Apprenticeships
Employers benefit by developing talent aligned to their business needs, accessing government funding, and building a loyal, skilled workforce.
Explore this page and discover how as an employer apprenticeships can strengthen your team and support long-term growth.
Note: Apprenticeship funding rules, assessment approaches, and programme requirements are updated regularly. Employers should refer to the latest GOV.UK guidance or seek advice to ensure they are working with current information.
Are you a learner looking for an apprenticeship? Click below.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are structured training programmes that combine paid employment with formal learning, leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
They are available at multiple levels and across a wide range of sectors, making them a flexible and strategic option for workforce development, not just for school leavers, but for upskilling existing staff and supporting career progression.
Hiring An Apprentice
Employing an apprentice is easier than you think. Click to learn more about financial support and help available from the government.
Growth and Skills Levy
Access funding, incentives, and flexible training options under the new Growth and Skills Levy.
The Apprenticeship Guide
A one-stop introduction to the world of apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship Funding Rules
Understand how recent reforms support workforce development and sustainable growth for businesses of all sizes.
Key Changes for 2025/27 Apprenticeships
The apprenticeship system in England is undergoing significant reform, with changes being introduced in phases from 2025 through to 2027 to improve flexibility, simplify delivery, and increase employer engagement.
- Growth and Skills Levy – From April 2025, the Growth and Skills Levy expands employer flexibility by allowing levy funds to support a wider range of training opportunities.
- Shorter Apprenticeships – From August 2025, eligible apprenticeships can be completed in as little as eight months where prior learning supports accelerated progression.
- Off-the-Job Training Reform – Fixed minimum training hours have replaced the 20% off-the-job requirement, providing greater flexibility and clarity.
- Foundation Apprenticeships – New foundation apprenticeships create clearer pathways for young people into skilled employment in priority sectors.
- English and Maths Flexibility – Adults aged 19+ can now complete an apprenticeship without achieving Level 2 English and maths qualifications.
- Assessment Reform – Apprenticeship assessment is becoming more flexible, with greater emphasis on measuring competence throughout the programme.
What do employers need to do?
To respond effectively to these changes, employers should:
- Review apprenticeship programmes to ensure alignment with updated funding and delivery rules
- Assess prior learning at the outset to optimise programme duration and funding
- Update training plans to reflect fixed off-the-job training hours and ensure these are properly evidenced
- Work closely with training providers to understand new options, including Foundation Apprenticeships
- Use apprenticeship funding strategically to support wider workforce development priorities
- Ensure compliance by maintaining accurate records and supporting effective delivery and assessment
- Plan for increased flexibility in programme design, including shorter durations and evolving assessment approaches
Existing and reformed apprenticeship standards will run alongside each other during the transition through 2026–27.
Key Information
Stengthen Your Workforce
Why should an employer hire an apprentice?
For employers, apprenticeships can:
- Build a pipeline of skilled talent aligned to business needs
- Improve staff retention, engagement, and progression
- Increase productivity and capability within teams
- Support organisational growth and long-term workforce planning
Click below to hear employer stories.
Understand The Growth and Skills Levy
Find free, up-to-date advice on how to access funding, incentives, and flexible training options under the new Growth and Skills Levy.
Learn more about The Growth and Skills Levy (introduced from 2025, with further details being implemented through 2026–27)
Find out more about Funding
Understand how recent reforms support workforce development and sustainable growth for businesses of all sizes.
Read the rules for main providers and employer-providers receiving funding for delivering apprenticeship training and on-programme assessment in England; and all employers of apprentices who are accessing funding for apprenticeships in England.
Employer Exchange Webinar 2026
View the discussion of the latest developments, announcements and upcoming policy changes in the world of apprenticeships and skills.
Discover what this all means for businesses, and how these changes might affect apprenticeship plans and workforce development opportunities.
Facilitated by Simon Ashworth,
Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy, AELP.
Click below to watch the latest Employer Exchange webinar.
What employers need to consider
Successful apprenticeships require active employer engagement. This includes:
- Providing line management and day-to-day support
- Allowing time for off-the-job training (minimum 20%)
- Working closely with training providers
- Supporting apprentices through assessment and progression
With the right support structures in place, apprenticeships can deliver significant value to both the individual and the business.
Apprenticeship Networks
Join the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
What is the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network?
If you are an employer with an Apprenticeship programme you can join the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, to connect with experienced apprenticeship employers to network, share knowledge and best practice and attend events including those at schools and colleges. The AAN’s remit is to inspire, excite, and galvanise greater numbers of employers and individuals to connect with apprenticeships.
Join the Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network
The Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network (ADCN) is a group of employers who champion diversity and inclusion in apprenticeships. They showcase the positive impact of apprenticeships for people and organisations from underrepresented groups. Hiring apprentices allows you to offer opportunities to those from underrepresented groups, promoting inclusivity and bringing a variety of perspectives to your team. Discover how ADCN actively supports and promotes diversity in apprenticeships.