Employers

Apprenticeships

Two apprentices walking together at Drax Power Station

Apprenticeships can support your organisation in developing industry relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours, for now and in the future. By hiring a new recruit or upskilling an existing employee, apprenticeships are a productive and effective way to grow and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

Apprenticeships are funded by you as the employer, the government or a mixture of the two, dependent on the annual wage bill and number of employees:

  • If your organisation has an annual wage bill in excess of £3 million per annum, you will be an Apprenticeship Levy Paying organisation and these funds will be used towards apprenticeship training.
  • For all other employers, for those over the age of 24, 95% of the training costs will be funded.
  • For apprentices aged between 16 and 24 at enrolment, their apprenticeship training will be fully funded.

Employer Incentives for Apprenticeships

Funding changes are coming, now is the time to plan your apprentice recruitment.

For employers hiring apprentices aged 16-18. Paid in 2 instalments:

  • First payment: around day 90
  • Second payment: after 12 months (or earlier if programme is shorter)

Available now

For SMEs hiring apprentices aged 16-24. New employee (within 3 months).

Paid in 2 instalments:

  • First payment: around day 90
  • Second payment: after 12 months (or earlier if programme is shorter)

New from October 2026

For employers hiring foundation apprentices (16-21). Paid in 3 instalments:

  • First payment: around day 90
  • Mid-point (8 months)
  • Final payment linked to progression of student to their next apprenticeships

Available now

For employers hiring 18-24-year-olds on Universal Credit (6+ months). Paid in 2 early-stage instalments:

  • Typically, within the first few months of employment
  • Designed to support initial hiring

New - Autumn roll-out

Further information on apprenticeship funding rules can be found at: Apprenticeship funding rules - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

You will be responsible for paying your apprentice during both their normal working hours and any time used for training towards their apprenticeship. Further information on relevant rates of pay can be found at: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You may be eligible for additional support through a payment of £1,000, over two instalments, depending on the apprentice hired. This is designed to support apprentices within the workplace.

All employers are allocated an Apprenticeship Recruitment & Engagement Officer, whose role is to support you throughout the apprenticeship journey by:

  • Identifying the correct apprenticeship standard and confirming that the apprenticeship route is most suitable for your organisation.
  • Supporting with apprenticeship recruitment if required, via our free recruitment service.
  • Assessing candidates to ensure they are suitable and eligible for the apprenticeship programme.
  • Supporting you with the creation of your Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
  • Ensuring your apprenticeship funding is reserved in a timely manner.
  • Ensuring all required paperwork to meet apprenticeship compliance is discussed and completed.
  • Ensuring you are aware of funding requirements, and these are met prior to enrolment.
  • Providing advice and guidance throughout your apprenticeship journey.

We are offering Foundation Apprenticeships in:

  • Catering & Hospitality Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Health & Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship (Health & Education)
  • Onsite Trades Foundation Apprenticeship (Construction)
  • Retail Service, Supply &Administration Foundation Apprenticeship

Foundation Apprenticeships benefit employers as they get to see the apprentice in work-based settings whilst the apprentice receives extra support. Employers also benefit from accessing a broader talent pool of young learners than they might otherwise do.

Under the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship funding rules 25/26, the employer qualifies for up to £2,000 per-foundation apprentice, subject to retention and progression.

For more information, please contact our Apprenticeships Team on 01924 789489 or at apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.

For your existing employees who are aged 19 and over, new short, sharp, modular Apprenticeship Units are now available.

These are typically delivered over just 1-16 weeks and focus on specific skills needs or specialist skills – providing you with faster response to skills gaps, and more flexibility in how you can use growth and skills levy apprenticeship funding.

We are approved to deliver the following apprenticeship units:

Digital

  • AI leadership – AI strategy and opportunity
  • AI leadership – AI adoption, procurement and governance
  • AI leadership – AI delivery and organisational transformation

Construction & Built Environment

  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging point installation and maintenance

Engineering & Manufacturing

  • Mechanical fitting and assembly
  • Electrical fitting and assembly
  • Welding (mechanised)

For more information, please contact our Apprenticeships Team on 01924 789489 or at apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.

For further information on Apprenticeships at The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, contact the Apprenticeship Recruitment & Engagement Team on 01924 789469 or email apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.