Apprenticeships
The education landscape can be confusing, so Enginuity has brought together employer tools, resources and advice about employing apprentices, as well as the Apprenticeship Frameworks & Standards that an apprentice is required meet.
What are apprenticehips?
An apprenticeship is a paid job which offers work experience alongside training with an education provider.
Apprentices will gain quality hands-on workplace experience at the same time as they work towards a nationally recognized qualification. Unlike a fully academic route, apprentices will earn a salary as they learn.
Mixing on-the-job and off-the-job learning ensures apprentices get the skills and knowledge they need in employment.
Apprentices will also develop skills in your sector and specific to your business, making them an excellent pipeline to expanding your long-term workforce.
Why employ an apprentice?
Hire an apprentice and invest in your future workforce, by getting talent that’s right for you.
Benefits of apprenticeships for your business:
- Developing a workforce with the skills that are specific to your business
- Helping existing employees to pass their knowledge on to the next generation of employees
- Bringing new thinking and new skills into your business
- Encouraging a motivated workforce that helps you stay competitive
- Boosting productivity by freeing up more experienced staff for expert level tasks
- Enhancing your company reputation in the local area
- Developing diversity of age, ethnicity and gender in your workforce
- Increasing loyalty and retention of staff in your business by showing investment in their skills and potential
What are the different levels of apprenticeships?
Just like for other qualifications, there is a range of levels for apprenticeships.
- From Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) to Level 7 (or Masters degree) in England, Wales & Northern Ireland.
- From Level 5 (equivalent to Nationals) to Level 10 (or Masters degree) in Scotland.
The standards, frameworks and competencies for apprenticeships differ in each of the 4 UK nations (scroll down the page to find nation-specific information).
What is some key information about apprenticeships?
Apprentices specialise in a range of topics, from Aerospace engineering, Auto-Care, Construction, Civil Engineering, to Software-based roles. You'll need to decide which specialism best suits your business.
Apprentices are a long-term investment in your staffing and recruitment with most apprentices staying with the same company long after their apprenticeship ends.
There is no age restriction for apprentices. In fact, about half of apprentices are older than 25. They're an excellent way to upskill (or reskill) your existing workforce!
The government will give small businesses help with their costs (up to 95% of the total) through the apprentice levy. You can find more information in the links below.
Apprenticeships across the UK nations
Apprenticeship frameworks used in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are primarily qualification-focused, whereas apprenticeship standards in England are more skills, knowledge and behaviour-focused.
| England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | |
| Who approves Apprenticeships? | Institute for Apprenticeships | Apprenticeship Approvals Group | Government Wales | Department for the Economy |
| Who is the qualifications regulator? | Ofqual | SQA Accreditations | Qualifications Wales | CCEA |
| What is Enginuity's role? | Develop and maintain the National Occupational Standards. |
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| Develop and maintain the National Occupational Standards. |
| How can I find funding for an Apprenticeship? | Apprenticeship Funding Rules | Funding for Employers | Funding and Eligibility | Finances and Funding for Apprenticeships |
| Is employing an Apprentice right for my business? | Employ an apprentice for your business: step by step. | |||
| How can I recruit an Apprentice? | ||||
| Where can I find further information? | The Apprenticeship Digital Communications toolkit for employers |
Apprenticeship certification
Certifications and standards set out the competencies that apprentices need to develop during their studies. Employers need to understand the work-based learning opportunities required for apprentices.
What is apprenticeship certification?
Scotland: Modern Apprenticeships
Wales: Apprenticeship certification
How to recruit an apprentice?
Once you have decided to recruit an apprentice, you can start the process. Here are some of the simple steps you can take to get started.
1. Read the guidance
2. Make a plan
3. Find a training provider
4. Access more support
How to approach the oversupply of candidates in the recruitment process?
You may receive more applicants than the number of roles you have on offer. To ensure all candidates find a post with another employer quickly, we've pulled together a rejection letter that you can use to help these candidates find another opportunity.
How to approach the oversupply of candidates in the recruitment process?
You may receive more applicants than the number of roles you have on offer. To ensure all candidates find a post with another employer quickly, we've pulled together a rejection letter that you can use to help these candidates find another opportunity.
Understanding the education landscape & career pathways
We understand that the education landscape can be difficult to navigate. We have developed the following documents to help you understand the career routes and the range of courses and training options available in engineering and manufacturing.
The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) is a group of employers and former/current apprentices in England who champion and support marketing, publicity and events to raise awareness of apprenticeships and mentor other employers. You can sign up to receive the AAN employer skills newsletter here.
