Thinking about starting an apprenticeship scheme? Like many SMEs, you may appreciate the benefits but still feel that there are barriers in your way, like working out how to get funding and knowing how to start an apprenticeship scheme.
Let’s make it simple.
Choosing the right apprenticeship scheme
There are many different apprenticeship schemes to choose from (and new ones being added all the time). While these schemes are structured, they are flexible enough for you to tailor them with the help of your training provider.
For example, apprentices will always spend at least 20% of their time learning skills beyond their usual role, such as health and safety training or coaching skills. You can identify which areas might be most useful.
Funding your apprentice
You have to pay your apprentice the minimum wage or more. And to attract the best talent, it’s worth making their salary competitive. You’ll need to pay for their training too, but there is government funding to help you.
Help with funding
- Most SMEs (90%) don’t have to contribute to the apprenticeship levy. That gives you a few funding options to help you train and assess your apprentice: The government will pay 95% of your apprentice’s training and assessment costs for the lifetime of the apprenticeship (up to funding band maximum).
- You’ll get an extra £1,000 grant if your apprentice is 16-18 years old, or a 19-24-year-old who has previously been in care.
- If your business employs fewer than 50 people, the government will pay all training and assessment costs for 16-18-year-old apprentices.
- SMEs who take on apprentices with additional learning needs will get further support.