Apprenticeships - Employer Information
Apprenticeships are a proven way of creating a more efficient and skilled workforce. They provide employers with the opportunity to attract new talent, offer progression and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce which helps to improve economic productivity. An Apprenticeship addresses skills gaps and provides access to practical skills.
Apprentices are your paid employees with the same rights and responsibilities as any other member of staff but whose role will include training to gain the required knowledge, skills and behaviour they need. The majority of the training is on-the-job, working with a mentor to learn job specific skills in the workplace.
But will include off-the-job training of 6 hours per week, it may be delivered in the workplace, via day release at one of the College campuses, at premises away from the working environment or may also be delivered online.
Find more information about apprenticeships below.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age to 16, there is no upper age limit as long as:
Living in England
Are eligible to work in the UK
Are not currently in full time education
Employers experienced a wide range of benefits as a result of training apprentices.
According to the Government’s apprenticeship Data this includes:
85% of employers said development of skills relevant to the organisation
78% of employers said apprenticeship led to increased productivity
76% of employers said they improved staff retention for existing employees
85% of employers would recommend apprenticeships to others
There are two ways apprenticeships are funded which is dependent on the size of your company and the age of your apprentice:
If you are SME (Small to Medium enterprise whose wage bill is less than £3m per annum) and your apprentice is aged 16-21 on their 1st day at college the government will fund 100% of the cost of the training.
If you are SME (Small to Medium enterprise whose wage bill is less than £3m per annum) and your apprentice is aged 22 or older on their 1st day at college, the government will fund 95% of the cost of the training. As their employer you will be responsible for the 5% contribution
If your company wage bill is £3m or higher per annum, you will be an apprenticeship levy paying company and will fund the apprenticeship through this scheme.
As their employer, you are responsible for paying the apprentice’s wages and these must be in line with the UK’s minimum wages regulations.
We are always looking out for new employers to help ensure our Apprentices receive the best training to meet their future needs. This means ensuring we can match them with a suitable employer to train them to gain practical skills and a relevant qualification.
Our dedicated Business Development team provide all the support needed to help workforces plan their businesses for now and the future. They can also guide employers through the entire process including:
Apprenticeship Funding Requirements
Grants and incentives, your business or apprentice may be eligible for
Advice and support in recruiting new apprentices
Guidance on using apprenticeship to upskill your current workforce
Employing an Apprentice with Lincoln College is simpler than you may think. These seven steps walk you through the process, so you know what to expect when employing your Apprentice.
Different Apprenticeship levels equate to different qualification levels. An Apprenticeship can start at any level, but some may require:
previous qualifications such as English or maths GCSEs
additional training in English or maths to ensure the Apprentice is at the right level
for a Level 4 or Higher Apprenticeship 48 or more UCAS points may be required
One of the following qualification levels will be achieved depending on the Apprenticeship level:
Level 2: Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (GCSE equivalent)
Level 3: Advanced Level Apprenticeship (A Level equivalent)
Level 4, 5 and 6: Higher Apprenticeship (Foundation degree level)
