What are apprenticeships? A guide for employers.

If you’re looking to secure a talent pipeline for your team, an apprenticeship programme can be a powerful tool for both employers and apprentices. If structured correctly, apprenticeships serve as a cost-effective way to attract, develop, and retain the talent your business needs – from entry-level team members to future leaders.

How do apprenticeships work?

An apprenticeship is a full-time job that combines on-the-clock experience with structured, accredited training. As the employer, you provide the role and workplace support. A training provider like HIT Training would deliver the tailored training through in-person workshops, online learning, and one-to-one coaching.

The advantage? Everything an apprentice learns can be applied in their role immediately, making the training relevant, targeted, and directly aligned with your business needs.

What are the different levels of apprenticeships?

In England, apprenticeships range from Level 2 through to degree apprenticeships, meaning you can recruit and train talent at multiple skill levels.

• Level 2 – Intermediate: builds core skills and knowledge.
• Level 3 – Advanced: equivalent to A Levels.
• Level 4 & Level 5 – Higher: similar to a foundation degree.
• Degree apprenticeships – Bachelor’s or Master’s level qualifications.

Employees can progress from Level 2 to degree apprenticeships, creating a structured career pathway and improving retention within your company.

Types of apprenticeships available

We offer apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Business Services Apprenticeships – admin, HR, customer service.
• Hospitality Apprenticeships – chefs, baristas, front-of-house.
• Brewer apprenticeships – learning the craft from grain to glass.
• Retail apprenticeships – sales, merchandising, store management.

How old do you have to be for an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are open to individuals aged 16 and over, with no upper age limit. That means they’re suitable not only for school leavers but also for experienced employees looking to retrain, return to work, or step into a new role within your organisation.

Do apprentices get paid in the UK?

Yes. As an employer, you must pay at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage, though many businesses choose to pay more to remain competitive. Apprentices also receive the same statutory benefits as other employees, such as paid holiday.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

Most programmes take between 8 months and 4 years to complete, depending on the apprenticeship levels and the apprentice’s prior experience. Degree apprenticeships typically take longer but provide high-value qualifications while the individual continues contributing to your business.

What is the apprenticeship levy?

The Apprenticeship Levy is a government scheme that helps employers fund apprenticeship training. Large employers with a pay bill of more than £3 million a year contribute 0.5% of that bill into the levy, while smaller ones don’t. The good news? Even if you don’t pay into the levy, you can still access government funding to support apprenticeships in your business.

So if you’re wondering ‘are apprenticeships free?’ then the short answer is no. The long answer is: the cost can be heavily subsidised. Depending on your organisation’s size, you may pay nothing or just 5% of the training costs, with the rest covered by government funding.

For the full breakdown, including levy payments, co-investment for SMEs, and levy transfers, head to our Knowledge Centre’s Apprenticeship Levy guide.

What is the difference between a job and an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a job, but it comes with a built-in training and qualification structure. This off-the-job training usually takes up a smaller portion of training hours while apprentices spend the rest working – although this can vary greatly depending on the programme – giving them the skills to advance within your company and reducing your turnover.

FAQs

Can we hire apprentices without GCSEs?
Yes. Level 2 apprenticeships are available without GCSE requirements, and we can help learners gain functional skills during their training.

Can adults do apprenticeships?
Absolutely. They’re one of the most effective ways to retrain and redeploy experienced talent into new areas of your business.

What qualifications do I need for an apprenticeship?

This depends on the apprenticeship levels you’re looking at. Some Level 2 apprenticeships have no formal entry requirements, but higher-level and degree apprenticeships may require relevant qualifications or experience. We work with employers to ensure candidates meet the necessary criteria before enrolment.

Ready to develop your workforce?

Apprenticeships are an investment in your people and your business. Whether you want to bring in new talent, upskill your current workforce, or create a structured career development pathway, HIT Training can help!

Explore our apprenticeships to see how they could strengthen your organisation.