Apprenticeships FAQs

Whether your are an employer looking to build your business or an individual wanting to fast-track yourself to a debt-free career with our high-quality apprenticeships, our team have outlined some key questions below to help explain what an apprenticehip is, how you can apply and how it all works.

If you want to find out more contact us: 

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• 01895 853622

Click here to read the National Apprenticeship Service document 'A Guide to Apprenticeships'  

Overview of apprenticeships

• What is an apprenticeship?

  Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. 

  Apprentices can be new or current employees. An apprentice will be a full time member of staff. Apprentices will follow an approved industry standard whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification, working full time and attending training sessions at a frequency confirmed prior to enrolment.

  Apprentices will be paid the apprentice National Minimum Wage. However, many employers pay more!

  As an apprentice you will:

  • work with experienced staff
  • work in a real job for at least 30 hours per week
  • study an apprenticeship designed and respected by industry expert employers
  • learn job-specific skills at workplace
  • get paid to train job specific knowledge and skills plus learn English, math and ICT
  • get time for training or study during the working week at the college (at least 20% of normal working hours)
  • achieve a recognised qualification and work experience to progress quicker in your chosen career.

• How do apprenticeships work?

  Watch our latest 2026 webinar, presented during National Apprenticeships Week, for an overview of apprenticeships and how they work.

• Who can do an apprenticeship?

  Anyone aged 16 years and over is eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. You must be living in the UK for at least 3 years or have permanent residency status in the UK.

• What is an apprentice paid?

  Apprentices must be paid no less than the National Apprentice Wage. You can view the updated rates here National Minimum Wage.

  There’s different rates of pay for apprentices depending on age and what year of their apprenticeship they’ve completed. The contract of employment should make it clear what wage the apprentice will be paid and for what hours.

  • Aged 16 to 18: the current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £8 per hour
  • Aged 19 or over and in their first year: the current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £8 per hour
  • Aged 19 or over and have completed 12 months: apprentices will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age.  

  
  Employers please use the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator to check if you are paying your apprentices correctly.

  Many employers may pay more than the national minimum.

• Where will I study?

  You could be studying at one of our campuses or remotely.

• How long is an apprenticeship?

  Minimum apprenticeship duration is 8 months, however programme duration varies depending on which qualification you are studying. Apprenticeship duration can be found on our subject area information pages.

• Do I get paid while training to be an apprentice?

  You should be paid as an apprentice for time spent training or studying for your apprenticeship. Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours training.

  The training might take place:

  • at your place of work
  • somewhere else (for example, a college or training provider)
  • online

  
  If you are also studying for Functional Skills in English or maths which is required by your apprenticeship, you are entitled to paid study time during your normal working hours but it is not included within the 20% off the job training.

• How much will it cost?

  Apprenticeships are free for the students so if you are thinking to do an apprenticeship, there will be no cost for you to pay. In fact, you will get paid to do an apprenticeship.

• How can I apply for an apprenticeship?

  There are several steps to becoming an apprentice.

  • Apply for a vacancy on our website.
  • Robust initial interview
  • Initial assessment and scan
  • Start your apprenticeship.

• Can graduates do apprenticeships?

  Yes, graduates can apply for an apprenticeship in a different field to their qualification. For example, a business graduate is eligible to apply for an apprenticeship in the construction sector.

Applications and Interviews

According to UCAS, there are 7 top tips to help you apply for an apprenticeship.

• Do I need to research the role before I apply?
   

  Research the apprenticeship thoroughly.

  You’ll need to know the role in detail for your application and any possible interviews – you can find out more about different subjects and the expected job roles on our website.

  Check if there’s a number you can call for an informal chat about the role – don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.

• What experience do I need to have?

  Make a list of your experiences, hobbies, and interests.

  If you get stuck, you can refer to it throughout your application. You need to compare and match your experience with what the employer and training provider are looking for in their job specification.

  Tie in your experiences and hobbies with what you’ll be doing in the apprenticeship.

  For example, if you’re applying for an apprenticeship in engineering, talk about relevant projects you’ve worked on in science or maths.

• What do I write about on the application?

  You’ll need to be able to write about yourself. Highlight your skills and qualities, especially those that will relate to the job.

  If you’re stuck, ask teachers, friends, and family to list your three top qualities to give you a starting point.

  Provide recent examples of your strengths, such as if you are good at communication and leadership, have evidence – like being a captain of a sports team – then explain in what siutations you used these skills.

  Finally get someone to read it before you submit the application to make sure it is clear, concise, with good spelling and grammar - this is important and makes a difference.  

• Do I need to research the company?

  It is very common in interviews for an employer to ask you what you know about their company.

  In order to prepare, take a look at their ‘About Us’ section on their website, the companies social media profiles and possible news articles.

  This will help you understand the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent achievements. It may also help to research the companies competitors.

• Should I practise answering interview questions in advance?

  Yes. Often within the first 30 seconds of meeting you interviewers have already started to form an opinion about your suitability for the role. So be prepared.

  Pick someone to practise interview questions with.

  If you are at school or college, you may be able to arrange a mock interview.

  Prepare answers for common questions like:

  • "Tell me about yourself,"
  • "Why do you want this job?"
  • "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

  Practising these responses helps you answer confidently and clearly.

  When answering behavioural questions, structure your response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This technique helps you provide clear and concise examples of how you handled specific situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and accomplishments. For example, if asked about a time you overcame a challenge, describe the Situation you faced, the Task that was at hand, the specific Actions you took, and the Result of your efforts.

• Why should I review the job description?

  Reviewing the job description will remind you of the key skills and qualities required, and the application you completed.

  Be prepared to provide further information about what you said about yourself and what you can do.

• What will the interviewer ask about?

  The interviewer wants to find out about what you can offer them.

  Demonstrate the particular skills and qualities you can bring that set you apart from other applicants.

  Make sure to maintain eye contact as this is not only respectful but helps you engage with the interviewer and shows that you are actively listening.

  It’s also OK to take a moment to think through your responses, and better to have a considered reply rather than a rushed answer. If you need more time to think about your answer, ask the interviewer to repeat the question.

• Should I ask the employer any questions?

  Yes!

  Try to think of some insightful questions you could ask, for example, any opportunities you may have to develop your role in the company. Or any questions about the team or culture of the company. 

  This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if the company is a good fit for you. Avoid just asking about your salary and benefits.

• What should I wear to the interview?

  Look the part!

  Every workplace has a different culture, so it’s best to play safe and avoid excessive jewellery, body piercings, make up, bold hairstyles, etc.

• Can I take notes with me?

  Take a copy of your application and the job description, together with pen and paper.

  Having this to hand in a smart folder or portfolio leaves a good impression, gives you something to hold during the interview, and something to refer to if you have written your own questions.

Information for employers

• What is an employer responsible for?

  • Giving your apprentice their contract of employment and meeting the minimum hours of work currently set at 30 hours a week
  • Paying your apprentice’s wage (apprentice national minimum wage)
  • Having a valid employers liability insurance
  • Signing an apprenticeship agreement with the apprentice and training provider 
  • Ensuring apprentices are given at least 1 day a week of college training during their normal working hours
  • Making sure apprentices have appropriate support and supervision on the job, by you (the employer), to carry out their job role.

• Can employers get funding?

  Employers can get help from the government

  • To pay for apprenticeship training and assessment
  • As an incentive payment for other costs.

  
  Help to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment

  The amount the employer gets depends on whether the employer pays the apprenticeship levy or not. An employer will pay the levy if you’re an employer with a pay bill over £3 million each year. 

  If an employer does not need to pay the levy

  The employer pays 5% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice. You need to:

  • Agree a payment schedule with the training provider
  • Pay them directly for the training
  • Exemptions: The 5% fee is fully waived (the government covers 100% of the costs) if you take on an apprentice aged between 16 and 21 years old.

  
  The government will pay the rest (95%) up to the funding band maximum. They’ll pay it directly to the training provider.

  What is changing to co-investment?

  Currently, when a levy-paying employer uses up all available levy funds, the Government covers 95% of the apprenticeship training and assessment costs, with employers paying the remaining 5%.

  From 1 August 2026, this will change.

  Under the new rules:

  • The Government will contribute 75% of the costs
  • Employers will be responsible for the remaining 25%
  • This revised co-investment rate applies only to new apprentices starting from August 2026 onwards, once levy funds have been exhausted.

  
  Critically, any apprentices already on programme before August 2026 will continue to benefit from the existing 95% Government contribution, even if the employer runs out of levy funds later.

  The employer could be eligible for extra funding depending on both their and your apprentice’s circumstances.

  Help to pay for other costs

  The employer can claim for an incentive payment for new apprentices who join their organisation.
  The amount the employer gets will depend on when the apprentice joined the organisation.

  Click here to find out if you are eligible, what you can use the payment for and how to apply as an employer.

  Register for a digital service account

  Register for an apprenticeship service account to access funds or pay for training. As an employer, you’ll be able to apply for the incentive payment after you add new apprentices to your account. If as an employer you pay the apprenticeship levy and use an apprenticeship training agency, you cannot use funds from your digital account to pay for the training agency’s services.

  READ FUNDING PAGE TO FIND OUT MORE

• As an employer can I train my current employees?

  Yes you can use apprenticeships to upskill and retrain your existing workforce.

  Your existing members of staff will benefit from the new apprenticeship standards that now reflect up to date industry practices, boost movtation, fill key skill gaps and improve on retention.

  Similar in hiring a new apprentice, you must allow your member of staff that quota of 20% off the job training.