How do Apprenticeship schemes work for employers?

Apprenticeships are an effective and affordable way to provide staff training.

Government funding and incentives are often available, reducing the financial impact on your business. At the same time, apprentices are gaining practical skills that they apply on the job, providing immediate value to your business.

An Apprentice is an employee of your business and must have a contract of employment and be included on your PAYE scheme. They should be employed for at least 30 hours per week.

You’re responsible for paying your apprentice for their normal working hours and any training they do as part of the Apprenticeship.

You must pay them at least the National Minimum Wage rate depending on their age and the year of Apprenticeship training they’re in.

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

• • Aged under 19

• • Aged 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they are both:

• • Aged 19 or over

• • Have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

Teach the skills you need

Skills shortages are a major challenge across technical industries. Apprenticeships allow you to train individuals in the specific skills your business requires.

By developing talent from within, you gain employees who are aligned with your processes, standards, and future growth.

Employee retention

When a business invests in training, employees notice. Apprenticeships create a sense of loyalty because apprentices see the company as a place where their career can thrive. This investment often leads to higher retention rates, reducing recruitment costs and building a stronger, more reliable workforce.

Improve productivity and efficiency

Apprentices bring energy, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to learn. They can take on essential day-to-day tasks, which frees up experienced staff to focus on higher-level projects. Over time, apprentices grow into skilled team members, directly contributing to improved efficiency and productivity across your workforce.

Strengthen your business reputation

Working with apprentices not only benefits your team internally but also strengthens your reputation locally and nationally. By supporting apprenticeships, your business demonstrates a commitment to investing in people and developing future talent. This can enhance your employer brand, making you more attractive to potential employees and partners.

FREE recruitment service

When hiring an apprentice, you may be surprised to learn that EKC Training’s recruitment service is free.

Advertising, shortlisting and interviewing of candidates is taken care of by our recruitment team, saving your business time and money.

It’s good to note that if your Apprentice is under the age of 25, there is no National Insurance (NI) contributions to pay from employers.

For businesses working with tight margins, this can make a significant difference in the overall cost of hiring.

These savings mean that your businesses can invest in training, development and a bigger workforce, without the added financial pressures.