A common myth is that apprenticeships are only for 16 to 18 year olds. In reality, apprenticeship standards are for all ages. 

They are a powerful way to:

  • Build and develop your team from within, upskilling existing staff with structured training that aligns to their role.
  • Give young people a perfect start into employment, helping them earn while they learn.
  • Create progression pathways so staff at different levels can continue to grow and take on more responsibility.
  • Improve retention as employees feel invested in and valued.

 

Apprenticeships provide a cost-effective route to developing skills, future leaders, and long-term loyalty.

98.5%
Of staff developed through apprenticeships retained after one year.

(Iceland)

13%
Employers developing staff through apprenticeship standards – whether new recruits or existing employees – report a 13% lower staff turnover (B&Q)

Employer National Insurance (NI) Savings

When you place employees under the age of 25 on an apprenticeship standard, you do not pay Employer National Insurance contributions for them. This government incentive is designed to encourage businesses to invest in apprenticeships and staff development.

For many employers, this adds up quickly.

For example:

Placing 10 staff on apprenticeship standards could return an average Employer NI saving of around £4,000 per employee, giving a total saving of over £40,000. At the same time, you are developing new skills in your team, boosting retention, and future-proofing your workforce.

Standard Eligibility

  • Employees need to be in paid work, usually 30 hours or more per week
  • Roles should match the modules in the apprenticeship standard
  • They must be aged 16 or over and not in any other government-funded education
  • They will complete Maths and English if they do not already have equivalent qualifications

Enrolment Process

  • You and your employee agree which apprenticeship standard is right for them
  • Details are submitted via our online link
  • We will be in touch within 5 days to answer questions and check suitability
  • The learner completes eligibility forms and initial assessments
  • Two meetings follow, one to go through the standard and one to introduce their e-portfolio

The enrolment process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks

On Programme

 

 

  • Learners meet their assessor every 4 weeks, a mix of face to face and online
  • They build a portfolio of evidence through theory and workplace tasks
  • Every 8 weeks you will join a review meeting to check progress and provide feedback

Off the Job Training

All apprentices must spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training during their normal working hours.

This does not mean being away from the workplace. It is about structured learning that develops new knowledge and skills.

Examples include:

  • Online learning and research
  • Shadowing colleagues in other roles
  • Training workshops or meetings with their assessor
  • Work-related projects and assignments that directly benefit your organisation

This way, the apprentice develops while also contributing ideas and improvements that help your business grow.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

At the end of the apprenticeship, the learner must complete an End Point Assessment.

  • The EPA is carried out by an independent external body approved by government, not by Activfirst
  • It ensures the apprentice has met all the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in the standard
  • The EPA may include a professional discussion, presentation, project, or practical test depending on the standard
  • Only when the apprentice passes the EPA do they officially achieve their apprenticeship

Levy or Non Levy – What Does That Mean

The apprenticeship funding system can feel complicated, but here is the simple version:

  • Levy Employers with an annual pay bill over £3 million pay into the government’s levy pot each month and then use those funds to pay for training
  • Non Levy Employers with an annual pay bill under £3 million do not pay into the levy. Instead, the government funds 95% of the training cost and the employer pays just 5%

At Activfirst we understand the funding rules and can guide you through them. If you are unsure whether you are a levy or non levy employer, or how to access the right support, we will explain everything and help you make the most of the funding available.