Employing an apprentice is great for business. Motivated, adaptable and full of fresh-thinking, apprentices are the cost-effective way to add real value to your teams.
Through core business skills and industry-recognised qualifications, hiring an apprentice is proven to reduce recruitment costs, improve productivity and diversify your workforce.
Speak to us first
So, we can explain how apprenticeships work and guide you through the process.
Register for a digital Apprenticeship Service account
You need to create an apprenticeship account to get funding. If you’re a small employer you’ll need your PAYE scheme reference number (also known as ERN number) and your account office reference number (AORN).
Choose an apprenticeship standard
Check out the standards we offer and find the right programme for you and your future apprentices.
Find a training provider
Search for Escalla TS. We are an award winning training provider, experienced in investing our training in your apprentices.
Advertise your apprenticeship opportunity
If you’re looking to hire new apprentices, our expert team will recruit the talent you need – for free.
Sign an apprenticeship agreement
It’s time to hire your apprentice and sign your 1 to 2 year training agreement.
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escalla removes recruitment costs
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Introduce new skills and perspectives
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Increase motivation throughout your team
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Shape your future workforce
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Utilise your levy account – or receive heavily subsidised training
Approved apprenticeship provider
escalla is a nationally approved (RoATP) apprenticeship training provider. With over 25 years of experience delivering training.
We are rated as Good by Ofsted, and achieved Outstanding for our apprentices’ personal development, behaviour and welfare.
As one of the best apprenticeship providers in the country for IT, digital marketing and local government qualifications, we can help you find the perfect apprentices to add value to your business.
"escalla is our trusted partner for our Tech and Digital Apprentices. They care, which means apprentices are well supported and have an excellent experience."
RedEye
Marketing technology business
Every apprenticeship falls into a funding band. But how much you pay will depend on the size of your business, whether you pay the apprenticeship levy, and the age of the person you are employing.
If you pay the apprenticeship levy, you can use the levy funds you’ve built up to pay the cost of apprenticeship training. If you don’t have enough funds to cover the entire cost, you will only need to pay 5% of any remaining fees.
If you don’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you will only need to pay a maximum 5% of each apprentice’s training costs – as the government will fund the remaining 95%.
Remember that any unused levy funds will begin to expire after 2 years. It’s important to use your apprenticeship funds before they are lost!
SMALL BUSINESSES (UNDER 50 EMPLOYEES)
Employing an apprentice aged 16-18 is free – fully funded by the government. You also receive an incentive payment of £1,000 for employing an apprentice aged 16-18 (£500 at month 3 and £500 on completion of the apprenticeship). Employing an apprentice over 18 costs 5% of training fee – 95% funded by government.
NON-LEVY PAYING EMPLOYERS WITH OVER 50 EMPLOYEES
Employing any apprentice costs 5% of training fee – 95% funded by government. You also receive an incentive payment of £1,000 for employing an apprentice aged 16-18 (£500 at month 3 and £500 on completion of the apprenticeship).
LEVY-PAYING EMPLOYERS
Employer pays apprenticeship levy payments into training account. Funds can be used to employ an apprentice – 90% government funded once your training account funds run out. You receive an incentive payment of £1,000 for employing an apprentice aged 16-18 (£500 at month 3 and £500 on completion of the apprenticeship)
As an employer, you are responsible for paying your apprentice’s wage and providing an employment contract.
You can decide how much you pay each apprentice. But you must pay apprentices at least the legal minimum wage for their age.
The current minimum wage for new apprentices is £4.30 per hour (increasing to £4.81 from April 2022). Apprentices aged 19 or over, or in the second year of their apprenticeship, must be paid the national or living wage according to their age.
Minimum pay rates from April 2022:
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National Living Wage
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£9.50
per hour
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21 to 22
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£9.18
per hour
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18 to 20
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£6.83
per hour
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16 to 17
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£4.81
per hour
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Apprentice
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£4.81*
per hour
*This rate applies if you're under the age of 19, or in your first year of an apprenticeship
Completing an apprenticeship with escalla will take between 1-2 years. The level of qualification, working hours and personal circumstances of each apprentice will determine how long the qualification takes. Contact us if you would like to find out more about employing an apprentice.
You will need to sign an apprenticeship agreement with any new apprentice.
An apprenticeship agreement outlines what will be offered and expected, in terms of their training and development.
An apprenticeship agreement must include:
- How long you will employ the apprentice for
- The training you will provide
- Their working conditions
- The qualifications they are working towards
