Using Apprenticeships to Train Your Workforce

From 1 August 2026, non-levy employers pay nothing towards training and assessment for apprentices aged 16 to 24, and 5% for apprentices aged 25 or over. From 1 October 2026, non-levy employers can also claim a £2,000 hiring payment for each new apprentice aged 16 to 24. For levy payers, the 10% top-up has stopped and new funds expire after 12 months rather than 24. Levy payers whose funds run out pay nothing for 16 to 24 year olds and 25% for older apprentices. Our funding and grants page has the full picture, including the Youth Jobs Grant and worked examples.

No. There are no age limits for starting an apprenticeship, and many of our learners are over 40, bringing valuable experience that helps them succeed. That said, from 2026 there is enhanced funding for apprentices aged 16 to 24, so it is worth considering the age of your candidates when planning.

Yes, you must employ the apprentice at a legal salary, and pay them whilst they are learning too.

The apprentices will be recruited to your organisation and therefore should be provided with all the normal equipment for that role, and go through your normal due diligence checks.

Yes, only if a driving qualification is integrated into the apprenticeship, the learner must be able to complete these courses. If not, then no.

No, to join an apprenticeship there must be an opportunity for the learner to have significant learning. Completing such a small part of the apprenticeship especially when they are already in the role would not be classed as significant.

Possibly. Apprenticeships suit staff who wish to upskill into a higher role. For example, a Level 3 support worker could enrol onto our Level 4 programme. However, we cannot accept staff already working at the apprenticeship clinical grade as new candidates, as they will already have significant experience and knowledge.

No, neither you nor the apprentices will incur any costs

To have staff complete the blue light driver training then we must prove that there is a legitimate need. For this the awarding body asks that organisations are CQC registered.

No, the apprenticeship funding is only available for companies based in England.

You may charge reasonable costs such as uniform or DBS checks, but these must be outlined in the initial apprenticeship contract. You may not charge for the cost of the apprenticeship that is drawn from the levy.

At the start of the application we will complete an assessment with the potential apprentice. Here we will discuss their needs and explore what adaption we can make to help them succeed on the apprenticeship. Many of our learner have additional needs and disabilities and are successful, however they must be capable of completing all aspects of the apprenticeship including the driving skills.

A £3,000 payment from the Department for Work and Pensions for employers who recruit, through Universal Credit, an 18 to 24 year old who has been unemployed and claiming for six months or more. The job must be at least 25 hours a week for at least four months. It is paid in two instalments, £1,800 after six weeks and £1,200 after 18 weeks, and can be claimed alongside the apprenticeship hiring payment. The candidate must come through the Jobcentre, so tell us early if you want to use it and we will help you set up the vacancy.

Yes. Levy-paying employers can transfer up to 50% of their annual funds to other businesses, and any employer with an apprenticeship service account can receive a transfer. A transfer covers the full training cost, so you pay nothing even for an apprentice aged 25 or over. Several NHS trusts and large employers transfer to organisations in their supply chain or local area. We can help you find a transfer and set it up.