Employer – Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an Apprenticeship good for business?
Hiring an apprentice is a powerful way to grow your business by allowing you to develop your workforce precisely according to your particular needs. Apprentices bring fresh skills and energy, helping to boost productivity and keep your business competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective training solution since apprentices contribute to your operations while they learn, blending practical experience with skill development. Investing in quality training not only builds your business’s expertise but also fosters loyalty and motivation among your staff. Employees/apprentices who have received meaningful training tend to feel valued and committed, leading to higher retention and a more engaged, stable workforce.
In short, apprenticeships create a win-win situation; your business gains skilled, productive employees, and apprentices receive valuable experience that sets them, and your organisation, up for long-term success.
Is an Apprentice right for my business?
Remember, taking on an apprentice is not only an investment in your business’s future skills and productivity, but it also offers substantial financial benefits. An apprenticeship can provide:
- A positive contribution to your company’s social responsibility and community impact
- Access to motivated, trained talent tailored to your business needs
- Government funding and reduced training costs
- Increased employee retention and loyalty
What is classed as ‘off-the-job’ training
Apprenticeship guidelines require apprentices to spend a set amount of time on ‘off-the-job’ training. This type of training refers to learning activities that take place outside the apprentice’s regular work duties and contribute directly to the completion of their apprenticeship. Typically, apprentices are released from work one day per week to attend college-based training or participate in alternative learning arrangements, as agreed between the employer and Preston College.
Depending on the level of the apprenticeship, duration and/or the qualification will determine the hours needed on ‘off-the-job’ and this will be agreed with the employer and apprentice on sign-up.
Recording off-the-job is a must, and the apprentice will be able to do this through the College App or the College Promonitor.
Where does the delivery of an Apprenticeship take place and how do we support this?
At Preston College, apprenticeship delivery is designed to blend practical workplace experience with expert training. Apprentices will spend the majority of their time gaining hands-on experience directly within their employer’s workplace, allowing them to apply their skills in real-life settings.
To complement this, we provide dedicated ‘off-the-job’ training, typically one day per week at our college campus or through flexible, employer-agreed arrangements.
This training focuses on developing the knowledge and skills essential to successfully complete the apprenticeship framework or standard.
We work closely with employers to tailor the delivery to suit their business needs, providing ongoing support to both apprentices and employers throughout the programme.
Our experienced work-based-tutors regularly visit workplaces to offer guidance, monitor progress, and ensure apprentices receive the highest quality learning experience.
What levels of Apprenticeship are there?
There are various levels of apprenticeship to apply for depending on current skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
Intermediate Level 2 – Equivalent Educational Level – GCSE
Advanced Level 3 – Equivalent Educational Level – A Levels, T Levels, BTEC
Higher Level 4, 5, 6 and 7 – Equivalent Educational Level – HND Level and above
Degree Level 6 and 7 Equivalent Educational Level – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
All apprenticeships include elements of on and off-the-job training, leading to industry recognised qualifications. All apprenticeship standards require the completion of various apprenticeship assessments to assess an apprentice’s knowledge, skills, behaviours and competencies within their role. These assessments could include observations, professional discussions, and exams etc.
Whats is an Apprenticeship ‘Standard’?
Apprenticeship ‘standards’ have been developed to enhance the quality of apprenticeships by aligning training with the specific skills employers need within their sector. Each standard is occupation-focused, clearly outlining the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours an apprentice must demonstrate to excel in their role and industry. At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices undergo an independent assessment to validate their competence and readiness for the job.
Do I have to pay for Apprenticeship training?
Employers are required to pay for the apprentices training. However, this can be done in a number of different ways, and in many cases the cost of the training could be 100% funded by the government, or covered out of your organisations levy funds.
Information about the apprenticeship Levy and the subsequent costs associated with an apprenticeship can be found here.
Do I have to pay my Apprentices when they are released for training?
In short, yes. Apprentices are legally entitled to be paid for the time they spend away from the workplace (ie in the college classroom on day release) or completing training that forms part of their apprenticeship.
In addition, it’s in your best interest to provide reasonable paid time off for any further training that supports their development and contributes to the success of your business.
Is an Apprentice ’employed’ by my organisation?
Yes, all apprentices must be employed in a role that aligns with the apprenticeship standard they are working towards. To ensure a clear understanding of responsibilities and training expectations, the employer, apprentice, and Preston College will all sign an Apprenticeship Agreement and a detailed Apprenticeship Training Plan, confirming that structured training will take place as part of the programme.
How much should I pay an Apprentice?
Apprentice wages are set at the employer’s discretion but must meet at least the legal minimum. As of April 2025, the minimum apprenticeship wage is £7.55 per hour.
This rate applies to all apprentices during the first year of their apprenticeship, regardless of age. After the first year, apprentices must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage rate appropriate for their age group.
Who can be an apprentice?
Anyone can be an apprentice as long as they are 15 years+ and not currently in full time education. New guidelines state that individuals with a Degree or higher level qualification can now do an apprenticeship as long as the ‘standard’ is significantly different to their qualification achieved. All individuals wishing to undertake an apprenticeship must be assessed in English and Maths.
Many employers choose to upskill their staff as a valuable way to enhance their team’s knowledge and skills, driving both personal development and business growth.
How is the Apprentice assessed in the workplace?
We simply ask that employers provide as much support as possible throughout the apprenticeship journey. Once the programme begins, work-based assessments will take place, during which assessors observe and guide apprentices as they carry out their day-to-day duties.
To ensure consistent progress, reviews are held every 12 weeks with the work-based-tutor, the apprentice, and a designated supervisor or mentor from your organisation.
How can I keep track of my employees training?
Apprentices will be provided with access to an online portal where they can update their work and build their portfolio. Employers will also be granted access, which will be explained to both you and the apprentices during the induction process.
The portal is accessible anytime, anywhere via the internet, allowing you to view live reports, review submitted work (e-portfolio), and track the progress of your employee in real time.
Can I put my current staff onto an Apprenticeship?
Yes, thousands of full-time employees across Lancashire are currently enrolled in apprenticeship programmes to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
Apprenticeships offer businesses a valuable way to develop staff; whether that’s preparing employees for managerial roles or simply preparing them with additional skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the workplace.
What does Preston College contribute?
We will provide a dedicated Business Development Leader (BDL) to guide and support you through the initial stages of apprenticeship enrolment, including any recruitment requirements. Your BDL will work closely with you to:
- Identify the apprenticeship programme best suited to your business needs
- Explain how apprenticeships work and the available funding options
- Develop and agree a tailored training plan with both employer and apprentice
- Assist with recruiting new apprentices or support existing employees to start their apprenticeship journey
Our experienced work-based-tutors and assessors then take over to manage the delivery of the apprenticeship standard, ensuring all relevant knowledge, skills, and behaviours are covered. They will conduct workplace assessments and carry out milestone reviews every 12 weeks to keep employers, apprentices, and all stakeholders informed of progress throughout the programme.
Tell me more about the Digital Account Service
Important Information for Apprenticeship Employers as per ESFA requirements, all employers must set up and manage their own Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) Account. This portal allows you to access funding for your apprentice, in which the College can help, and, conducting recruitment for any future apprenticeship positions you need to fill. To enable us to support you – please ensure you grant us the permission through your account.
To support you with your DAS account, we offer a complimentary DAS Management Service exclusively for our employer partners. Your dedicated Business Development Leader will guide you through every stage of your journey as an apprenticeship employer, ensuring you have the support you need.
Once an apprentice has been added to your account, please approve your apprentice’s details on your DAS account at your earliest convenience and ensure that the apprenticeship agreement is up to date. This will ensure that you receive incentive payments where applicable and important updates from the ESFA. If you require any support with this, please contact your Business Development Leader who will be able to assist you.
Your DAS Account enables you to:
- Access apprenticeship funding (including transferable funds)
- Manage and add apprentices to your account
- Find apprenticeships
- Identify and manage training providers
- Recruit additional apprentices through the vacancy page
- Feedback by completing a survey on ‘My Training Providers’
Your feedback is invaluable and will help us continuously improve our services.
Did You Know? You can transfer any unused levy funds to help other organisations recruit apprentices. For more information on how to do this, please contact our team.