Employers guide to hiring an apprentice
Are you looking to hire a tech apprentice? In this guide we'll take you through the process, including how to get started, how to fund an apprentice, and how we can support you along the way.
We also support businesses in upskilling existing employees through apprenticeship programmes.
Hire an apprentice
Step 1. Choose an apprenticeship programme that matches your business needs
Are you aware of any skills gaps in your organisations that an apprentice could help to fill?
Many organisations do not have the skills in key specialisms, such as cyber security, data and cloud infrastructure - and an apprenticeship programme could be the answer.
We will work with you to identify your business challenges and suggest solutions, helping to pair you with the best apprenticeship programmes for your needs.
A common misconception is that most apprenticeships are still trade-based. For instance, we say ‘apprenticeship’, you think ‘plumber’ or ‘electrician’. On the contrary.
There are over 846 apprenticeships standards in England as of 2023, and the disciplines they teach have moved with the times.
QA can support the employer and line manager to ensure the relevant support is seamlessly provided at the right time. Our real-time dashboards guarantee that you have an on-demand overview of your apprentices progress throughout, so you know they are on track.
Step 2. Connect with an apprenticeship provider
We’re the UKs largest training provider and experts in helping you and your apprentice get the most out of the programme.
Once you’ve selected the perfect apprenticeship programme to fit your needs, we take care of the rest.
Our digital delivery, market leading interactive platforms and dedicated learners support make us the ideal partner on your digital talent journey.
Step 3. Choose a funding solution
Apprenticeships are a powerful option for businesses looking to harness affordable diverse talent from a wide pool. They can allow you to leverage otherwise inaccessible tech skills for sustained success.
We’re here to help you understand all the funding solutions available. Whether you’re a levy payer or not (or even don’t know what the apprenticeship levy is!) our free consultations are the best way to get started.
Whatever stage you’re at, even if you’re just curious about apprenticeships, we will walk you through not only what funding you can access but how best to maximise it and achieve your unique goals.
Step 4. Create your apprenticeship account
Once you’ve chosen your programme and funding, and are ready to recruit an apprentice, you’ll need one of these!
This government hub is where you can:
- Accept your employer agreement with the department for education
- Add people within your organisation who need access to information about your apprenticeships
- Add information on your organisation, PAYE scheme and the apprentices you hire
- Most importantly… grant permission for a provider such as QA do take certain tasks off your plate. This means we can advertise your apprentice vacancy, or reserve funds.
Step 5. Advertise your apprenticeship vacancy
Advertising your apprenticeship vacancy is a time-consuming internal task, but don’t worry; we’re experts at finding talent with the right aptitude and attitude, who will be a great culture fit for your organisation.
Our expert candidate attraction team take care of sourcing and screening candidates to find the best fit for your business from the most diverse talent pools.
We do this through strategic partnerships with organisations such as the National Careers , local authorities, and Jobcentre Plus as well as community partnerships such as the African Pot Project), Women in Tech, Women's Engineering Society (WES), Young Professionals, Stemettes and Graduate Women to name just a few.
Step 6. Say hello to your new hire!
Congratulations, you just welcomed your new apprentice, and took a big step toward your digital transformation goals!
From here, we’ll take care of their learning, but they’ll need you to help them get immersed in your business, and find opportunities to apply their new learning to real life projects at work.
Our apprenticeship customers say
“Our Data Academy apprenticeships have launched and I couldn't be prouder of the offering we have built for our colleagues. Data is not just for analysts and scientists; data is part of our everyday for everyone and we are excited to be utilising our levy pot to develop skills in this area.”
“The ROI on the programme has been huge – delivering £12 million of tangible business benefits and savings from staff retention, project efficiencies and training value through integrated commercial training.”
“We’re creating a level playing field with QA. We can bring employees in from stores and build up their foundations in data. We have amazing opportunities in our technology team, like consumer analytics.”
Learn more about employing an apprentice
What are the benefits of hiring an apprentice?
There are many benefits of hiring an apprentice for business, including closing skills gaps, reskilling existing employees and access to funded training. Hiring an apprentice is a great way to give your team skills they might not have, unlocking productivity and building internal capability.
How much does it cost to employ an apprentice?
You can find out more information about how apprenticeships are funded here. There are several different ways that funding is provided, depending on if an organisation pays towards the apprenticeship levy.
What are the rules for employing an apprentice?
As stated on the government’s website, apprentices must be enrolled on an approved apprenticeship and their training should last at least 12 months. It must be real job, that provides skills and experience to help them pass their apprenticeship assessment.
Can existing employees do an apprenticeship?
Yes, apprenticeships aren’t just for new talent. We understand that the business world is ever-changing, and emerging technologies require different skills. Upskilling and reskilling existing team members is an excellent way to develop new skills within your business, without having to hire new employees.
Which employers do QA work with?
QA partner with some of the world’s leading technology providers, including Microsoft, AWS and Salesforce – providing a range of courses, qualifications and certifications. We support Microsoft towards their Get On campaign, and are an official partner of AWS Apprenticeships.
How does apprenticeship funding work?
Apprenticeship levy funding depends on then size of your organisation. Learn more about how the apprenticeship levy works.
Are there any government schemes for apprenticeships?
Alongside apprenticeships and the apprenticeship levy, keep an eye on Skills England, the labour government’s proposal to provide skills that meet the needs of businesses and organisations across the UK.
Apprenticeship programmes
Explore apprenticeship programmes in some of the most in-demand specialisms in tech.
Useful links for employers
Learn more about how to employ an apprentice and the benefits it can have on your organisation.
Become an apprentice
If you're an individual interested in starting an apprenticeship, you can get in touch with us via our Apprenticeship platform.
Find an apprentice
Contact us today via the form below or give us a call.