It is fast becoming an effective alternative to traditional routes and provides both practical experience alongside a structured training programme delivered by approved training providers.
An apprenticeship can be utilised to hire someone new or upskill an existing employee. They are a great way to develop individuals with new skills, knowledge and experience in line with both business requirements and individual development.
As an employer, we receive government funding to help pay for the apprenticeship training.
Funding rules
This guidance has been updated in accordance with the latest funding rules (2022 to 2023). The requirement of 20% off-the-job training has changed to at least 6 hours per week for full time apprenticeships starting after 1 August 2022 only.
Types of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships cover different levels, from school leavers and university graduates, to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely.
There is a vast number of apprenticeships available across different occupational groups. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education is an employer-led organisation who provide the standards for apprenticeships and continue to develop new requirements.
Apprenticeship levels:
- intermediate - level 2 - equivalent to GCSE
- advanced - level 3 - equivalent to A Level
- higher - level 4, 5, 6 and 7 - equivalent to foundation degree and above
- degree - level 6 and 7 - equivalent to a full bachelor's or master's degree
Check out the different types of apprenticeship standards at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Duration varies by occupation from 12 months to over 3 years for a degree level apprenticeship.
- apprenticeships can be for existing staff not just for new recruits
- apprentices can be any age
- apprenticeships can be for staff in entry level roles up to ones that include a degree for staff in professional occupations
- many apprenticeships are mapped to, and include professional body standards or chartered status
- 6 hours per week off-the-job training does not always mean time out of the office
- there's a financial incentive for the employer
Leadership apprenticeships
We also offer leadership apprenticeships in partnership with the University of Derby and Derbyshire Adult Community Education (DACES) to support our leaders and managers as we move forward. These apprenticeships are run on a cohort basis.
There is further information on leadership apprenticeships including application open dates.