If you run a business and want to find the best ways to expand and grow your workforce, you should consider how to find an apprentice. Apprenticeships have been growing in popularity for years as they are a great way for learners to expand their skills, gain a qualification and secure employment. But what are the benefits of apprenticeships for employers? That’s what we’re going to explore in this blog here at Avant Skills Academy. We will cover the apprenticeships benefits for employers, how to take on an apprentice and secure apprenticeship funding. So if you’ve been thinking about offering an apprenticeship, keep reading and by the end you will have everything you need to know on how to take on an apprentice and grow your business.
Benefits Of Apprenticeships For Employers
When you take on an apprentice they will be employed by you, and work under your (or another employee’s) guidance to learn your trade and develop their skills. They will both work for you and train with their training provider whilst earning a wage and working towards their EPA (End Point Assessment). Many apprentices choose this path because they can earn while they learn as well as (hopefully) continue their role at the end of the programme. With that being said, there are also some apprenticeship benefits for employers that may sway your decision to take one on. Here’s why you should employ an apprentice:
Cost-Effective
When you employ an apprentice it is cheaper than taking on a typical employee as while they are doing their apprenticeship they are only entitled to apprentice wage – unless they are 19 and over and have been on their course for over 1 year. There is also government funding and incentives available when you take one on (we’ll touch on more later) making this a financially viable way to train and develop talent.
Increased Productivity
Apprentices often bring in fresh ideas and energy to the workforce. This new shift is contagious and increases productivity in your workplace not only with your apprentices but the rest of the team. With the training they will take part in (both at work and in their course), they may have some useful insights that you can implement to improve the way you do things.
Closing Skills Gaps
Finding employees with the exact skills that your business requires can be difficult to find. But when you employ an apprentice, you can build these skills from the ground up, closing these skill gaps and creating a workforce that is catered to your company needs.
Tailored Training to Your Business Needs
When you get an apprentice you’re able to make sure they adapt to your policies and processes more smoothly. This is especially true when you get one that is a school leaver, as this may be their first ever job which means that they won’t have any previous procedures they have to unlearn. By taking on apprentices, you can make sure that they are well adapted to what your business requires.
Enhanced Employee Retention
Employees who started out as an apprentice are often more loyal to the company as you supported them through their journey. Since they have grown with the business and completed their apprentice programme with it, they often feel valued and can make them want to stay. A study from 2022 by The Department Of Education found that 62% of apprentices stayed with the company that they did their apprenticeship with after completing the programme.
Government Incentives
One of the reasons you should look at how to take on an apprentice is because of the apprenticeship funding and incentives. In the UK you could get £1000 to support your apprentice if they are between 16 and 18 years old, or if they are between 19 and 24 and they have been in care or have an EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan).
How To Hire An Apprentice In The UK
If you want to know how to take on an apprentice, then you’ll need to do the following:
Secure Apprenticeship Funding
If you’re thinking about how to hire an apprentice you’ll probably want to know what apprenticeship funding you’re entitled to. In the UK large employers with an annual payroll of over £3 million pay the Apprenticeship Levy, which funds their apprentices training. Smaller employers, those with a payroll under £3 million, can receive 95% government funding, meaning they only need to cover 5% of the training costs.
Find An Apprenticeship Provider
You’ll need to find an apprenticeship training provider. Avant Skills Academy offers a variety of apprenticeships from business administrator to hairdressing to operations manager in Hull and Grimsby. There’s a reason why we’re a trusted apprenticeship provider; we offer tailored training programmes across various industries. With a strong focus on hands-on learning and mentorship, we ensure apprentices gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles. Get in touch with Avant Skills Academy and learn how to hire an apprentice today.
Advertise And Recruit An Apprentice
Once you’ve got the funding sorted and you’re connected with a reputable training provider; you’ll need to know how to find an apprentice. When you work with Avant we will advertise your position across our website so your role is seen by the best possible candidates. We will also filter the applicants and interview them before we send them your way, so you get the best pick of the bunch. After you’ve seen the options; if you like any, you can hire one and start the enrolment process. Congratulations, you now have an apprentice.
Wage For An Apprentice UK
Now that you have hired a learner you’re probably wondering what’s the wage for an apprentice. In the UK you will only have to pay them apprentice wage during their training if they are 16-18 years old or 19 and over but still in the first year of the course. As of April 2025 this is £7.55. If they are 19 or over and have completed the first year of their course, then they’ll be entitled to minimum wage. Of course you can choose to increase the wage for an apprentice if you wish to as an employer.
Employer Responsibilities When Hiring an Apprentice
You should know that when you take on an apprentice, you have your own responsibilities as their employer. You need to make sure they have the support they need to achieve the best results from this qualification. Here are some of the key points you should keep in mind when you decide to hire a learner:
Provide a Structured Work Environment
One thing we advertise to apprentices is that they will learn through a hands-on environment. As their employee you should ensure that your apprentice has the opportunity to perform tasks that allow them to develop practical skills they need that support their training. They will have a criteria they will have to prove that they have met and evidence it; so making sure that your apprentice can tick these off through their daily tasks from the get go can make their learning experience go as smoothly as possible.
Ensure the Apprentice Has a Mentor
At Avant the apprentice will have a mentor they will see and learn from during the classroom learning portion on the programme. But it’s also beneficial for them to have a mentor at work as well. Whether it’s yourself as their employer or one of their colleagues, having someone they can learn from and guide through the processes at work can help them pick up skills and job tasks faster. Remember, if your apprentice feels like your company is invested in them by providing them with the right support, the more likely they’ll want to stay after they complete their Apprenticeship.
Allow Time for Training
Our apprentices must log 20% of their working hours in off-the job training. This can include anything from coursework to mentoring sessions to learning new skills and processes at their job. This off the job training should be scheduled within the apprentices normal working hours so they still get paid for the training that they receive. They will also attend one day of classroom learning with us once every 2 weeks which they will need time for to support them fully paid. This is something as an employer that you need to be aware of before taking an apprentice on, as they will need support, however, by the end of the programme they will have the skills and experience needed to be a valued member of your team.
Support the Apprentice’s End Point Assessment (EPA)
Towards the end of the programme, the apprentice will start preparation towards their EPA. This is basically their final exam and it’s in three parts. They will have an exam they will have to sit, a presentation and a professional discussion. It’s important that they are ready for this so they can get the best result possible, so making sure that you support them in achieving this qualification is crucial.
How To Take On An Apprentice With Avant Skills Academy
Are you ready to finally employ an apprentice? Avant Skills Academy is here to find you a learner that is beneficial for you and your company. We provide a variety of apprenticeships including: business administrator, content creator, data technician, team leader, hairdressing, operations manager and construction. If your business is in Hull or Grimsby we can help with how to find an apprentice to grow your team. If you think an apprentice is a role you want to invest in, we’re here to provide you with an apprentice that will fit perfectly into your company. Contact Avant Skills Academy today and see how an apprentice can benefit you!
Employ An Apprentice FAQs
How to hire an apprenticeship?
Contact Avant Skills Academy today and we can help you through the processes of hiring an apprenticeship.
What is the minimum you can pay an apprentice?
You have to at least pay a learner apprentice wage, which as of April 2025 is £7.55 per hour. If the apprentice is 19 and over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, then they are entitled to minimum wage.
How many hours can an apprentice work?
An apprentice has to work a minimum of at least 30 hours per week and a maximum of 48 hours. If they are under 18 the maximum hours they can work is 40.
What industries offer apprenticeships?
At Avant our apprenticeships cover a range of industries with our business, data and hairdressing apprenticeships. See the apprenticeships we offer here.