Apprenticeship information for Businesses

Many UK businesses find that skills shortages and recruitment difficulties are a big problem. Apprenticeships can be an answer as they combine working with studying that leads to nationally recognised qualifications.

Apprenticeships Norfolk

Supported by Norfolk County Council, the Apprenticeships Norfolk Network has been set up to help increase the number, level, range and quality of Apprenticeships in the county.Visit Apprenticeships Norfolk for more information (opens new window).

BT Group - Apprenticeship Levy Transfer

BT Group has launched a new Apprenticeship Fund, designed to support SMEs, charities and public sector organisations across England by providing access to £4m in apprenticeship funding over an initial four-year period.

Since 2017, companies with an annual wage bill of more than £3 million have been required to pay the apprenticeship levy, using the funds to recruit and train apprentices. They can also choose to transfer up to 50% of their levy to help support other companies.

BT Group has partnered with Babington, one of the UK's largest and longest-established apprenticeship training providers to transfer up to £4 million from its apprenticeship levy funds to help SMEs, charities and the public sector train new apprentices and upskill their existing workforce.

Babington will play a crucial role in matching businesses with appropriate training providers and guiding them through the application process. Successful applicants will be provided with access to funded apprenticeship training within 20 days, subject to meeting funding criteria.

Visit the BT Group to find out more and register your interest (opens new window)

Recruiting an apprentice

If you're thinking of hiring an apprentice, there are certain obligations you and your apprentice will need to meet before you can offer them employment.

Find more information on hiring an apprentice at GOV.UK (opens new window).

GOV.UK - Sector-Based Work Academies

The Government introduced sector-based work academies to help those who are ready for work and receiving benefits to secure employment. They are designed to help meet immediate and future recruitment needs as well as to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business. A sector-based work academy can last up to six weeks and has three key components:

Pre-employment training - relevant to the needs of your business and sector.
A work experience placement - of great benefit to both the individual and a business.
A guaranteed job interview.

The key feature of sector-based work academies is that they offer a flexible approach and can be adapted to meet the needs of your business.

Visit GOV.UK for more information on sector-based work academies (opens new window).