Translate

Employing an apprentice

Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying for a work-based qualification - from GCSEs or equivalent up to degree level.

An apprentice can be a new or current employee. You could even receive a grant or funding - GOV.UK to employ an apprentice if you’re in England.

You must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage - GOV.UK during their placement with you.

Your apprentice must:

  • work with experienced staff
  • learn job-specific skills
  • study for a work-based qualification during their working week, for example at at a college or training provider

Hiring your apprentice

There are several steps to taking on an apprentice.

  1. Check the apprenticeship standards - Skills England for an apprenticeship in your industry and at a suitable level.
  2. Register your interest in employing an apprentice with the National Apprenticeship Service
  3. Find a training organisation that offers apprenticeships for your industry - GOV.UK - they’ll handle your apprentice’s training, qualification and assessment
  4. Check you’re eligible for a grant - GOV.UK and apply
  5. Advertise your apprenticeship - your training organisation will do this for you through apprenticeship vacancies. You can track your vacancies by registering as an employer - GOV.UK
  6. Select your apprentice and make an apprenticeship agreement - GOV.UK with them

You can use an apprenticeship training agency - GOV.UK if you want to employ an apprentice without the responsibility for running the apprenticeship scheme.

For more information, visit Skills England.

Apprenticeship timeframe

Apprenticeships can take from one to four years to complete, depending on the level of qualification the apprentice is studying for.

For more information on how to recruit an apprentice into your business please contact lbcapprenticeships@luton.gov.uk.

We actively encourage the employment of apprentices. Luton Adult Learning is our in-house apprenticeship provider, graded as good in our 2023 Ofsted inspection.

The programme also offers an apprenticeship training service to local employers.

For more information, contact Luton Adult Learning. 

Email: info@lutonacl.ac.uk

Phone: 01582 490033