employers

Benefits of Apprenticeships

Get in touch for all your training needs

Offering an apprenticeship opportunity within your business is a great way to support and develop local talent whilst fulfilling the needs of your organisation. An apprenticeship is a three way partnership between the employer, Kirklees College and the apprentice.

An apprentice is employed by the business, training and expanding new skills in the work environment. However, 20% of their learning must take place off the job, be relevant to the apprenticeship standard and be different to the apprentice’s day-to-day tasks.

An apprenticeship can last between 12 and 48 months and is available to anyone from any background from 16 years of age. Whether you are looking to upskill existing staff or diversify and refresh your workplace with potential new talent, an apprenticeship is an excellent way to create a motivated, qualified workforce.

What are the benefits?

Whether you want to attract new talent or up-skill your workforce, we know your staff will be more motivated, engaged and loyal if you are investing in their growth. There are so many ways your business can benefit from apprenticeships.

Everything you need to know

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships refer to on-the-job training leading to nationally recognised qualifications, developed by industry. The National Apprenticeship service supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of Apprenticeships throughout England.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

It will depend on the qualification, but most are between one and four years and are not permitted to last less than 12 months.

Is there an age limit for apprenticeships?

Apprentices must have finished Year 11 but there is no upper age limit. However, the funding for different age groups may be different.

Is there a cost for employers?

Like all employees, apprentices must still receive a wage. The minimum wage for apprentices is set by the government as a per hour rate, but many employers pay more than this; visit https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates for more details.

Are there funding grants to help with costs?

Funding is available however eligibility criteria applies – call our Business Development Team for the latest information.

How many hours per week will my apprentice work?

Apprentices generally work between 30 & 40 hours a week.

Apprentices aged 16/17 are not legally permitted to work in excess of 40 hours per week under the ‘Working Time Regulations’.

How often do apprentices attend college or training sessions?

This varies from programme to programme. Some of the training can be in the workplace and other sessions could be in college or with a learning provider. Depending on the type of job being done, or the elements of training being undertaken, it could be one day a week or a block release.

What is off-the-job training?

By law all apprentices must spend a minimum of six hours per week, paid working hours undertaking off-the-job training towards their apprenticeship (Excluding maths and English) Generally one day per week will be in college (depending on sector area).