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Benefits of hiring an apprentice

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Access to new talent

You can access a new pool of talent that may not be available through traditional recruitment channels. By hiring apprentices, employers can bring in individuals who are motivated to learn and develop new skills, and who may have a fresh perspective on the business.

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Increased productivity

Apprentices develop their skills and become more confident in their role, leading to increased productivity. With the right support and training, apprentices can make a valuable contribution to the business and help to drive growth and innovation.

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Tailored training

Apprenticeships allow employers to tailor training to the needs of the business, with training and assessment delivered in the workplace. Apprentices learn the specific skills and knowledge that the business requires, and apply their learning in real-time to benefit the business.

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Improved staff retention

Improve staff retention by providing a clear progression route for individuals within the business. By investing in the development of apprentices, employers can demonstrate a commitment to their staff and help to retain key talent within the business.

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Government funding

Government funding options are available to help employers cover the cost of apprenticeship training. Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to develop new talent and upskill existing staff, and can help businesses to access training that they may not have been able to afford otherwise.

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Dedicated focus time

An apprenticeship has to be relevant to an individual’s job role and they must dedicate time during work towards it. This means you benefit from your employees having dedicated time to focus on transformational projects and opportunities for your organisation, which can be put into practice.

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Who can be an apprentice?

Apprenticeships are open to a wide range of people, depending on the requirements of the specific apprenticeship programme. In general, apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 years old and not in full-time education. This can include school leavers, college and university graduates, as well as people who are looking to change career or up-skill in their current role.

Who can hire an apprentice?

In general, any employer in the UK can hire an apprentice. This includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, charities, and public sector organisations. There are some criteria that employers must meet to be eligible to take on an apprentice. For example, employers must:

  • Be based in England to access government-funded apprenticeship schemes.
  • Have a suitable job role for the apprentice, which provides them with the opportunity to learn and develop relevant skills.
  • Provide apprentices with adequate support and mentoring in their role, with regular check-ins and opportunities for feedback.
  • Pay apprentices a wage, which must be at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.
  • Be committed to providing the apprentice with a meaningful role for the length of the apprenticeship. Apprenticeships can last from one to five years, depending on the level and type of apprenticeship.
Learn more about the benefits of apprenticeships
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Apprenticeship funding

There are a range of funding options available to support employers who take on apprentices, including government grants and incentives. These include the Apprenticeship Levy, which is a tax on UK employers to fund apprenticeships, as well as the Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding for 6-month job placements for young people aged 16-24 who are currently on Universal Credit.

Funding an apprenticeship

What’s involved in an apprenticeship?

By working together, the apprentice and the employer can create a supportive and effective learning environment that allows the apprentice to develop new skills and contribute to the success of the business.

Apprentice involvement

As part of an apprenticeship in the UK, the apprentice is expected to:

  • Spend at least 20% of their time in off-the-job (OTJ) training. This can include online classes, attending college, shadowing colleagues or working on projects.
  • Develop practical skills and knowledge on the job, working alongside experienced colleagues who can support and guide them.
  • Meet regularly with a training provider, who will assess their progress and provide additional support and guidance.
  • Work towards achieving an industry-recognised qualification that is specific to their role and level of apprenticeship.
Employer involvement

In order to support the apprentice, the employer is expected to:

  • Provide a safe and supportive workplace environment where the apprentice can learn and develop new skills.
  • Ensure that the apprentice has access to the resources, equipment and materials they need to complete their training.
  • Assign a dedicated mentor or supervisor who can provide guidance and support throughout the apprenticeship.
  • Allow time for the apprentice to attend training sessions and complete coursework as part of their 20% off-the-job training.
  • Regularly review the apprentice's progress and provide feedback on their performance.

How we can help you

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Find the right talent

We’re dedicated to finding you the right talent for your business, focusing on ambitious and engaged individuals to bridge skill gaps, and drive improvements.

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Create a more diverse workforce

We aim to help you create a more diverse workforce, ensuring you have all the skills and knowledge you need to grow your business

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Support from start to finish

Kaplan is here for you throughout the entire recruitment process - from advertising vacancies to shortlisting candidates, preparing them for interviews, and making sure they’re the best fit.

Free of charge for existing clients

Our service is free of charge for any employer who also uses Kaplan as their apprenticeship training provider.

Develop new talent and drive growth

Get in touch today to find out how we can help you hire your next apprentice.

Get in touch