Let’s be honest: running a trade business is hard work. You need solid, dependable hands that know their stuff. Apprenticeships aren’t just a tick-box exercise, they’re the smart way to future-proof your business and find loyal staff who stick around.
You get to train someone your way, right from the start, instead of hiring an old hand with bad habits you have to try and break.
The Bottom Line: Why It Makes Money and Sense
Forget the fancy corporate talk. Here’s what taking on an apprentice does for your business:
| It’s Cheaper than you think | You Keep them longer | It actually PAYS to train |
| Funding is available, especially for smaller businesses (you might only pay 5% of the training cost). | About 65% of apprentices stay with the same boss after they qualify. No more rotating door of staff! | Employers report a net benefit of £2,500 to £18,000 per year from a working apprentice during their training. |
| You’re shaping the next generation of your trade. | Around 90% of apprentices stay in a job after their apprenticeship finishes. You build real loyalty. | They’re earning minimum wage while they learn, keeping your labour costs down initially. |
Your Plan: How to Get a Good Apprentice on the Books
The paperwork can feel a bit much, but here’s the simple step-by-step to get you sorted in England:
Work Out What You Need: What role could an extra pair of hands fill? (Could be a new hire or upskilling a current employee.)
Get Real: You need a proper contract. The job has to give them a real chance to learn the trade’s skills and knowledge. No just fetching coffees for a year!
Find the Right Course: Work with a training provider to pick an approved Apprenticeship Standard that matches your trade (e.g., gas, electrical, plumbing).
Find the Right Trainer: Pick a local training college or provider that’s registered and runs the course you need.
Sort the Money: Agree on the training price. The government usually covers 95% of the course cost, although lots of councils have a levy funding pot whereby you can have 100% of the apprenticeship funded.
Find Your Apprentice: Recruit a new person or put a good existing employee onto the programme, you can upskill existing employee’s no matter their age or previous experience, we can match you with a potential apprentice if you are struggling to find one.
Let us do the rest for you: We can help with everything from finding you an apprentice to writing contracts for you, we have lots of experience in employment and apprenticeships.
The Two Golden Rules Once They Start
20% Off-the-Job: They must spend about one day a week (or equivalent) doing formal learning. This isn’t your time, it’s dedicated learning time.
Mentor Up: Give them a reliable mentor or supervisor on your team. It should be someone who knows their stuff and can show them the ropes. The better you integrate them, the longer they stay.
Quick Facts for Your Wallet
| What They Earn (Minimum) | £7.55 per hour (for under 19s or those 19+ in their first year) |
| What You Gain Annually | Up to £18,000 net gain per apprentice during their training period |
| Your Goal | Get them qualified and keep them on! (65% of employers do) |
Final Word
Apprenticeships build loyal staff with skills exactly matched to your business. You invest a bit of time, and you get a loyal, skilled tradesperson ready to hit the ground running. It’s the best way to make sure you’ve got a trusted team for the future.
