Apprentice Employers

Benefits of hiring apprentices

Advantages of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer many advantages for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency and market competitiveness. By incorporating apprentices into their workforce, companies can develop a robust skills base tailored to their specific needs, promoting an environment of continuous learning and development. This strategic investment in human capital augments productivity and contributes to heightened profitability.

As apprentices acquire and refine their skills, they become more adept at their roles, leading to optimised processes and innovation. Consequently, businesses can benefit from reduced operational costs, offering lower prices without compromising quality. Furthermore, introducing fresh perspectives and new ideas can spur the development of superior products and services, enhancing the company's market standing and customer satisfaction.

Advantages of Apprenticeships
Investing in Apprenticeships

Investing in apprenticeships also produces substantial returns regarding employee loyalty and organisational culture. Apprentices receiving training and career development opportunities from their employers are likelier to develop a strong sense of commitment and allegiance to the company. This sense of belonging and appreciation often translates into higher retention rates, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with frequent staff turnover.

Moreover, developing talent from within allows businesses to shape their workforce according to the specific values and objectives of the organisation, ensuring a better alignment of employee efforts with corporate goals. By investing in apprentices, companies secure a competitive edge in their industry and lay the foundation for a resilient and adaptable workforce poised to meet the challenges of the dynamic business landscape.

Investing in Apprenticeships
Our Recruitment Service
A free, collaborative recruitment service
Our recruitment service is completely free for employers. We work with you to craft a clear job specification and agree the apprentice salary, ensuring the role attracts the right candidates and meets funding rules. Once the job is ready, we advertise it on the government’s Find an Apprenticeship website to reach a wide pool of applicants.

We manage all incoming applications and rigorously review each one. Shortlisted candidates attend full face-to-face interviews conducted by our team, after which we send you the three best-matched applicants for your consideration.
From assessment to apprenticeship start
Following shortlist selection, candidates complete a skills scan and diagnostic test. We discuss the results with you to identify any Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) that could affect training pathways or duration, helping tailor the apprenticeship to the individual’s needs.

You then interview the candidates and choose your preferred applicant to employ. Once employed, the apprenticeship begins — with ongoing support from us to ensure a smooth induction and successful training journey.
Programme Areas
Human Resources

As a CIPD accredited centre, we are able to offer both the Level 5 People Profession and the Level 3 HR Support apprenticeships. We also offer the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management as a standalone course

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Marketing

Our expert team of marketing tutors delivers outstanding Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing and Level Marketing Executive apprenticeships through online lessons, online learning, and one-to-one support. Our apprenticeships are aligned with membership of the CIM.

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Network Cable Installer & ICT

As Cisco Networking Academy, CompTIA Academy and City and Guilds Approved Centre, we deliver Level 4 Network Engineer, Level 3 Network Cable Installer and Level 3 ICT apprenticeships. We are the largest provider of Network Cable Installer apprenticeships in the UK.

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Business & Management

We deliver a mix of management and business apprenticeships, including the Level 5 Ops / Departmental Manager, Level 3 Team Leader and Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeships. Our management programmes align with CIM and ILM Membership.

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Apprenticeship Funding
Apprenticeship Levy — funding from large employers
The Apprenticeship Levy is a payrolled charge for employers with an annual wage bill over £3 million. Levy-paying organisations pay 0.5% of their total employee earnings into a dedicated digital account, which they can then use to fund apprenticeship training and assessment.

Funds in the levy account are available for up to 24 months and can cover a wide range of apprenticeship costs. Employers benefit from full control over training partners and apprenticeship standards, and can transfer up to 25% of unused funds to other employers in their supply chain or group to support workforce development.
95% government funding for non-levy employers
If your organisation doesn’t pay the Levy, the government typically covers 95% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 16–18, and other eligible apprentices under certain conditions. Employers usually contribute just 5% towards the training, making apprenticeships an affordable way to upskill staff.

Non-levy employers engage a training provider who claims funding through the apprenticeship service. This route is ideal for smaller businesses seeking high-quality training without the administrative burden of the Levy, while still shaping on-the-job learning and keeping a stake in apprentices’ development.
Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice
1
Cost Savings

Lower salary expenditure and reduce recruitment agency fees significantly.

2
Government Funding

Access subsidies and training grants that cut overall hiring costs.

3
Tailored Skills

Develop staff trained specifically to your processes and culture.

4
Increased Loyalty

Build long-term commitment through career progression and invested training.

5
Fresh Perspectives

Inject new energy and contemporary ideas into teams and projects.

6
Enhanced Productivity

Boost team capacity as apprentices grow into productive contributors.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long will an apprentice typically remain on a VQ Solutions programme?
Most programmes run between 12 and 24 months, depending on level and job role. We provide a clear delivery plan with milestones and flexible options for part-time or accelerated completion where appropriate.
How do apprenticeship levy and government funding work for employers?
Employers can use their apprenticeship levy funds or access government co-investment; smaller employers may receive full funding. VQ Solutions advises on eligibility, levy transfers and funding invoices to simplify administration.
Which qualifications and accreditations do apprentices achieve through your programmes?
Apprentices gain recognised qualifications. We also offer sector-specific certificates and optional professional memberships like CIPD for HR programmes. We ensure certificates meet employer and industry standards.
How are apprentices assessed and what employer support is provided during assessments?
Assessment combines workplace observation, portfolio evidence and end-point assessment. We assign a skills coach who supports workplace mentors, schedules assessments and prepares apprentices to meet EPA criteria and quality standards.
What long-term benefits and career progression can employers expect from apprentices?
Apprentices deliver improved productivity, reduced recruitment costs and tailored skills development. Many progress to higher roles, increasing retention and ROI. We work with employers on career pathways and upskilling plans.
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