Apprenticeship Employers Frequently Asked Questions
An Apprenticeship will be for a minimum of one year, although the length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentice, the qualification being obtained and the industry sector. Generally, Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete.
An Apprenticeship includes the following components:
- a knowledge based element
- a competence based element
- transferable or “key skills”
- a module on employment rights and responsibilities
They are one and the same thing - Modern Apprenticeships were re-branded in 2004 to ‘Apprenticeships’. However, Apprenticeships have evolved and the choice has grown to meet today’s marketplace. For example, some of the traditional Modern Apprenticeships will now be longer and more robust so that they are more relevant. New Apprenticeships are also available which give employers much more choice for their sector, plus Apprenticeships now cover all levels from Level 2 Intermediate all the way up to Level 6 Degree.
Subject to certain conditions you may be eligible for an incentive payment to take on an apprentice. You may also qualify for government co-funding for the apprentice’s training.
Because it is good business. Skills shortages are still one of the biggest threats to UK business. Apprenticeships can help businesses across all industries by offering a route to harness fresh talent. If you have trained staff with the right skills for the job they can do a wider range of tasks and take on new responsibilities - this can help to reduce skill shortages, minimise staff turnover and workplace accidents, and increase productivity.
There are clear financial benefits to employers and their investment in Apprenticeships is repaid many times over. You’ll be able to use your training provider’s recruitment service, saving costs and time on normal recruitment. Training an apprentice means that you will be nurturing a useful member of your team, bringing in new skills and ideas and another pair of hands. Potentially your apprentice could become a long term member of staff who will grow with your business.
There are many very popular Apprenticeships available and in the Dorset and Hampshire area particularly there is high demand for: Engineering, Business Administration, Construction and Trades, Hospitality, Catering, Digital, Accountancy, Management, Care and Customer Service.
Like all employees, apprentices must still receive a wage. Depending on the size of your business and the age of your apprentice, you may also need to contribute to the training costs. If your business is an Apprenticeship Levy Payer then you would pay the whole cost of the Apprenticeship training through your PAYE.
Most assessment is carried out in the workplace and in class, but there may be a requirement to take some tests. Apprentices working on Standard Apprenticeships will also have an End Point Assessment with an independent assessment organisation.