Apprenticeships – a modern talent solution

Apprenticeships attract significant government funding and are a highly cost-effective way for employers to recruit and develop ambitious new talent to help realise business ambitions. 

There is a broad range of benefits attached to offering apprenticeships:

• You will be developing and retaining skilled employees – the kind of people who will help you drive your business forward
• A popular alternative to university, apprenticeships not only widen the pool of talent from which you can recruit, but also give you the means to build a diverse, talented, digital-ready team 
• By offering apprenticeships, you'll also demonstrate your commitment to building the skills of local talent as well as your employees. 

Apprenticeships in Wales 

Employers are responsible for paying their apprentices’ salary in Wales, but the Welsh government funds training costs. In addition, there are financial incentives to encourage employing apprentices; you can find more detail of these incentives in our Wales apprenticeship landscape factsheet.

Apprenticeships in England 

The funding available to employers in England varies based on the age of the apprentice you are employing and your apprenticeship levy-paying status. A helpful flowchart designed to indicate the funding available can be found in our England apprenticeship landscape factsheet, alongside details of additional support for employers of young apprentices aged 16-18 and incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice. 

Apprenticeships in Scotland 

The type of funding you can access in Scotland depends on the type of apprenticeship. Complete detail of the funding available for Modern, Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships is detailed in our Scotland apprenticeship landscape factsheet.