How to employ an apprentice

Setting up an apprenticeship can seem daunting, but the team here can support you with every one of the steps outlined below.

Step 1 - choose an apprenticeship standard

Every apprenticeship must be linked to what is known as an 'apprenticeship standard'. An apprenticeship standard sets out the skills, knowledge and behaviours required of apprentices and provides details of what an apprentice will be doing in their day-to-day job role. To decide on a suitable standard, you need to make sure it meets the needs of your business and the job description of the apprenticeship you are offering.

There are over 700 available standards that are approved for delivery which you can browse here on the Skills England apprenticeship search.

Step 2 - find a training provider

Once you have your apprenticeship standard confirmed, you will need to identify a training provider who is able to support the delivery of the apprenticeship.

There are many local and national training providers that may be able to deliver your chosen apprenticeship standard. Use our apprenticeship provider search to view training providers offering apprenticeships in Norfolk, and filter your search down by apprenticeship standard sector

How to decide between training providers

Consider the following checklist and questions to help you make a decision. You will work together with your training provider throughout the apprenticeship - ask them any questions you have.

Location of the training provider

Where is the training provider based, in relation to your business, and also the apprentice (if they need to travel there)?
If the organisation is not local, find out how they would be able to deliver the apprenticeship.

Start dates

Are there set start dates for training or can the apprentice start as soon as they are employed?
Do you have an apprentice ready to start their programme, or would you like support to advertise and recruit a new apprentice? Check if the provider offers this service if required.

Training delivery method

What are the providers facilities and expertise?
What type of industry-standard facilities does the training provider have for the apprenticeship standard you are considering? Look at websites and ask the staff about the learning environment.
How does the provider plan the delivery of the 'off the job' training?
Is it a day-release or block-release model?
Is any of the learning delivered remotely/online?
Is there any delivery offered in the workplace? How often would apprentices expect to have a visit from their tutor?
How are Functional Skills maths and English delivered (if required?)
Are there any exams or mandated qualifications within the apprenticeship?
What type of work-based evidence will they be asked to provide as evidence of their skills development?
You could look up the most recent Ofsted inspection report to find out more information about the overall effectiveness of provision and a summary of key findings.

'Off the job' training requirement

How will the training provider support/monitor your apprentice to achieve the 'off the job' training requirement?
How will the apprentice be expected to evidence and track the completion of their 'off the job' training - will this be a paper record, an ePortfolio or electronic logbook?

Progress reviews

Progress reviews are usually carried out every 12 weeks - how/where does the training provider conduct these reviews?
Who do they suggest is involved in the process?
How do they document the reviews - are they electronic or paper based? How would you receive a copy?

Where possible, it can be helpful to arrange an initial call with a small number of shortlisted providers to get a feel for their offer and delivery before making a final decision. Apprenticeships Norfolk can help introduce you directly to the right team from providers in our network.

If you are still unsure, feel free to contact Apprenticeships Norfolk.

Step 3 - create a National Apprenticeship Service account

Once you have chosen an apprenticeship standard and provider, then you can set up a National Apprenticeship Service account for various administrative tasks relating to the apprenticeship.

The account will enable you to:

Access and manage apprenticeship funding.
Receive government incentive payments.
Set up and approve apprentices.
Advertise roles on the find an apprenticeship service.
Approve training costs.
Check payments to training providers.
Give training providers permission to carry out some tasks on your behalf.
Give feedback on apprenticeship training.

Before you create an account, you'll need:

A work email address.
Permission to add PAYE schemes to the account.
Permission to accept the employer agreement on behalf of your organisation.