Employers' apprenticeship FAQs

Answers to all your questions about setting up and supporting an apprenticeship in your organisation – from hours and contracts to holidays and training.

What hours can an apprentice work?

Any work shift patterns and weekends, to fit your business needs. There are some exceptions to this for certain sectors, which we can help you with.

What if taking on an apprentice doesn’t work out as expected?

The apprentice is under a contract of employment with you, so you’ll be able to engage your usual disciplinary procedures if necessary. It’s advisable to include a probation period in any contract of employment.

What happens once the learner has completed their apprenticeship?

You’ll be able to evaluate the apprentice’s salary depending upon their suitability to the role. You can also consider an advanced apprenticeship option for progression onto level 3 qualifications, higher or degree levels – or simply make the most of your newly-qualified employee.

How long does the apprenticeship take?

Apprenticeships take a minimum of 12 months to complete, with advanced levels sometimes taking up to 12 months.

Do I have to provide a contract of employment?

Yes. An apprentice is classified as an employee of your business, so will fall under all your company policies and procedures.

How will I know how my staff are progressing?

You’ll be invited to attend monthly and quarterly reviews with your apprentices where your teaching and learning coach will review and discuss their progress. We do reserve the right to withdraw any apprentices we feel are not fully engaged, have missed a number of scheduled sessions, or have not produced work. We also use an online ePortfolio, from which we can send you progress reports as required.

Does the apprentice have to attend college or training days off-site?

The qualification can be delivered at your workplace and, for some sectors, we can also deliver off-site training, if appropriate and available in your area. You’ll be assigned a teaching and learning coach to guide you and your apprentice through the apprenticeship.

Do I have to provide any training?

The only training you will have to provide is initial health and safety workplace training and any job- specific or mandatory training for the role.

What about holiday entitlement?

Apprentices are entitled to the same holidays as other employees within your business – the minimum being 20 days plus bank holidays.

Get in touch with Training Now about setting up an apprenticeship today