Understanding apprenticeships as an employer

An apprenticeship is a great way to fill a job vacancy or upskill existing staff. Apprenticeships are in demand by job seekers and therefore it is a great way of recruiting staff. You may also consider upskilling your existing staff through an apprenticeship.

In this page, we explain how the process works and how we can help you at each step. You can also check out our FAQs page for employers!

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a genuine job with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. It is a way for employees to earn a wage whilst they gain valuable skills and knowledge in a specific job role. The apprentice gains this through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. For employers, hiring an apprentice is an opportunity to recruit motivated employees and teach them the skills that their organisation needs.

Benefits for your business

Apprenticeships help to build a better business by equipping your workforce with skills and qualifications. There are plenty of benefits of hiring an apprentice – from enhancing workplace culture to increasing efficiency and productivity. An apprenticeship will help you transform your business.

Find out how we can support your business by filling in our form below!

Tailored, targeted training

86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.

We use our strong business networks and knowledge to provide relevant training that adds value to your business.

Qualified and motivated staff

78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity.

Apprentices are eager to learn and add energy and enthusiasm to your workplace.

Reduced recruitment costs

Each year, more than 100,000 business leaders in over 170 industries employ apprentices across England.

We will help you hire an apprentice who is the right fit for your organisation, and manage their training from induction through to certification.

Funding the apprenticeship through the apprenticeship levy

The apprenticeship levy is a form of taxation designed to help companies offer more apprenticeships. The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced by the UK government in April 2017 for all employers paying a wage bill of more than £3 million per year.

We can help you understand the apprenticeship levy and unlock the funding incentives available. We offer a one-stop service to navigate the funding arrangements so that your workforce benefits from high-quality training. Read more about the apprenticeship levy here.

How to introduce apprenticeships into your business

A lack of knowledge about access to funding and the apprenticeship process means many organisations don’t have an apprenticeship programme. We help you navigate the process and break down those barriers. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how.

Step 1: Arrange a meeting with us

We are an approved apprenticeship training provider offering high-quality professional training solutions designed to meet your organisation’s requirements and to improve the skills of your new and current workforce. Our team of experts are here to help you understand more about how to unlock the apprenticeship levy and manage the full apprenticeship process for you.

During our initial consultation, our apprenticeship experts will gain an understanding of your staff skills needs, and we will advise you on your funding options.

We also have access to a talent pool of about 37,000 candidates and a strong reputation for providing clear paths to work for learners.

Call us on 0207 391 6400 or email employer@capitalcct.ac.uk

Step 2: Choose an apprenticeship standard

Apprenticeship standards are the government-approved map of core skills and knowledge needed for a particular job, and we will work with you to ensure that we will build a learning programme for your apprentices that meets your skills needs. Our apprenticeship courses cover a variety of work sectors – from business and commerce to health and social care, construction, applied science, digital, and many more!

We have links with more than 500 organisations and hundreds of business leaders. These networks equip us with the scope and insight to design apprenticeship courses for a range of industry occupations. Our experienced teachers and trainers have hands-on industry expertise. We will work with you to customise the training to suit your business.

Step 3: Unlock the available funding

Apprenticeships are funded training, supported by either the government’s apprenticeship levy or a 90% government contribution. We will help you understand the funding arrangements to make the most of the training funding available for your business, how to unlock the funding and explain how you can use it (and what you can’t use it for!).

You might not be aware that your business is already paying into the apprenticeship levy, or how you can access the money. We are on hand to guide you through the process.

Step 4: Screening and selecting applicants

We will help you find the right apprentice, whether you are hiring a new recruit into an apprenticeship position, or developing existing staff.

Our resourcing team will help you promote your vacancy, interview, and shortlist applicants – all completely free of charge for employers.

Apprenticeship training courses

We have a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities for your staff members in subject areas. To see our current course offerings please click the button below!

View our current apprenticeship training courses

Do you want help navigating the apprenticeship process for your business? Contact us!

Fill in the form below and our team will get back to you soon. We look forward to hearing from you!