Apprenticeships are a great way to bring fresh talent into your business while helping people kick-start their careers. They offer a practical route to learning, blending hands-on experience with formal training – and they’re a win-win for both employers and apprentices.
Bringing apprentices into your team can help shape the future of your workforce. Most are highly motivated, eager to learn, and ready to contribute. With the right support, they quickly become valuable members of the team and help your business grow and adapt through new skills and fresh perspectives.
What is an Apprentice?
An apprentice is an employee who combines practical, on-the-job training with study towards a formal qualification, usually through a registered training provider. Apprenticeships can be offered across a wide range of roles and industries, from construction and engineering to digital marketing and finance.
Apprentices must:
- Be 16 or over.
- Combine work with studying for a work-based qualification (from Level 2 to Degree Level).
- Receive a minimum apprentice wage, which increases with age and progression.
Duration of Apprenticeships
The duration of apprenticeships can range from a few months to over four years depending on the industry and qualification pathway. One of the key benefits for employers is that, by the end of the apprenticeship, you’ve had the opportunity to train someone to your standards and get to know their strengths and work ethic. If there’s a good fit, you can move confidently into a longer-term employment relationship, knowing exactly who you’re bringing into the team.
Investing in well-trained, skilled people helps build a stronger, more capable workforce – one that’s aligned with your business goals and ready to grow with you.
Benefits to Employers:
- Save time and money on recruitment- Hiring apprentices can be a cost-effective way to grow your team. Traditional recruitment can be time-consuming and expensive. Research by Glassdoorhas found that the average employer spends around £3,000 and 27.5 days to hire a new worker. Apprenticeships offer a lower-risk way to bring fresh talent into your business, especially with upcoming changes to the Employment Rights Bill giving employees unfair dismissal rights from day one.
- Upskill your teams – Apprenticeships are a practical way to develop your workforce. You can train people in the areas where your business needs support, helping to fill skill gaps and build up talent from within. It’s an investment in both the individual and your organisation’s future.
- The positives of diversification – Diversity is vital to the growth of any organisation. Apprenticeships help boost social mobility, with 33% of employers say apprenticeships have helped improve diversity and social mobility in their business. Employing people from a wide range of backgrounds introduces fresh ideas, experiences, and perspectives into your business – helping to create a stronger, more inclusive workplace culture.
- Boost staff retention and loyalty- Many apprentices choose to stay with the business after their training ends. 65% stay on, and nearly 70% of employers say apprenticeships have helped improve staff retention. That means you’re building a team of people who already understand your business and are committed for the long term.
Employer Responsibilities
As an apprentice employer, you’re responsible for providing:
- A Contract of Employment – The apprentice must have a contract that meets employment law requirements, including working hours, pay, and holiday entitlement. The engagement is usually fixed for a duration or purpose, namely completing the apprenticeship. Both parties can choose what happens thereafter.
- A Safe Working Environment – You must ensure the workplace is safe and suitable for a trainee. Health and safety obligations apply the same way they do for all employees.
- Mentorship and Supervision – A line manager or mentor should provide regular support, feedback, and guidance to help the apprentice progress.
- Time Off for Training – Apprentices should be allowed time during working hours to attend training, complete coursework, or meet with their training provider.
- Fair Pay – Apprentices must be paid at least the legal minimum apprentice wage. Many employers choose to pay more to attract and retain high-quality candidates.
- Support, nurture and help – an apprentice is not a typical employee. They must be nurtured and supported throughout the duration of the agreement. This includes some of their behaviours in and around work. Without very strong reasons the apprenticeship should run its full course.
Funding and Support
The government supports apprenticeship schemes through the Apprenticeship Levy or co-investment funding (for smaller employers). Employers may be eligible for:
- Funding for training costs.
- Incentive payments for hiring apprentices under a certain age or from specific backgrounds.
- Support from training providers who handle much of the administration and compliance.
Visit gov.uk for up-to-date funding options and guidance.
Investing in an apprentice isn’t just about offering someone a career opportunity – it’s a smart way to build a more skilled, capable, and future-ready team.