Employers: How apprenticeship training can help your business

Apprenticeships are a dynamic and affordable way to cultivate talent, enhance productivity, and build a committed workforce. Whether you’re looking to bring in fresh talent or upskill existing staff, apprenticeships offer a structured path to professional development.

Looking to recruit a new apprentice?

If you are looking to take on a new apprentice, it could be easier than you think – in fact we are almost certain it will be! Our funding team can advertise your vacancy for you, screen applicants, and even arrange interviews for you if you wish!

REQUEST A CALL BACK TO DISCUSS RECRUITING AN APPRENTICE HERE

Train your existing staff

Apprenticeships are not just for new recruits, they can be undertaken by existing members of staff to upskill or retrain; providing an effective way to nurture and develop employees with the skills and knowledge to help your business grow .

View our apprenticeships courses here

Apprenticeship Key Facts:

Apprentices can be new recruits or existing staff looking to upskill.
Apprentices must have a contract of employment, be over 16 years of age (or 15 if their 16th birthday is between the last Friday in June and 31 August), and be earning at least the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices– currently £7.55 for those aged 16-18 and those over 19 years of age in the first year of their apprenticeship (April 2025).
Employers recruiting a new apprentice under 19 years of age will receive a £1,000 incentive.
Recruit for FREE: We can help you to recruit a new apprentice free of charge.
Apprenticeship fees may be free for those under 21 years of age, working in a non-levy paying organisation with less than 50 employees.
All apprentices must undertake at least six hours a week (pro rata if part-time) of their paid, contracted hours, on off-the-job training. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you understand this requirement.

The Apprenticeship Levy

The way that apprenticeships in England are funded by the government falls mainly into the two categories below. Click on which one applies to your business to read more.

Employer with an annual pay bill of less than £3 million
(Non Levy Payers)

Employer with an annual pay bill greater than £3 million
(Levy Payers)

Why choose The College of Animal Welfare as your apprenticeship training provider?

Over the years we have gained a well-earned reputation for excellence; delivering quality training and education and employer support. We are dedicated to providing your apprentice with superior training based on the needs of your business. Your apprentice will benefit from:

Support and guidance from qualified tutors or assessors with strong industry experience
Diverse teaching, learning and assessment approaches catering for individual needs
Access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and extensive eLibrary resources

View our apprenticeship courses here

National Minimum Wage for Apprentices

The current national minimum wage for an apprentice aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year of their apprenticeship is £7.55 per hour (April 2025), although many employers prefer to pay more. All other apprentices are entitled to the national minimum wage for their age. Employers are no longer be required to pay employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25 on earnings up to the upper earnings limit.

I’m interested in apprenticeship training, how do I find out more?

If you would like to have a chat about apprenticeship training, please contact us and speak to a member of our team – we will be happy to talk you through your options, alternatively you can request a call back using the link below.