Question 1

How much does an apprenticeship cost?

Accepted Answer

Apprenticeship funding depends on your annual payroll. SMEs (Non-Levy) typically pay just a 5% contribution, with the government funding the remaining 95%. Training for eligible under-25s at SMEs is now 100% fully funded. Levy Payers (Payroll >£3m) use their digital tax account.

Question 2

What is the "Growth and Skills Levy"?

Accepted Answer

The Growth and Skills Levy is the flexible replacement for the old Apprenticeship Levy. It allows businesses to spend up to 50% of their funds on shorter, modular training (such as AI or Data units) rather than sticking strictly to long-form apprenticeships.

Question 3

Can I transfer my unused levy funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Levy-paying employers can transfer up to 25% of their unused funds to other businesses. This is a great way to support your supply chain or local SMEs by funding their apprenticeship training.

Question 4

Can I enrol existing employees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can enrol existing staff. Apprenticeships are a powerful retention tool, allowing you to upskill current employees into senior, technical, or management roles without needing to recruit externally.

Question 5

What are the legal requirements for hiring?

Accepted Answer

You must provide a genuine job description, a contract of employment for the duration of the training, and pay at least the Apprentice National Minimum Wage (rising to roughly £8.00/hr in April 2026). You also need to perform a workplace induction.

Question 6

Are there age limits for apprentices?

Accepted Answer

There is no upper age limit for apprenticeships. You can hire anyone aged 16 or over. They are popular for career changers in their 30s and 40s.

Question 7

What is "Off-the-Job" (OTJ) training?

Accepted Answer

Off-the-Job (OTJ) training requires a planned number of your apprentice's paid hours be spent on learning. This is flexible: it includes shadowing, workshops, online learning, and assignments. It does not usually require a strict 'one day a week' away from the office.

Question 8

How long does an apprenticeship take?

Accepted Answer

Standard apprenticeships take between 12 and 24 months for Level 3/4. Higher Degree apprenticeships can take up to 4 years. Some accelerated pathways now allow for an 8-month minimum duration to match industry speed.

Question 9

What support do training providers offer?

Accepted Answer

Solveway handles the heavy lifting. We manage recruitment, initial screening, compliance paperwork (ESFA rules), and design a bespoke training plan. You are supported by a dedicated coach throughout the journey.

Question 10

What happens during the "Apprenticeship Assessment"?

Accepted Answer

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) is a final impartial check of skills. It usually involves a project, a presentation, or a practical test. From 2026, employers verify behavioural competence internally, while the EPA focuses on technical knowledge.

Question 11

Myth: Apprenticeships are only for school leavers

Accepted Answer

Reality: Apprenticeships are for people of all ages. While you can start from age 16, many apprentices are in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. They’re a popular option for career changers, returners to work, and professionals looking to upskill or retrain.

Question 12

Myth: Apprenticeships are only for new employees

Accepted Answer

Reality: Apprenticeships aren’t just a recruitment tool. Many employers use them to develop existing staff, helping team members progress into more skilled or senior roles without leaving the business.

Question 13

Myth: Apprenticeships are for people who didn’t do well at school

Accepted Answer

Reality: Modern apprenticeships are academically robust and highly respected. They range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) right up to Level 7 (Master’s degree equivalent). Many programmes have entry requirements, particularly in maths and English.

Question 14

Myth: Apprenticeships are only for manual or trade jobs

Accepted Answer

Reality: While apprenticeships began in traditional trades, today they span almost every sector including IT, Data, Finance, Accountancy, AI, Business and Networks.

Question 15

Myth: Apprentices just make the tea

Accepted Answer

Reality: Apprentices are employees, not interns. From day one, they contribute real value to the business, taking on meaningful responsibilities while building practical skills that directly support their role.

Question 16

Myth: Apprenticeships don’t lead to ‘real’ qualifications

Accepted Answer

Reality: Apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Degree apprentices earn the same degree certificate as someone who goes to university full-time; often graduating at the same ceremony.

Question 17

Myth: Apprenticeships limit long-term career progression

Accepted Answer

Reality: Many apprentices progress quickly, gaining experience while others are still studying. Apprentices often enjoy strong career progression and competitive lifetime earnings, with many moving into senior or leadership roles.

Question 18

Myth: Apprenticeships are the easy option

Accepted Answer

Reality: Apprenticeships can be demanding. Apprentices balance a full-time job with structured learning and assessments, developing time management, resilience and real-world capability alongside formal qualifications.

Question 19

Myth: Apprentices are poorly paid

Accepted Answer

Reality: While there is a minimum apprentice wage, many employers pay well above it to attract and retain talent. Apprentices also earn while they learn, avoiding student debt and gaining valuable work experience at the same time.

Question 20

Myth: Off-the-job training means losing an employee one day a week

Accepted Answer

Reality: The training requirement is flexible. It can include online learning, mentoring, shadowing, project work, workshops or short study blocks — not necessarily a full day away from the business.

Question 21

Myth: Apprentices leave as soon as they qualify

Accepted Answer

Reality: Retention rates are high. The majority of apprentices stay with their employer after completing their training, often progressing into more advanced roles within the organisation.

Question 22

Myth: Hiring an apprentice is complicated and expensive

Accepted Answer

Reality: Government funding covers most or all training costs, depending on employer size. Training providers typically manage the administration, compliance and support, making the process far simpler than many employers expect.

Employer FAQs

Separating Myth from Reality

Apprenticeships are only for school leavers

Apprenticeships are only for new employees

Apprenticeships are for people who didn’t do well at school

Apprenticeships are only for manual or trade jobs

Apprentices just make the tea

Apprenticeships don’t lead to ‘real’ qualifications

Apprenticeships limit long-term career progression

Apprenticeships are the easy option

Apprentices are poorly paid

Off-the-job training means losing an employee one day a week

Apprentices leave as soon as they qualify

Hiring an apprentice is complicated and expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

Funding & Costs

Hiring & Eligibility

Training & Operation

Still have questions?

Solveway Employer FAQ Summary