Employer FAQs

WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF AN APPRENTICESHIP?

The length of an Apprenticeship depends on the course they are doing and the level of that course. This can range from 12 to 42 months. Apprentices must be employed for the full duration of their training, but they are able to start employment before their programme begins and stay on at the company should you so wish, on completion.

The term ‘Apprenticeship’ refers to on-the-job training which typically leads to nationally recognised qualifications, developed by industry. The National Apprenticeship Service supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of Apprenticeships throughout England.

Your Apprentice will work as an employee of the company, often spending one day studying with trans plant. They will complete all the tasks as their job role demands and is within their skill level.

 

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR APPRENTICESHIPS?

There is no upper age limit for Apprenticeships, anyone over the age of 16 can start the course.

I have an employee who would like to do an Apprenticeship. Can I still take them on as an Apprentice?

Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers anymore! If you have an employee that wants to develop your skills they can absolutely start an Apprenticeship. This is an excellent way to fill a skills gap and promote staff development. You will need to be willing to release them for one day a week so that they can attend their College course.

 

HOW ARE APPRENTICESHIPS FUNDED?

If your organisation employs less than 50 staff, for Apprentices aged between 16-18 years old, the training fees will be fully-funded. If you were to employ an Apprentice aged 19 years or older, the government asks that you contribute 5% of their course fees, which may be as little as £100, and they will fund the remaining 95%.If you do employ more than 50 staff, you would need to pay the 5% contribution regardless of the Apprentice’s age.

 

HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO PAY AN APPRENTICE?

The minimum rate of pay for Apprentices during their first 12 months of training, regardless of their age is £4.15 per hour. After 12 months of training, the national minimum wage would apply to those aged 19 and above. We would encourage you to pay more if possible to increase your chances of attracting the best quality candidates, and to compete with other roles that may be advertised at the same time.

 

HOW MUCH ANNUAL LEAVE IS AN APPRENTICE ENTITLED TO?

All Apprentices are entitled to statutory paid leave – 20 days plus 8 bank holidays. Depending on your annual leave policy you may give them more.

 

ARE APPRENTICES ELIGIBLE FOR MATERNITY LEAVE?

Yes. Like all employees Apprentices are entitled to Statutory Maternity Leave of 52 weeks with Statutory Maternity Pay for up to 39 weeks.

 

WHAT SUPPORT AM I EXPECTED TO PROVIDE AN APPRENTICE?

As the employer, you are expected to provide your Apprentice with an induction into the workplace and necessary mentoring/supervising in order for them to adequately fulfil their role.

A trans plant mastertrain Skills Officer will also set the Apprentice tasks to complete in the workplace and carry out regular reviews approximately every 8-10 weeks. The Skills Officer is also your main point of contact for any queries you may have along the way.

You will release your Apprentice one day a week on average to work towards the OTJ requirement.

 

WHAT COUNTS TOWARDS OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING?

The off-the-job-training can include anything from shadowing a colleague, attending a conference, through to the hours spent at trans plant. Ultimately, it is time that the Apprentice has spent not fulfilling their day-to-day duties, and learning something new or building their skills and knowledge. Hours spent fulfilling this requirement during the working day or for business purposes outside of office hours can be included, however, time outside of this, taken on an Apprentices own initiative, sadly does not count.

For example, if the Apprentice were to read a book over the weekend that related to their course this could not be logged, however, if they have stayed on late to complete an evening course, this is applicable.

N.B Functional Skills or Maths and English cannot be considered off the job training.

 

DO I HAVE TO KEEP AN APPRENTICE ON AT THE END OF THEIR COURSE?

No, you are under no obligation to employ an Apprentice after their Apprenticeship has finished. However, as your company has invested in an individual’s training and development to suit your business, ideally you should want to offer your Apprentice a permanent position.