improve
Ensure adequate competent supervision
Record Apprentices’ workplace attendance
Inform your Pearson TQ Skills Coach of any unauthorised absences
Make Apprentices aware of your Equal Opportunities Policy.

Support their learning and development

Support apprentices in gaining their training qualifications
Provide appropriate on-the-job work experience and training
Ensure apprentices have enough time to achieve their training objectives
Check compliance with 20% off-the-job training is met
Allow reasonable access to Pearson TQ staff monthly for assessment, knowledge, and functional skills training
Take part in regular reviews of Apprentices’ progress
Get involved in reviews, Individual Learning Plan, and target setting
Sign off Apprentice’s progress every month.

Comply with all relevant Health & Safety legislation

Provide a safe working environment
Deliver Health & Safety induction training
Hold current employers’ and public liability insurance and vehicle insurance where appropriate
Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with statute and good occupational practice
Offer advice and guidance regarding safeguarding and prevention.

Pearson TQ is very experienced in supporting employers through this process and your account manager will be on hand to guide you through this process.

Off-the-job training

How do apprentices take their off-the-job training?

What's the minimum amount of time an apprentice should receive off-the-job training?

Off-the-job training is learning done outside of an apprentice’s normal working duties, but within their working hours. Apprentices must spend 20% of their contracted hours in off-the-job training, excluding holidays.

It includes training that is directly relevant to the apprenticeship and delivered to the apprentice’s normal place of work. It can also include regular day release, block release and special training days/workshops.

Apprenticeship levels

What is an apprenticeship standard?

Apprenticeship Standards replace the old SASE frameworks and have been created by groups of employers or 'trailblazer groups'.

These Standards are:

A minimum of 12 months
Linked to a specific occupational level
Respond to employers’ needs, ensuring that apprenticeships are high quality and rigorous and develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviour that apprentices require for a specific job role
Designed to prepare the apprentice for end-point assessment
Apprenticeships vary from level 2-7 (i.e. GCSE to Master's degree equivalent).

End Point Assessment

What is End Point Assessment?

End point assessment (EPA) is the final assessment for an apprentice to ensure that they have the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to do the job they have been training for. EPA is separate to any qualifications and assessments that the apprentice does during the on-programme stage of their apprenticeship. Working with an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) like Pearson to plan assessment early on in the apprenticeship will help your apprentices be ready to undertake EPA with confidence.

Learn more about EPA with our simple guide

Funding

What financial support is available when employing 16-18 year olds as apprentices?

What incentive is there for employing apprentices under the age of 25?

Employers will receive an incentive payment of £1000* for hiring an apprentice under the age of 25 with an education, health and care plan or who has been in the care of their local authority.

Visit the Government website for more details

*Most incentives are time bound so change frequently. Speak with our account manager to get the most up-to-date information.

Setting up an Apprenticeship

How do I set up an Apprenticeship?

What is the Apprenticeship Service?

The Apprenticeship Service is a tool developed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in partnership with HMRC to manage the movement of Apprenticeship funding between employers, the government and training providers (in the form of digital vouchers).

Find out more with our simple guide to the Apprenticeship Service

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Our experienced and knowledgeable team will be able to answer any questions you may have.

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