Supporting apprentices shouldn’t feel overwhelming—especially for small and medium‑sized enterprises. That’s why this fully funded eLearning offer has been created specifically for SMEs who want to help apprentices thrive while strengthening their business.
These online courses form part of the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme, funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) in partnership with the Association of Colleges (AoC), AELP, SDN MESMA Group, and UVAC.
Why It Matters
Apprenticeships work best when employers feel confident and well‑supported. According to the Apprenticeship Non‑Completer Survey 2023, over 35% of apprentices who left their programme believed extra support might have encouraged them to stay—and 10% said lack of time for learning was a key barrier.
By strengthening the way SMEs support apprentices, we can boost retention, improve achievement, and create positive experiences for both apprentices and employers. These courses are designed to provide practical tools and strategies that fit into busy SME environments—without adding to your workload. A small-time investment now can lead to stronger teams and better long‑term outcomes.
What’s Included
This SME‑focused offer contains four new eLearning courses, each centred on a core factor that influences apprenticeship success.
They’re ideal for:
* Line managers
* Mentors and buddies
* Workplace coaches
* Anyone with responsibility for supporting apprentices
* Organisations with one apprentice or one hundred
Whether you’re new to apprenticeships or want to refine your approach, these courses will help you create a supportive, effective learning environment that benefits your people and your business.
