Information and services for employers
What do employers need to know about apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to improve and grow your business. They provide the opportunity for you and your employees to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours they need to support your business, both now and in the future.
Anyone over the age of 16 can become an apprentice. They can be new to the organisation or an existing employee who has recently changed positions within the organisation. An apprenticeship can start from Level 2 (GCSE level) through to Level 7 (Master’s level).
Apprenticeships provide opportunities for businesses to:
- Handpick and train the additional employees you need to plug skills gaps and boost productivity
- Boost staff morale and retention by providing professional development opportunities
- Build a learning and development culture in your organisation
- Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Qualify for government incentives and funding for training
- 86% of employers said apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
- 86% said apprenticeships helped them deliver skills relevant to their organisation
- 80% said they significantly helped to improve staff retention
According to a study by St Martin’s Group, the estimated yearly financial benefit for employers is between £2,500 and £18,000 per apprentice during their training period.
Why Totton College?
Whatever your training needs, Totton College can help you. We offer a free Business Training Needs Analysis to identify skills gaps in your workforce and can provide end to end recruitment support through our Business Development Team.
We are proud of our bespoke apprenticeship training programmes, which are developed to meet the needs of our employer partners and the requirements of the apprenticeship standards. Our programmes offer industry-specific training for sectors from business administration to Early Years and others. We offer a blended approach to learning, enabling flexibility for both apprentices and employers.
Whether you are a levy-paying company or a small business, we can support you to navigate the apprenticeship funding system and identify any financial support or incentives available to your organisation.
Apprenticeships: what employers need to know.
What incentives are available to businesses that hire apprentices?
- Apprentices Ages 16-18 – £1000
- Apprentices – Care Leavers Aged 19-24 – £3000
Additional government incentives may be available. Check with the Apprenticeships Team.
What funding is available to businesses with apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship funding is divided into Levy and Non-Levy employers. Non-Levy employers are usually Small-Medium Employers (SMEs). Levy employers have an annual payroll of over £3 million.
If your business has a payroll of less than £3 million, fewer than 50 employees and you’re not part of a larger group of companies, you will not have to make any contribution for apprentices aged 16 to 18.
Learn more about the apprenticeship levy and what it means for your business here.
How much do apprentices earn?
The current minimum hourly rate for an apprentice is £6.40*. If the apprentice is aged 19+, they can be paid the minimum apprenticeship wage for a maximum of 12 months. After that, they must be paid the minimum wage for their age.
* Correct as of April 2024. Subject to change.
How many hours do apprentices work?
An apprentice must be paid for a minimum of 30 hours per week (this includes any time spent in college). An apprentice aged 16-18 can work a maximum of 40 hours per week.
What insurance does a company need if they hire an apprentice?
Companies employing apprentices must have valid Public & Employer Insurance.
What does off-the-job training involve for an apprentice?
Off-the-job training is learning that takes place outside of day-to-day work duties and contributes to the achievement of the apprenticeship. This training should be delivered within the apprentice’s normal (contracted) working hours and includes time spent at apprenticeship workshops. It is related to working towards the apprenticeship standard via portfolio work and eventually their End Point Assessment.
Read more about understanding off-the-job training here.
What does on-the-job training involve for an apprentice?
On–the-job training is a form of training where new employees learn valuable skills and knowledge that apply to their role in the workplace. The training method is focused on a practical approach in the workplace, typically under the supervision of a manager or colleague.
Read more about understanding on-the-job training here.
How are apprenticeships assessed?
As part of the apprenticeship training, the apprentice will need to complete assessments for the work they are undertaking with their employer.
Read more about how apprenticeships are assessed here.
What’s the next step?
For more information about hiring an apprentice for your business, please contact our Apprenticeship Team: apprenticeships@totton.ac.uk or 0300 123 3385
To qualify for apprenticeship funding, you’ll need to create an account on the Digital Account Service. We can support you with this.
* Correct as of April 2024. Subject to change.
