Understand your responsibilities as an employer

Provide on-the-job training

As the employer, you'll be responsible for delivering on-the-job training.
For example, if you hire an apprentice for a plumbing role, you'll need to teach them how to install and repair plumbing systems, guiding and supervising them to perform the tasks required for their role.
On-the-job training also covers broader knowledge and competencies essential for their job role, such as workplace health and safety regulations.

Off-the-job training can be flexible and takes place during the learner's regular working hours.
The training is designed to provide the apprentice with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard, ensuring they achieve occupational competence.
There are a certain number of hours that have to be completed for off-the-job training, which can be found on
Skills England’s apprenticeship finder
. Search for the course and find ‘minimum hours for compliance’.
For instance, if you have an apprentice learning software development, off-the-job training might involve attending coding workshops or online courses. During off-the-job training, apprentices might learn about programming languages, software design principles, and project management techniques.
Learn more about off-the-job training or watch our webinar on ‘off-the-job' training.

Apprentices are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage. Different wage rates apply depending on their age and the year of their apprenticeship.
For example, a 20-year-old apprentice in their first year might receive a different wage rate than a 25-year-old apprentice in their third year.
Learn more about pay and conditions for apprentices.

Depending on who you hire, apprentices may need to work towards English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship if they haven't already achieved the level 2 requirements.
For instance, if your apprentice needs to improve their English skills, you might provide them with time during their working hours to attend English language classes or complete online English courses.
Studying for English and maths is not counted as part of ‘off-the-job’ training.
English and maths qualifications are not required for apprenticeship units.
For more information, explore English and maths requirements in apprenticeship standards at level 2 and above.

Recognising prior learning helps establish the apprentice's starting point and ensures that training is appropriately tailored to their needs.
For example, if your apprentice has previous experience working in customer service, you might recognise this prior learning and focus on developing their skills in areas such as sales techniques or conflict resolution.
Find out more about recognising prior learning during the initial assessment.

You have the opportunity to negotiate funding arrangements with your training provider, especially in scenarios involving multiple apprentices or predominantly online training.
For example, if you're hiring several apprentices at once, you might be able to negotiate a discounted training rate with your provider.
Read the apprenticeship funding rules to find out more

An apprenticeship agreement is a formal document that outlines the terms of employment between you and your apprentice.
This could include details such as the duration of employment, training provisions, working conditions, and qualifications being pursued.
For example, the agreement might specify that the apprentice will work for your company for two years and receive training in digital marketing techniques.
Also, a training plan must be developed and signed by you, your apprentice, and the training provider. This plan details the content, schedule, and expectations for the training, as well as procedures for resolving any issues that may arise.
For instance, the training plan might outline that the apprentice will attend coding classes every Tuesday afternoon and spend Thursdays working on practical coding projects.
Apprenticeship units do not have an apprenticeship agreement, but you will agree a training plan with the training provider and employee.
Access the apprenticeship agreement template and use the apprenticeship training plan template
Learn more about training plans in the apprenticeship funding rules

Making reasonable adjustments is crucial to ensure that disabled apprentices or apprentices with health conditions are not disadvantaged in their roles.
For example, if you hire an apprentice with a visual impairment, you might provide them with screen reader software or adjust the lighting in their workspace to accommodate their needs.
Get advice on access to work and reasonable adjustments, as well as the disability confident employer scheme.