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Apprenticeships for Employers

Apprenticeships offer employers an effective way to attract new talent, get the skills your business needs, or upskill your current workforce.  

Whether you're considering taking on your first Apprentice, launching an apprenticeship programme, reviewing your current provision, or if you are a larger business who simply wants more from your apprenticeship levy, we can help.  

Why employ an apprentice?

Apprenticeships can help businesses:

  • Develop skills tailored to your organisation
  • Recruit and retain talented people
  • Improve productivity and capability
  • Fill skills gaps and future workforce needs
  • Upskill existing employees
  • Bring fresh ideas and new perspectives into the workplace

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Apprenticeships at a glance

All ages Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages and at any stage of their career.
20% learning Apprentices spend 20% of their time on off the job learning activity.
Financial incentives There are many different financial incentives that employers may be entitled to.

Funding and Financial Incentives

Many employers can access significant government support towards apprenticeship training costs.

For apprentices aged 16 to 24, training and assessment costs may be fully funded, helping businesses develop skills while reducing investment costs.

For other apprentices, employers may need to contribute towards training costs, with government funding covering the remaining proportion up to the funding band maximum.

Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy can use levy funds to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. If levy funds have been exhausted, additional government support may still be available depending on the apprentice's age and circumstances.

£1,000 Employer Incentive

You may be eligible for a £1,000 payment when recruiting someone who is aged 16-18, 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or a 19-24 year-old care leaver.

Up to £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant

Available to employers of all sizes and sectors who recruit an eligible young person (18-24, on Universal Credit, unemployed for 6 months).

Up to £2,000 Hiring Payment

From October 2026, eligible non-levy employers may be able to claim a hiring payment when recruiting apprentices aged 16 to 24.

Apprenticeship Levy Transfers

Some levy-paying organisations can transfer unused apprenticeship funds to other employers. The Government's Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service helps employers find and apply for available funding.

National Insurance Relief

Employers may not need to pay employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25, subject to earnings thresholds.

What support will I receive?

Offering an apprenticeship doesn't mean you're on your own.

Training providers can help with:

  • selecting the right apprenticeship programme
  • advertising vacancies and recruitment
  • understanding funding and eligibility
  • onboarding apprentices
  • progress reviews and ongoing support
  • workforce planning and skills development

We're here to help make the process straightforward and ensure you get the most from your investment in apprenticeships.

Apprentice Joe Hornbuckle with another man both wearing hi-vis leaning against a building

Employer Success Stories

See how businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are using apprenticeships to develop talent, fill skills gaps and support growth.

"The value that the apprentices have added to our business has paid this back many times over."

Michelle Pearce Practice Director | RRL accountants

"It is absolutely essential that new blood is developed for the Bakery industry which is best done via the apprenticeship route."

Mark Norton Managing Director | Prima Bakeries

"Apprentices invigorate our crews and the new roles have created a lot of excitement within the Service."

Kathryn Billing Group Manager | Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service

FAQs 

1. Can apprenticeships be used for existing employees?

Yes. Apprenticeships aren't just for new recruits. Many employers use apprenticeships to help existing employees develop new skills, progress into higher-level roles and support future business growth

2. Are apprenticeships only for young people or school leavers?

No. Apprenticeships are available to anyone aged 16 or over and can support people at any stage of their career. They can be used by new entrants to the workforce, career changers and experienced employees looking to develop new skills.

3. How much does it cost to hire an apprentice?

The cost depends on your organisation and the apprenticeship chosen, but many employers can access significant government funding. Additional financial support and incentives may also be available, helping to reduce the cost of training and development.

4. How long does an apprenticeship take?

The duration depends on the apprenticeship standard and level, but most apprenticeships last at least 12 months and combine paid employment with structured training.

5. Are apprenticeships only available in traditional trades?

No. Apprenticeships are available across hundreds of occupations and sectors, including business, digital, engineering, health, finance, marketing, construction and many more.

6. What support will I receive as an employer?

Training providers can help with recruitment, onboarding, funding, compliance and supporting apprentices throughout their learning journey, making the process much more straightforward for employers.

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