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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that we have answered. If there are any other questions, please contact us.

For Employers

Just like with any new team member, apprentices needs clear guidance and support as they learn their role. Since they are either new to the workforce or stepping into a completely new industry, they will need a bit more hands-on training, regular check-ins, and patience to build their confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed.

Apprentices have the same rights and responsibilities as any other employee in your organisation. As a result, in accordance with Employment Law, you will determine the days and hours you would want apprentices to work (which must be a minimum of 16 hours per week). You will also determine their rest breaks and paid holiday entitlement, among other things. The legislation specifies that if you employ an apprentice who is under the age of 18, they must not work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.

It is your responsibility to pay the wages of your apprentices because they are employees of your business. You must pay at least the Apprenticeship minimum wage which you can find on the government website, but have the option to pay more if you decide to do so. Apprentices who are 16 to 18 years old or 19 years old or older in the first year of their apprenticeship are subject to the minimum wage for apprentices.
Apprenticeships can benefit your business by:
 

• Developing a workforce with skills specific to your business

• Allowing existing employees to pass on their knowledge with your next generation of employees

• Providing you with a motivated and fast – developing workforce

For Apprentices

You inform us of the industry you’d want to work in, and we’ll match you with job vacancies that meet your requirements, i.e., companies in your area who share your interests. We will let you know about the opening, and it will be up to you whether you wish to be considered for an interview or not.
No, commonly apprentices are between this age group as apprenticeships are seen as an alternative to university. However, there is no upper age limited for apprenticeships. In fact, it is becoming common practise now for employers to train up existing members of staff through the apprenticeship route to help further their career development.

All apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage and many employers pay significantly more. The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £7.55 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over, who are in their first year. Once an individual is 19 or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship they are entitled to the minimum wage for their age.

Yes. Apprentices receive the same rights as other employees in the workplace who are working at similar grades or in similar roles. An apprentice will receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year plus national/public holidays which total to 28 days.

An apprenticeship takes a minimum of 8 months to a maximum of 4 years depending on the level of apprenticeship and which industry sector you are training.

The working hours for apprenticeships are subject to variability and will be determined by the employer. The duration of the apprenticeship program is based on a standard 30-hour work week. However, variations in working hours, whether exceeding or falling short of this standard, will affect the duration of the apprenticeship program, resulting in a correspondingly shorter or longer period of training.
You’ll need fundamental English and Maths that people require in the professional and personal life. Apprentices who do not have a GCSE grade 4-9/C-A* or equivalent in English and Maths or equivalent in their English and Maths will need to complete their Functional Skills in these areas alongside the apprenticeship.

Whilst a degree is an academic qualification earned studying at university, with theory being the main focus, apprenticeships offers a more practical route—enabling you to gain real experience, earn a wage, and start your career straight away, which can be a quicker and more affordable path to success.

Head Office

Central Buildings
Richmond Terrace
Blackburn 
BB1 7AP

Lancashire Office

Hazelwood
41 Bury Road
Haslingden
BB4 5PG

Greater Manchester Office

All Souls-Bolton
Astley Street
Bolton
BL1 8EY

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