FAQs for Apprenticeships
Employers
Join the Employers Who Trust Direct Skills Group
If you’re thinking of taking on an apprentice as an employer, we understand you will have a lot of questions which we are happy to answer.
We’ve listed a few of the most common questions we get asked below which can help you get a better understanding of what is involved in our apprenticeship programmes.
If you’re a business looking for an apprentice, Direct Skills Group can help find the ideal candidate and course for you, please contact us for more.
GET IN TOUCH
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programmes aimed at assisting employers in training individuals for specific job roles. Simultaneously, apprentices gain employment and receive valuable training as they progress towards achieving nationally recognised apprenticeship standards.
Apprenticeships in England are available to individuals aged 16 and above, irrespective of employment status or educational background. There is no upper age limit for apprenticeships. While there are no mandatory qualifications required for apprenticeships, certain employers may request GCSEs or equivalent (at grade 4 / C or above) in English, maths as desired criteria.
Click here to find out the current National Apprenticeship wage. It's worth noting that many employers offer higher wages, with an average weekly wage of around £200.
Once apprentices complete the first year of their apprenticeship, if they are aged 19 or over, they are entitled to receive at least the full National Minimum Wage.
All apprentices are considered employees and have a valid employment contract. As regular employees, apprentices enjoy the same benefits as other staff members, including holiday and sick leave.
Apprenticeships have a minimum duration of 12 months. The length of an apprenticeship varies depending on the chosen course and the capabilities of the individual apprentice. Completion time can range from one to four years, depending on factors such as the apprenticeship level, the apprentice's aptitude, and the specific industry sector.
Regular support and guidance is given in weekly lessons and within employer visits and reviews
The apprentice will attend their college or training provider 1 day per week once agreed with the employer
Towards the end of a standard apprenticeship, a meeting will be arranged with the tutor and manager to assess the students readiness for the End-point Assessment (EPA). The EPA evaluates the knowledge, skills, and behaviours acquired during the apprenticeship.
If an employer hires an apprentice aged 16-18 the employer can receive up to £1000 as an incentive payment.
Incentives are broken down into two payments,
£500 after 90 days of employment,
£500 after 365 days of employment.
