Find out more about the different types of apprenticeship available, as well as alternative routes such as traineeships, T Levels and the government's new Kickstart Scheme for 16 to-24-year-olds.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are an exciting option for both apprentice and employer.
You can employ apprentices at different levels, from school leavers and university graduates, to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely.
You can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee.
As an employer, you can get funding from the government to help pay for apprenticeship training.
Anyone living in England, over 16-years-old and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship vacancy. Regardless of whether someone is working, or not working, they can apply for an apprenticeship vacancy. An employer might choose to create an apprenticeship vacancy if they have a need for new skills in their business. Existing employees could also apply for this apprenticeship job.
What are the different types of apprenticeship?
There are over 200 different types of apprenticeship available and at four different levels:
- Intermediate level apprenticeships (L2)
- Advanced level apprenticeships (L3)
- Higher apprenticeships (L4 - L5)
- Degree apprenticeships (L6 and above)
Depending on the sector and job role, an apprenticeship can take anything from one to six years to complete.
Government incentives for employing an apprentice – There is a £1000 financial incentive to recruiting a new apprentice – subject to eligibility. To check and for more information please visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/financial-incentives
Reduced employer NI for apprentices aged under 25.
There is more information surrounding apprenticeships on the Greater Lincolnshire LEPs website. Please click here to view their website.
National Apprenticeship Service
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) will provide support to help employers take on an apprentice from initial interest, through to the selection of a training provider and the recruitment and progression of an apprentice. Employers who are interested in taking on an apprentice, or finding out more, are encouraged to contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600.
Employers can also head over to the gov.uk website and advertise their apprenticeship vacancies through the National Apprenticeship Service.
What are traineeships?
Including a work placement, traineeships are designed to develop the skills of an individual and can last anywhere between six weeks and 12 months.
To find out more about traineeships, email the National Apprenticeship Service at nationalhelpdesk@findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk or call 0800 015 0600 for advice and support. You can also visit the gov.uk website for further information.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are a new kind of vocational qualification aimed at developing technical skills, to be taken after a young person has finished their GCSEs. T Levels are equivalent to 3 A Levels. Like A Levels and BTEC qualifications, T Levels will take two years to complete, and will bring together classroom study with a work placement to ensure students have the skills they need to enter the workforce after Sixth Form.
Incentives available: Employers offering a work placement to a T Level student (up to 21st July 2022) can receive a £1000 payment.
To find out more about T Levels, call the Industry Placement Hotline on 08000 150 600 (choose option 4) or email tlevel.placement@education.gov.uk.
Sector Based Work Academy Programme
The sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) can support you to create a skilled workforce for your business. Sector-based work academies help prepare those receiving unemployment benefits to apply for jobs in a different area of work. Placements are designed to help meet your immediate and future recruitment needs as well as to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business.
Sector-based work academy programme: employer guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Work Trials
A work trial is a short work placement opportunity that you can offer to a jobseeker on benefits. It is a way for you both to see if the job is a good fit.
Jobseekers volunteer for a work trial through Jobcentre Plus. They maintain their benefits whilst they are on the work trail and are not paid a wage.
Jobcentre Plus help for recruiters: Work trials - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The table above shows a brief summary of the programmes available for employers and employees, for a more detailed view please see the download below.
