Employ an Apprentice

Apprenticeships give employers a practical way to develop talent, strengthen teams, and stay competitive. Whether you’re looking to bring in new recruits or enhance the skills of your existing staff, our programmes combine hands-on experience with tailored training to deliver real business impact.

What Can Employing an Apprentice Do for My Business?

Hiring an apprentice is a smart way to future-proof your business, boost productivity, and improve your bottom line. Apprentices bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and practical skills that make a lasting impact on your company.
Apprenticeships aren’t just for new hires – existing employees can start an apprenticeship to gain advanced technical training and achieve a formal qualification while continuing to contribute to your business.
Businesses that invest in apprenticeships often see higher staff retention and loyalty, making apprenticeships a cornerstone of successful recruitment strategies. Whether you’re a sole trader, an SME, or a large organisation, apprenticeships deliver value at every level.

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Reasons to Hire an Apprentice

Apprenticeships offer more than just a way to fill vacancies, they provide a strategic solution for building a skilled, loyal workforce. Whether you want to recruit new talent, upskill existing employees, or provide training programmes, apprenticeships give you flexibility and measurable results.

By hiring an apprentice, you can:

Access funding opportunities to reduce training costs.
Benefit from job-ready candidates who learn while contributing to your business.
Improve staff retention and loyalty, making apprenticeships a cornerstone of your recruitment strategy.
Tailor training to your business needs

Book your free consultation today and discover how apprenticeships can transform your business.

Benefits of hiring an apprentice

A quick guide for employers

Apprenticeships continue to be one of the most effective ways for employers to develop talent, strengthen their workforce, and support long-term business growth. Below is a clear summary of the key benefits to businesses when taking on an apprentice under the current apprenticeship funding rules for England.

Cost-Effective Staff Development

95% Government Co-Investment
Employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy contribute only 5% of the training and end-point assessment costs, with the government funding the remaining 95%.

Full Funding for Levy-Payers
Levy-paying employers can use their levy funds to fully cover apprenticeship training. Unused levy can also be transferred to other businesses to support recruitment.

Funding Bands Provide Predictable Costs
Each apprenticeship standard has a set funding band, giving employers clarity about the maximum fundable amount.

Financial Incentives

£1,000 Additional Support Payment
Available when recruiting an apprentice aged 16–21, or aged 19–24 with an EHCP who has been in care.
NI Savings for Under-25s
Employers are exempt from paying Class 1 secondary National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 earning below the upper earnings limit.
Hiring apprentices is a cost-effective method of recruiting experienced staff. There are incentives available to businesses hiring apprentices and no National Insurance to pay for apprentices under 25 (earning up to £57,00), making it a financially viable way to grow your team.
Employer incentive of up to £2,000 will be payable for eligible foundation apprenticeships. Find out more.

Build a Skilled and Future-Ready Workforce

Apprenticeships allow you to shape staff to match your organisation’s exact skill needs.
Apprentices learn on the job while completing structured training, meaning they contribute productively while developing professionally.
Retention is often higher with apprenticeships, reducing future recruitment costs and strengthening workforce stability.

Flexible Recruitment and Training Options

Funding for non-levy employers can be reserved up to 3 months before the apprentice starts, offering budgeting certainty.
Training delivery is flexible, with a blend of workplace learning and off-the-job training to minimise disruption while ensuring quality development.
Improve Retention and Loyalty. Employees who start as apprentices tend to feel valued within the company, promoting loyalty and high staff retention rates and therefore reducing ongoing recruitment costs.

Positive Organisational Impact

Demonstrates commitment to workforce development, social value, and local talent pipelines.
Strengthens employer reputation and can enhance staff morale.
Helps organisations meet ESG, CSR, and “growing your own” workforce objectives.

Fresh Perspectives and Innovation

Apprentices bring new ideas, enthusiasm and knowledge that can bring a fresh perspective to your business, leading to progress and improvements.

Enhance Employer Brand

Offering apprenticeships demonstrates a commitment to career development and skills growth, enhancing your brand to clients and future employees.

Summary

Recruiting an apprentice offers employers a cost-effective, well-supported route to developing new talent and strengthening business capability. With generous government support, financial incentives, and a strong return on investment, apprenticeships remain a strategic choice for employers across all sectors.

How We Support Employers

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will guide you through every step, including:

Funding and grants to reduce costs
A free recruitment service to match you with the right apprentice
Ongoing support to ensure success

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Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

Higher and degree apprenticeships offer a unique way of developing professional level, job specific skills while remaining in employment and earning a salary.

You will have the opportunity to achieve graduate and postgraduate level qualifications with a chance to become a member of professional bodies too.

Find out more

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View our Apprenticeships

From entry-level roles to advanced qualifications, apprenticeships offer practical skills and real-world experience that benefit both employers and employees.
If you don’t see an apprenticeship that fits your requirements, get in touch with us to explore bespoke options. Together, we can design a pathway that works for your business and helps you invest in future-ready professionals.

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