Get the most out of apprenticeships
Find out what you need to do to employ an apprentice, the differences between apprenticeships in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with advice on how to get the most out of apprenticeships for your business.
What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships offer paid 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 recognised 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.
What are the benefits of apprenticeships for businesses?
Engaging with apprenticeships can contribute to the development of a skilled and diverse engineering workforce, fostering innovation, and closing skills gaps.
- Develop a workforce with the skills that are specific to your business
- Help existing employees pass their knowledge on to the next generation of employees
- Bring new thinking and new skills into your business
- Encourage a motivated workforce that helps you stay competitive
- Boost productivity by freeing up more experienced staff for expert level tasks
- Enhance your company’s reputation in the local area
- Develop diversity of age, ethnicity and gender in your workforce
- Increase loyalty and retention of staff in your business by showing investment in their skills and potential.
Are there different apprenticeship levels?
Consider the apprenticeship level that best fills your skills gaps
Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) to Level 7 (or Masters degree) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and from Level 5 (equivalent to Nationals) to Level 10 (or Masters degree) in Scotland.
What’s the difference between Level 3 apprenticeships and T Levels in England?
Level 3 Apprenticeships and T Levels are both options available for students in England moving on from GCSEs. They are also both equivalent to 3 A Levels and widely accepted by universities and other further education providers across the UK.
One of the main differences between these two qualifications is that while they are both aligned to the same standards, apprenticeships are occupation-specific while T Levels are broader.
What should I do when I have to turn down an apprentice applicant?
Not every applicant will be the right fit for your role — but many are still full of potential and just need a bit of direction. We’ve created a rejection letter template you can use or adapt to signpost unsuccessful candidates to other apprenticeship opportunities.
This helps applicants stay motivated, continue their search, and keep growing — which benefits the wider industry and skills pipeline.
Explore our FREE resources
Apprentice applicant rejection letter template
A customisable letter you can use to support applicants you’re unable to hire. Includes links to trusted platforms to help them continue their apprenticeship journey.
Download now
Career Pathways
Our Career Pathways infographics offer a clear overview of the qualifications and steps involved in building a career in engineering, helping employers make informed decisions about recruitment.
Read more
Women in STEM Apprenticeships Guide
Practical advice and insights for employers, to help women and girls overcome the barriers they face when accessing STEM apprenticeships.
Read more
Education Landscape Guide
A comprehensive resource that helps employers understand the education system and how to engage with schools, colleges, and universities to build a strong, skilled workforce.
Download now
Employer step-by-step guide: Be a modern apprentice for the day
Host a hands-on experience where pupils shadow a Modern Apprentice for a day, exploring career opportunities in industries traditionally lacking gender diversity.
Download now
Impact of positive action initiatives
A presentation by Skills Development Scotland on strategies for improving diversity and inclusion in the engineering and manufacturing sector, highlighting the impact of positive action initiatives.
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