As an employer, it can be difficult to find out all of the information that is needed in order to take an apprenticeship forward. This is why we have decided to put together an employer’s document library as a handy resource for employers that currently offer or are considering offering an apprenticeship.

Navigating the world of apprenticeships as an employer can sometimes be a challenge, particularly if apprenticeships are new to your business, but taking on an apprentice doesn’t need to be a complicated process. Employing an Apprentice are here to offer advice and support to employers for them to fulfil the programme requirements and prepare for the end-point assessment.

Are You Considering Hiring an Apprentice?

If your business is considering hiring an apprentice but isn’t quite sure as yet, you can read our document “The benefits of employing an apprentice”. This outlines some of the reasons why taking on an apprentice can be a great move for your company as well as the individual concerned. We take a look at some of these reasons below:

Apprenticeships are Cost-Effective

There is no better way to train someone for the job role that you want them to fill than with an apprenticeship. It gives the apprentice an academic qualification and at the same time makes for a cost-effective hire. Onboarding and potentially upskilling a new start can be more costly than apprenticeships and apprenticeships have the additional bonus that you can pay the apprenticeship wage, rather than the normal national minimum wage. This is significantly lower but reflects the fact that apprentices also get on the job training and an academic achievement at the end of the apprenticeship. 

Apprentices Can Fill the Skills Gap

As most employers will be aware, there is a major skills gap problem in the UK at the moment, with not enough skilled workers to fill the roles available. This is something that is really going to make itself felt over the next few years and one of the best solutions to this is apprenticeships. 

You are able to train apprentices for the job role that they will ultimately fill and this means that you will have someone who has been involved with your company while they are training and learning, and getting to know how your company works. They would be far ahead of someone who came out of University with a degree in your subject area, purely because of the experience accrued over their apprenticeship. 

Apprentices can Lift Morale

Employee morale is something that we can’t take for granted these days, as many people are being hard pushed to maybe take on some additional responsibilities due to the skills gap that are actually not what they want to be doing. Bringing in apprentices can ease this load and also bringing a pleasant young person into the team is always good for morale. It says that the company is focused on the future and feels like a guarantee of some stability as well. It is thought of as something that growing companies do, so it will give a feeling of enhanced job security. 

Apprenticeship Documents

There are several government standards employers must meet when offering an apprenticeship. Our employer document library is dedicated to providing employers with access to all the relevant documentation associated with taking on an apprentice, to help make sure you meet the responsibilities required.

Before the start of the apprenticeship, there are two forms the employer is required to sign: an apprenticeship agreement and an apprenticeship commitment statement. These are legally binding documents that outline the expectations of both the employer, their apprentice and the training provider. These documents are required to ensure all parties fulfil their obligations.

Apprenticeship Agreement

The compulsory completion of an apprenticeship agreement must take place before the start of the apprenticeship. Both the employer and apprentice must sign this form, with copies provided to the apprentice and the training provider. It is the equivalent to a standard employment contract and will outline details of the terms of the apprenticeship and training plan. Visit our dedicated page to find out more about the apprenticeship agreement, and where you can access a template form.

Apprenticeship Commitment Statement

An apprenticeship commitment statement is a contract that must be signed by the employer with their apprentice and training provider before the training can commence. It records the commitment of all parties towards the successful fulfilment of the apprenticeship programme. 

The commitment statement must include:

  • Details of the apprentice, employer, training provider and end-point assessment organisation;
  • Confirmation of eligibility and training costs;
  • The planned content and schedule for on-the-job and off-the-job training;
  • Expectations and commitments offered by the employer, training organisation and the apprentice; and
  • The process for solving queries or complaints during the apprenticeship.

To find out more about the apprenticeship commitment statement, and access a template, visit the dedicated government website.