Benefits for employing an apprentice

Apprenticeships are a great way to develop the skills of a new employee or upskill your existing workforce. They enable staff to gain the competencies to carry out their role to industry sector standards and develop the skills and attributes needed by employers. Apprenticeships can be delivered more flexibly than other forms of training and education to fit around the needs of employers.

How Apprenticeships work

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study and take 1-5 years to complete depending on their level. Apprentices are employed and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Alongside this, they get time for training and study related to their role. This must be at least 20% of their normal working hours.

Apprenticeship Standards – putting you in charge 

While on their programme, apprentices work towards achieving the apprenticeship Standards for their specific job role. These Standards have been designed by employers and set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that an apprentice needs to consistently demonstrate in order to be judged competent.  

As an employer, you will have the key role in deciding if your apprentice has met the required Standards before they go forward for their End Point Assessment (End Point assessment are carried out by an external Awarding Bodies and makes the final judgement on the apprentice’s competence). Equally as important, you will have a key role in designing the programme to be undertaken by the apprentice which will shaped by the specific needs and circumstances of your work setting.

Employer Responsibilities 

As an apprenticeship employer, you will;

  • Employ the apprentice for a minimum of 30 hours per week

  • Pay the apprentice at least the national minimum wage for his/her age

  • Work with First Rung to design an apprenticeship programme that reflects the specific circumstances of the work setting

  • Provide a designated mentor who will support the apprentice throughout their programme

  • Release the apprentice to attend off-the-job training for at least 20% of his/her normal hours

  • Provide evidence of the apprentice’s skills and behaviours in the workplace

  • Confirm the apprentice’s competence when s/he meets the requirements of the apprenticeship Standards