Supporting Your Business Through Apprenticeships

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 the largest college provider of apprenticeships in the South East Midlands and are proud to work alongside around 750 employers who see value in providing apprenticeship opportunities within their business.

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

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How it works

We have over 20 years’ experience of placing apprentices in businesses so you can rely on us to guide you through the process.

There must be a genuine job available with a contract of employment long enough for an apprentice to complete their apprenticeship. Employers must pay an apprentice’s wages and the role must help them gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to achieve the apprenticeship with support from the employer.

Find out more about apprenticeship recruitment.

Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training. It is up to the employer and training provider to decide how the off the-job training is delivered. It may include regular day release, block release and special training days or workshops. It must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship framework or standard and can be delivered at the apprentice’s normal place of work as long as it is not part of their normal working duties.

The length of an apprenticeship varies depending upon the prior skills of the apprentice, the qualification being obtained and the industry sector. Generally, apprenticeships take between one and three years to complete.

Employers with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million pay the apprenticeship levy, which can be used to fund apprenticeship training and assessment.

If you do not pay the apprenticeship levy, the amount you contribute will depend on the age of your apprentice.

Find out more about apprenticeship funding.

We can:

  • help you decide which apprenticeship programme is right for your business
  • explain the way that apprenticeships might work for you
  • explain the Apprenticeship Levy information to you
  • explain and support you to apply to current employer incentives and grants.
  • support your existing staff into apprenticeships or help you to recruit an apprentice
  • agree a training plan with you and your apprentice
  • deliver the training and provide on-going support to you and your apprentice, with regular feedback
  • measure the impact an apprentice has had on your business.

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.

Administration & Customer Service Human Resources
Aviation Land-Based
Childcare & Teaching Logistics
Construction Trades Motorsport
Digital Motor Vehicle
Electrical Plumbing & Gas
Engineering Sales
Finance Technical & Professional Construction
Hairdressing

Employers we work with

“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

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 Team at The Bedford College Group.

Two students and pc.

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

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.