Employer Information

Apprentices

Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job.

Apprentices can be new or current employees.

You can get government funding to cover some of the cost of training and assessing an apprentice if you’re in England.

You must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage

Your apprentice must:

  • work with experienced staff
  • learn job-specific skills
  • study during their working week (for example, at a college or training organisation)

 

Government's Guide to Apprenticeships 

 

Hiring Your Apprentice

There are several steps to taking on an apprentice.

  1. Choose an apprenticeships framework or standard for an apprenticeship in your industry and at a suitable level.
  2. Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship framework or standard you’ve chosen.
  3. Check what funding is available.
  4. Advertise your apprenticeship - If you choose the IRRV as your Training Provider, we can advertise this for you on the IRRV's 'Jobs Online' page and / or an employer can advertise their opportunity on the Government's 'Find an Apprenticeship' service. 
  5. Select your apprentice and make an apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement with them.

 

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

An apprentice will:

  • work alongside experienced staff
  • gain job-specific skills
  • earn a wage and get holiday pay
  • get time for study related to the role (usually one day a week)

 

How Long It Lasts

Apprenticeships must last for at least a year. They can last up to 5 years depending on the level the apprentice is studying. The IRRV Level 4 apprenticeship will take between 12 to 18 months to complete.

 

Levels of Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Name

Level

Equivalent educational level

Intermediate

 2

GCSE

Advanced

 3

A level

Higher

 4,5,6 and 7

Foundation degree and above

Degree

 6 and 7

Bachelor’s or master’s degree

 

Who Can Apply

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:

  • 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
  • living in England
  • not in full-time education

 

How to apply

There are 3 steps to applying for an apprenticeship.

  1. Search for an apprenticeship.
  2. Sign in or create an account.
  3. Complete and submit your application

 

Addional Guidance for Employers

Employers Guide to Apprenticeships

Employers Guide to Encouraging Take-Up of Apprenticeships for those from Socio Economic Disadvantaged Groups 

Apprenticeship Funding - Rules and Guidance for Employers

Key facts you should know about the Apprenticeship Levy

Apprenticeship Agreement

At the beginning of an apprenticeship, the employer must complete an apprenticeship agreement with the apprentice. Guidance and an agreement template can be found here.

Apprenticeships - Government Guide to 'Off the Job' Training Activities

 

For more information please contact the Apprenticeship employer helpline

Email: nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk

Telephone: 0800 0150 600