Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way for businesses to attract new talent, develop existing employees and build the skills their organisation needs to grow.

We are proud to work alongside around 750 employers who see value in providing apprenticeship opportunities to over 1,350 apprentices, within their business.

Our dedicated Business Engagement Account Managers and Apprenticeship Recruitment Specialists will collaborate closely with you, the employer, ensuring you receive support and guidance at every stage of enrolling your apprentice onto their apprenticeship programme.

Benefits of employing an apprentice

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to train staff in the skills that matter the most to your business, helping you address any skills gaps that you may currently have. From day one, apprentices can learn your specific processes, systems, and industry practices, ensuring they work in a way that fits your organisation.

Apprenticeships aren’t just for new employees; you can enrol your existing staff onto an apprenticeship programme as well. They are available to staff at any level, from junior roles to senior employees. They can help employees develop new skills and gain recognised qualifications, all while continuing to work.

Apprenticeships can improve retention and productivity by letting employees learn while they work. As they gain new skills and qualifications, they can feel more motivated and can be more likely to stay with your business long-term. At the same time, they apply what they learn on the job, bringing fresh ideas and skills that make your team more efficient, productive and effective.

Apprentices often learn the latest industry knowledge, techniques, and technologies through their training. They can also offer new perspectives and innovative thinking on processes and projects, challenge old ways of working and suggest improvements based on what they have learned and their own experiences.

Taking on apprentices can help showcase your commitment to developing people, supporting the local community and investing in the future workforce. This can help your company attract potential employees, partners, and customers, and strengthen your standing in the local area or industry as a business that supports skills development and career opportunities.

We understand employers can be very busy, so our team is here to help you where we can. We can help advertise your vacancy, review any applications that come through and send suitable candidates for you to shortlist and interview.

Our Apprenticeship Offering

We specialise is delivering apprenticeships across a wide range of key industries, ensuring that your business can get the skills that it needs.

- Business Services - Human Resources
- Childcare & Teaching - Land-Based
- Construction Trades - Logistics
- Digital - Management
- Electrical - Motor Vehicle
- Engineering - Plumbing & Gas
- Finance - Sales
- Hairdressing - Technical & Professional Construction
- Hospitality

Off-the-job training

Off-the-job training is an essential component and a mandatory requirement of an apprenticeship.

Furthermore, off-the-job training is defined as learning which is undertaken outside of day-to-day work duties and leads towards the achievement of the apprenticeship. This training takes place within the apprentice’s normal (contracted) working hours. The off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship. The minimum off-the-job training for a full-time apprentice is an average of six hours per week.

Off-the-job training can be covered by:

- College attendance - Working on assignments and revision activities
- Work shadowing - Completing job reports
- Observing skilled workers - Accessing practical training at work
- Learning new tasks - Developing portfolio (OneFile)
- Leading on new projects
HE studying

English & Maths

English and maths are an essential part of every apprenticeship and each apprentice will have English and maths skills developed as part of their programme.

For those apprentices who have not already achieved their GCSE grade 4/C (or other equivalent English/maths qualification), they may need to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship.

Should apprentices need to complete Function Skills English and maths, they will be fully supported to complete these by our dedicated Functional Skills staff at The Bedford College Group.

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Apprenticeship Recruitment

Whether you are looking to recruit a new member of staff or upskill one of your existing employees, we are here to help you every step of the way. Explore our Apprenticeship Recruitment page to find out more.

Apprenticeship Recruitment
Three women sat at a desk in a classroom

Apprenticeship Funding

There is funding available for apprenticeships for businesses of all sizes. Large employers can use their Apprenticeship Levy contributions to fund training, while smaller organisations can typically receive 95% – 100% government funding. We can guide you through the funding options and help you make the most of the support available.

Apprenticeship Funding

“The Bedford College Group are invaluable for us. We have up to 25 apprentices each year and we do a lot of commercial courses on top of that. It’s just invaluable for us.”

Angela Bryden, Tata Steel

“Working alongside Bedford College for Neville has made such a difference. Their knowledge and support has been invaluable – there is always someone available to answer a question and make you feel at ease. “

Krystal Bailey, Neville Trust Group

Download our Apprenticeships Guide

Discover how partnering with The Bedford College Group can benefit your business. Simply fill in the form below to download your free guide and learn more about the training, support and opportunities available for employers.