Employers

Overview

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

Apprentices can be new or current employees.

You must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage.

Your apprentice must:

• work alongside experienced staff
• learn job-specific skills
• earn a wage and get holiday pay
• get 20% of their time for study related to their role (usually one day a week).

Hiring your apprentice

1. Choose an apprenticeships framework or standard for an apprenticeship in your industry at a suitable level.
2. Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship framework or standard you have chosen.
3. Check what funding is available
4. Advertise your apprenticeship – your training organisation will do this for you through the find an apprenticeship service.
5. Select an apprentice and make an apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement with them.

Dodd Group

An employer in the building services sector.

As an employer we feel strongly about bringing young people into our industry. It is a perfect chance for young talented individuals to work and earn in a supported environment.

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.

There are four different levels of apprenticeships:

• Intermediate (level 2 that is equivalent of 5 GCSE’s)
• Advanced (level 3 that is equivalent of two A-levels)
• Higher (level 4 to 7 that allows for progression to degree equivalent level qualifications)
• Degree (range from full bachelor degree at level 6, a master’s degree at level 7 and potentially a level 8 which is equivalent to a PhD, delivered part-time at university and in the workplace).

To find out more, visit our apprenticeship levels page.