Hire an Apprentice

An apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. Apprenticeships enable individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and knowledge in a specific job role.

• It’s a real job - staff are typically employed for at least 30 hours per week.
• They provide career opportunities in a diverse range of industries.
• They are available to individuals aged 16+, who spend at least 50% of their working hours in England and who are not in full-time education. 
• They last between 1 and 4 years.
• Available from Level 2 (GCSE equiv.) to Level 7 (Master's degree equiv.).
• They include 6 hours per week off-the-job training. This includes regular day release, block release, special training days or workshops, and can cover practical training such as shadowing, mentoring, and industry visits. We work with you and the learner to decide the best plan.
• Perfect for new recruits or existing employees.

Apprenticeships are an effective route for any business to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.   

• Develops a loyal workforce with future-ready skills.
• Provides cost-effective hiring and training solutions.
• Improves job satisfaction and retention.
• Boosts productivity and motivation.
• Ensures up-to-date training.
• Finds the next generation of leaders.
• Trains new staff in company-specific skills, processes, technologies and cultures.
• Fills skill gaps, future-proofing your business.
• Opens up opportunities for government funding.

In order to offer an apprenticeship, you must:

• Provide a genuine job
• Offer an employment contract for the length of the apprenticeship
• Nominate a key contact or mentor for the learner
• Be commited to the development of the apprentice 
• Meet the legal requirements of relevant legislation
• Pay an apprentice’s wages*

*As an employer, you will set the wage for your apprentice at the start of the apprenticeship. Find out more about apprenticeship wages rates. 

North Devon College is passionate about apprenticeships and we care about securing the future of our local and national workforce. Whether you have a candidate you wish to upskill, or want to recruit a new apprentice, we can help.

• Discuss your business needs and the specific role that needs filling.
• Help you shape, create and deliver your apprenticeship programme. 
• Recruit, screen and shortlist the best talent for your role.
• Advise of any Government funding available to you, and advise you on how to apply.
• Help prepare you and your apprentices for final assessments.
• Support with your apprenticeship administration

The Apprenticeship Levy is a funding stream put in place to ensure all organisations have access to the training and apprenticeships they require.

The Apprenticeship Levy was designed to fund apprenticeships throughout England. All organisations with more than a £3 million annual pay bill are required to pay an additional 0.5% tax. This is held in a Digital Account to be spent with approved providers on apprenticeship training.

Find out more about Levys.

We offer apprenticeships from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) right up to Level 7 (degree level) across a huge range of industries.

All apprenticeships include elements of 'on the job' and 'off the job' training, leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications.

Apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess your ability and competence in the job role.