Apprenticeship information for employers

Apprenticeships are more popular than ever. Currently, one in five employers are investing in the training of more apprentices.

In return, employers benefit from a motivated member of staff who wants to learn and help their business grow.

What are the benefits of taking on an apprentice?

80% of employers state that apprentices have made their business more productive. The Centre for Economic Research estimates that apprentices can boost a company’s productivity by an average of £214 per week, generating £3.4 billion for the UK economy by 2022.
Apprentices get access to the latest industry knowledge and technology through their training and qualifications. Having apprentices with up-to-date technical and business skills and knowledge may help your company target new clients and open up markets.
Skills and knowledge can be passed on to colleagues, improving team performance
Increased loyalty to your business, resulting in high value long-term investments
Improved health and safety and reduced absenteeism
Familiarity with new legislation and quality standards
An improved corporate image

Download the Employer Guide to Apprenticeships for information and benefits of recruiting an apprentice into your business.

What is expected of my business?

You must pay an apprentice at least the minimum wage. If your business is eligible, there are grants available from the Government and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), to help with your costs.

Your apprentice must also:

Work with skilled and experienced employees
Learn skills specific to jobs in your industry
Study for a work-based qualification during their working week, for example, at a college or training provider.

You should also:

allow your apprentice to visit customers and suppliers and go to demonstrations and exhibitions that may benefit them
give them access to in-house training, helpful resources, specialist information, technology, software and equipment they may need
give them as much encouragement, advice and support as possible. This will help them progress and lead to greater rewards for your business.

How do I employ an apprentice?

Visit the Government's ‘Employ an apprentice’ page for a step-by-step guide.

You can also find further information at:

Some businesses are able to receive grants and funding to cover the costs of an apprentice’s training. Find out more about apprenticeship grants.

Support for Carillion apprentices

The Construction Industry Training Board, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry, is taking steps to secure the future of the 1,400 apprentices who have been affected by the closure of Carillion.

There is a package of support, including apprenticeship adoption incentives and standard ongoing CITB grant support, to encourage construction employers to recruit these apprentices and retain them in the construction industry.

Employers interested in this package can find out more on the Carillion apprentices support grant page on the CITB website.

Support for workers affected by Carillion's closure

CITB is working with the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) to also support workers in full-time employment. If you are a worker who has just lost your job with Carillion, or you're at risk of redundancy because of the closure, see the following pages for information on available support:

government support and benefits
jobs available with other employers - please check this page regularly as vacancies will be listed as they becomes available