Expert Opinion: How to hire an apprentice

With National Apprenticeships Week taking place from 6th to 12th February, Stockport Jobs Match explains what businesses need to know to hire an apprentice.

Apprenticeships are a great way to attract and grow new talent within your business and to upskill and develop your existing workforce. Combining on the job training with study, they help to ensure your employees have the key skills and specific knowledge needed by your industry. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to know if you’re looking to hire an apprentice:

How do I hire an apprentice?

Before you get started, there’s a few things you’ll need to have in place. As an employer, you must ensure that you can offer:

• A real job and an opportunity for the apprentice to gain the skills and experience needed to pass their assessments
• Able to offer at least the minimum wage and provide a contract of employment
• Help in working towards an approved Apprenticeship standard as part of a training programme that lasts 12 months or more, including providing paid-for-time for them to study (either at work or at a training provider)

You’ll also need to make sure you offer your apprentice the same conditions as your other employees working in a similar job or level – such as paid holidays, benefits and sick pay for example.

Once you’ve laid the groundwork, you’ll then need to choose an apprenticeship training course at the right level and skills for your business and find a training provider who can deliver this locally. 

As a general guide a Level 1 Apprenticeship is a basic, entry-level course, Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE standard, Level 3 is equivalent to an A-Level, T-Level or NVQ, and Level 4 is a Foundation Degree. You can start your apprentice at any level and then use further qualifications to top them up all the way to a Masters equivalent qualification if you wish, making apprenticeships a great way to upskill your existing workforce as well as developing new talent.

What does is cost to hire an apprentice?

You must pay your apprentice at least the Apprenticeship Minimum wage if they’re aged 16 to 18 or aged 19 or above in the first year of their apprenticeship. You can also get help from the government to pay for apprenticeship training. The amount you’ll receive depends on whether you pay into the apprenticeship levy or not. You can also claim up to £1-2,000 as an incentive payment for each apprentice you hire. Check the latest government advice and recent funding updates here.

Continue reading on the Stockport Jobs Match website.