Upskill Your Workforce with Apprenticeships

How are apprenticeships funded?

There are three pathways to funding available to support your engagement with apprenticeships:

1. For employees of Levy Organisations, courses can be fully funded through their apprenticeship levy contributions.
2. If you work for a non-Levy Organisation, courses are 95% funded, meaning you only need to contribute 5% towards the total cost, offering a substantial discount.
3. Through partnerships, ‘Levy Transfers’ensure 100% funding for courses, effectively covering all costs. Once you provide your location, further options available in your area can be explored.

As of 6 April 2016, employers can save significantly on National Insurance contributions when hiring apprentices. Here’s what you need to know:

• You can save on Class 1 National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 on approved apprenticeships, earning less than £967/week.
• Hiring a 21-24-year-old apprentice at National Minimum Wage could save around £1,500/year in NI contributions, or over £2,000/year if paid the Real Living Wage.
• All employers are exempt from NI contributions for apprentices under 25 earning below £827/week.

How do apprenticeships work?

Apprenticeships offer a dynamic blend of practical work experience and structured learning. Here’s a breakdown of how they function:

Employment: Apprentices join your team, working alongside experienced professionals while receiving a wage.

Training: They engage in hands-on training within your workplace and attend classes for essential theoretical knowledge.

Off-the-job Training: Apprentices dedicate at least 20% of their time to structured learning away from their regular duties, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Qualifications: Successful completion leads to nationally recognised qualifications, validating their skills and knowledge.

Duration: The length of apprenticeships varies, typically lasting between one to four years, allowing apprentices to grow progressively within your organisation.

Assessment: Regular assessments ensure apprentices meet competency standards, providing you with assurance of their development.

End Point Assessment

It is critical that you make an informed decision at this point; this can only be made if you have engaged, tracked and supported the apprentice throughout their apprenticeship. It is up to you to choose which independent End Point Assessment organisation you use to perform the assessment. We will be involved up until the very end of the apprenticeship and can support with this relationship.

The cost of the EPA and any first resit required is included in the training cost agreed with you at enrolment, but it doesn’t include any further re-sits that might occur. It’s in your interest that you provide the ongoing support needed for your apprentice to pass the EPA first time. EPA comes in different forms and can include a multiple-choice test, a professional discussion or a presentation.

End point assessment is usually graded with a Pass, Merit or Distinction mark. We understand that this can be daunting for the apprentice so we will work with them to make sure that they understand what they need to do from the moment they start their apprenticeship so there are no surprises. Many of the assessments are completed via online platforms but you will need to ensure the apprentice has access to suitable equipment to complete these. In some cases, you may be asked to provide premises for some of these assessments to take place.

Once all elements of the EPA are passed, the apprenticeship is achieved.