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For Employers

What training do I need to provide for an apprentice?
Like you would with any new employee, you must guide a new apprentice in their work function and offer them with training. The apprentice, however, could require a bit more assistance, particularly if they are taking on a new career or have never worked in your industry before.

What days an hours do apprentices work?
Apprentices have the same rights and responsibilities as any other employee in your organisation. As a result, in accordance with Employment Law and the Working Hours Directive, you will determine the days and hours you would want apprentices to work (which must be at least 30 hours per week). You will also determine their rest breaks and paid holiday entitlement, among other things. The legislation specifies that if you employ an apprentice who is under the age of 18, they must not work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.

How much does it cost to employ an apprentice?
It is your responsibility to pay the wages of your apprentices because they are employees of your business. You must pay at least the Apprenticeship minimum wage which you can find on the government website, but have the option to pay more if you decide to do so. Apprentices who are 16 to 18 years old or 19 years old or older in the first year of their apprenticeship are subject to the minimum wage for apprentices.

What are the benefits of apprentices to my business?
Apprenticeships can benefit your business by:

• Developing a workforce with skills specific to your business

• Allowing existing employees to pass on their knowledge with your next generation of employees

• Providing you with a motivated and fast - developing workforce

For Apprentices

Do I get to choose where I complete my apprenticeship?
You inform us of the industry you'd want to work in, and we'll match you with job vacancies that meet your requirements, i.e., companies in your area who share your interests. We will let you know about the opening, and it will be up to you whether you wish to be considered for an interview or not.

Do I have to be aged between 16-24 to do an apprenticeship?
No, commonly apprentices are between this age group as apprenticeships are seen as an alternative to university. However, there is no upper age limited for apprenticeships. In fact, it is becoming common practise now for employers to train up existing members of staff through the apprenticeship route to help further their career development.

How much do you get paid for doing an apprenticeship?
All apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage and many employers pay significantly more. The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over, who are in their first year. Once an individual is 19 or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship they are entitled to the minimum wage for their age.

Do I get holidays when doing an apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprentices receive the same rights as other employees in the workplace who are working at similar grades or in similar roles. An apprentice will receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year plus national/public holidays which total to 28 days.

How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?
An apprenticeship takes a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 4 years depending on the level of apprenticeship and which industry sector you are training.

Are there a minimum number of hours I must work?
The working hours for apprenticeships are subject to variability and will be determined by the employer. The duration of the apprenticeship program is based on a standard 30-hour work week. However, variations in working hours, whether exceeding or falling short of this standard, will affect the duration of the apprenticeship program, resulting in a correspondingly shorter or longer period of training.

What qualifications do I need to enrol?
You’ll need fundamental English and Maths that people require in the professional and personal life. Apprentices who do not have a GCSE grade 4-9/C-A* or equivalent in English and Maths or equivalent in their English and Maths will need to complete their Functional Skills in these areas alongside the apprenticeship.

How does an apprenticeship compare to a degree?
Apprenticeships start at level 2 and go up to degree level which means you can gain a fantastic qualification and lots of on-the-job experience but without a student loan or debt.