As economic activity around the globe evolves, the job market grows increasingly complex. Hiring practices and work cultures are being actively redefined as companies take a more proactive approach towards talent acquisition and management. In the UK, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular option for employers to create a skilled and sustainable workforce. However, apprentice recruitment falls under a niche category. Can any organisation hire apprentices? How do you set up apprenticeships in your organisation? And how do you decide what type of apprenticeships are suitable for your company? In this article, we will explore the benefits of apprenticeships for businesses and provide a step-by-step guide to the apprentice recruitment process. But first, let’s start with the basics.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in the UK is a work-based training program that combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Apprenticeships train young individuals in a particular industry or profession through a structured training program. The goal of an apprenticeship is to equip apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in their chosen careers while earning a salary at the same time. These can be offered by employers, industry bodies, educational institutions or apprenticeship training agencies in collaboration with one another.
Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors and industries, from traditional vocations like plumbing and carpentry to areas such as IT, finance, and healthcare. Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages and backgrounds and can pave a direct route to a successful career.
Types of apprenticeships in the UK
There are four main types of apprenticeships in the UK.
Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Entry-level apprenticeships.
- Provides the basic knowledge and skills required for a particular job role.
- They are equivalent to five GCSE passes.
Advanced Apprenticeship
- The next level of apprenticeships that build on the knowledge and skills gained from an intermediate apprenticeship.
- Equivalent to two A-level passes.
Higher Apprenticeship
- Advanced-level apprenticeships.
- Offers a higher level of training and education than advanced apprenticeships.
- Equivalent to a foundation degree or higher national diploma.
Degree Apprenticeship
- The highest level of apprenticeships.
- Provides the opportunity to gain a full bachelor’s or master’s degree while working and earning a wage.
- Equivalent to a full-time university degree.
Apprentice recruitment: meaning
Apprentice recruitment is the process of hiring apprentices for a business or organisation. Recruiting apprentices takes a more pedagogical approach in comparison to hiring employees. The main factors considered in apprentice recruitment include age group, work experience and educational qualifications. These are usually determined by the national apprenticeship framework and guidelines set by the government.
The goal of apprenticeship recruitment is to identify and select candidates who are most likely to succeed in the apprenticeship by developing industry-specific skills, and ultimately contribute to the growth and success of the employer. The recruitment process may involve advertising apprenticeship jobs, shortlisting applicants, conducting interviews, and administering tests or assessments to determine the candidate’s suitability for the apprenticeship program.
Benefits of apprentice recruitment for employers
Recruiting apprentices for your organisation has a number of advantages. By hiring apprentices, you can develop a skilled workforce tailored to your specific needs, while providing opportunities for young people to gain valuable experience and qualifications. Apprenticeships can also be a cost-effective way to fill skills gaps in your company. Read on to find out more about the other benefits of becoming an apprenticeship provider/employer:
Customised training
Rather than focusing your efforts on finding the right candidates that fit all your needs, apprenticeships help you create a skilled and experienced workforce. Apprenticeship training can be customised to meet the specific needs of your business and industry. Moreover, offering apprenticeships provides an opportunity for you to interact directly with future talent. It enhances your employer branding and reputation as an employer who is committed to training and development, which will help you attract high-quality job applicants and improve customer perception in the long term.
Cost-effective
Hiring an apprentice can be a cost-effective way to bring new talent into your business, as apprenticeship wages tend to be lower than regular wages. The table below depicts the current wage categories for apprentices as of April 2023. It should be noted that the hourly rates change on 1 April each year.
| Age | Wage (per hour) |
| Under 18 | £5.28 |
| Over 18, in the first year of apprenticeship | £5.28 |
| 18-20 | £7.49 |
| 21-22 | £10.18 |
| 23+ | £10.42 |
In addition to this, you will receive funding and support from the government to employ and train apprentices.
Increased loyalty
Apprenticeships give organisations a chance to mould future talent who may go on to set industry trends. Finding brilliant young minds and training them is a good strategy to ensure that your organisation’s talent requirements will be met in the future. Apprentices are often more loyal to a company that has invested in their training and development. This can help with employee retention, reducing the need to constantly hire new staff.
Improved productivity
As apprentices are trained in specific skills while they are working, they can bring new techniques and ideas to your organisation. On-the-job training, when combined with classroom learning, ensures that apprentices are well-equipped to perform their roles and have up-to-date knowledge in their field. This gives them the means to quickly become productive members of the team and contribute to your business’s success.
Young perspectives
Many businesses struggle to keep up with the rapidly evolving world nowadays. Recruiting apprentices is an easy solution to bring a fresh perspective and ideas to the workplace, often with the latest training and industry knowledge, which could help your business stay innovative and competitive. Additionally, young apprentices from various backgrounds would increase diversity in your workforce and boost your employer brand as a modern workplace committed to equality and inclusion at a time when the role of employer branding in recruitment is being actively discussed.
Succession planning
A unique advantage of apprenticeship programs is that they act as an investment towards your future talent needs. These programs help with succession planning, ensuring that your business has a network of skilled employees who are already familiar with your establishment and industry. Apprentices who successfully complete their training become valuable assets to the company, and hiring apprentices for full-time roles can make your hiring process easier and more cost-effective.
How to recruit an apprentice
It comes as no surprise that the first step in the apprentice recruitment process is identifying the need for an apprentice within your organisation. Will your company benefit from having apprenticeship programmes? In order to make this decision, try identifying skills gaps, forecasting future needs, and exploring potential business opportunities you could have with a new, fortified workforce. Once you have defined the need, you may follow the steps here in your apprentice recruitment process:
Define the apprenticeship role and requirements
As with any kind of recruitment, the process of finding talent begins with defining the role and requirements. This will help you to determine the level of apprenticeship that is most suitable for your business and the type of apprentice you need. You can then plan the job duties and identify the required qualifications and skills needed for the apprentice role.
Advertise the apprenticeship
As recruitment becomes more and more like marketing in the current digital economy, getting the word out about your job opportunities to suitable candidates can be tricky. Employers use various channels, such as job boards, social media, and career fairs, to advertise jobs and apprenticeships. It is also common to work with training providers and apprenticeship agencies to reach potential candidates.
Screen applications
Once the application deadline for the job posting has passed, you can begin screening applications to shortlist the candidates that meet the requirements for the apprenticeship. You may have received a number of applications from potential candidates, and you will need to screen them to determine which candidates meet your requirements. Using an online application system or recruitment software may help you screen applications more efficiently. While selecting candidates, be sure to factor in the eligibility criteria for apprenticeships, including age restrictions, education and experience requirements, and any other qualifications that may be necessary.
Assess candidates
Employers conduct phone, online, or in-person interviews with selected candidates to learn more about their experience, skills, and motivations. In addition to interviews, you may also want to assess candidates using other methods, such as aptitude tests, personality tests, or work simulations. This will help you to gain a more accurate picture of the candidate’s abilities and potential.
Select and onboard the apprentice
Once you have assessed all the candidates, you can make an offer to the successful candidate. The written offer you give should include details of the apprenticeship programme, including the training, qualifications, and benefits that the apprentice will receive while working with your company. Once the offer has been accepted, onboard the apprentice. Provide them with any necessary training or support to help them settle into their role, including a learning plan and ensure that the apprentice has access to the necessary resources and support to succeed in the role.
You can also find more information on recruitment, National Minimum Wage and recruitment regulations on the government database on recruitment and hiring.
Things to consider when recruiting an apprentice
Recruiting apprentices, as opposed to regular employees, has extra steps and requires careful consideration. There are several factors you need to consider while undertaking early career recruitment and apprenticeship recruitment. Here are some things you can’t miss when recruiting an apprentice:
Training plan
Consider the type of training your apprentices will need to acquire the necessary skills for the job. This includes both on-the-job training and any additional training they may need to complete their apprenticeship.
Time commitment
Apprenticeships require a significant time commitment, usually lasting several years. Before you venture into it, consider whether your establishment is able to provide the necessary training and support for the entire duration of the apprenticeship.
Funding
Apprenticeships can be costly, so it is important to consider the financial implications of recruiting an apprentice. You may be able to access funding or grants to help cover the costs of training and support. Once you have completed the apprenticeship recruitment process, following through and delivering the complete apprenticeship program and certification is obligatory and can influence your employer branding.
Career prospects
Apprenticeships are mutually beneficial for employers and apprentices. However, when you are planning an apprenticeship job, keep sight of how a particular apprenticeship role will help your organisation as well as the apprentice. Apprenticeships should offer a clear pathway to a career, with the potential for further training and progression. Consider the long-term career prospects for the apprentice and how they fit into your business goals. It is also important to consider whether you will be able to provide the support the apprentices need throughout their apprenticeship, including mentoring and regular feedback.
Legal requirements
Finally, before you take anyone on board for an apprenticeship, make sure that you comply with all legal requirements, including contracts of employment, minimum wage regulations, and health and safety requirements. Regulations and legal requirements may vary in different parts of the UK. Be sure to check the policies and regulations you must follow based on where your organisation is located.
Apprentice recruitment agencies
Apprenticeship recruitment comes with a unique set of challenges which may overwhelm your recruitment team. If your human resources team has its hands full with employee recruitment, you can get support from external organisations to make sure your apprenticeship recruitment plan is executed smoothly. Apprentice recruitment agencies are specialised recruitment firms that help employers find and hire apprentices. The best apprenticeship recruitment agencies have an extensive network of potential apprentices that they have built over time. These agencies help employers throughout the recruitment process, including advertising apprenticeships, and screening and interviewing candidates.
Apprentice recruitment agencies are particularly useful if you are new to apprenticeships or do not have the time or resources to manage the recruitment process yourself. Another advantage of hiring a recruitment agency is that they can help ensure that you stay on top of the employment regulations associated with apprenticeships. They will help make sure that you are compliant with apprenticeship regulations and match you with suitable apprentices for your business.
Apprentice recruitment agencies may charge you a fee for their services. This can vary depending on the level of support required. So, whether you want to rely on a recruitment firm is dependent on your needs and resources as an employer. Some agencies may also offer additional services, such as training and development for both apprentices and employers, as well as ongoing support and guidance throughout the apprenticeship period.
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Can you get apprenticeship funding?
Yes, getting apprenticeship funding in the UK is not complicated. Employers can access government funding to cover the costs of apprenticeship training and assessment. The amount of funding available varies depending on the type of apprenticeship, the apprentice’s age, and the size of your company. In some cases, additional funding may be available to support apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with disabilities. While the funding is paid directly to the training provider, the employer is responsible for paying the apprentice’s wages.
The good news for employers is that the government covers 95% of the apprenticeship training costs, while employers usually pay the remaining 5% of the training cost. There are other funding and financial incentives available when you recruit apprentices. For example, you can claim a £1,000 incentive payment for recruiting an apprentice aged 16 to 18 or under 25 with an education, health, and care plan.
Follow these steps to get apprenticeship funding in the UK:
Check apprenticeship funding rules
Before you start planning your apprenticeship recruitment, check the apprenticeship funding rules to ensure that you are eligible for apprenticeship funding. Bear in mind that the funding rules change periodically, so it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest guidance even if you have done it before.
Estimate apprenticeship funding
Planning your funding is as important as planning the apprenticeship jobs you could provide in order to form a realistic action plan. Before you make an application, estimate the cost of training, assessment, and certification of the apprenticeship. You can then use the online apprenticeship funding estimator to calculate the funding available.
Choose an apprenticeship
Your next task as the employer is to choose an apprenticeship standard or framework from the list of approved apprenticeships in England. You must ensure that the apprenticeship you choose aligns with your business, and provides appropriate training for the apprentice.
Find a training provider
Receiving suitable training is perhaps among the most appealing aspects of an apprenticeship programme. Therefore, your next step as an employer is to find a training provider who can deliver the apprenticeship training. You can search for a training provider on the National Apprenticeship Service website or contact the local apprenticeship team for support.
Apply for apprenticeship funding
Once you have finalised these details, you can proceed to apply for apprenticeship funding. Every employer needs to register for an apprenticeship service account to apply for apprenticeship funding. You can use this account to manage your apprenticeship jobs, recruit apprentices, and pay for training and assessment.
You can find out more about apprenticeship funding on this webpage about funding for apprenticeship training.
