How do apprenticeships work?
Developing skills, supporting careers and strengthening organisations
Apprenticeships combine structured training with practical workplace experience, enabling individuals to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their chosen occupation while remaining in paid employment.
They are available to both new recruits and existing employees, making them an effective way for organisations to attract new talent, address skills gaps and invest in workforce development.
Apprenticeships are delivered through a partnership between the employer, apprentice and an approved training provider, such as the University of Buckingham. Each plays an important role in supporting the apprentice’s development and successful completion of their programme.
The apprenticeship journey
1. Identify skills and development needs
Employers identify the skills and capabilities required within their organisation and select an apprenticeship programme that supports their workforce development objectives.
Apprenticeships can support both the recruitment of new employees and the professional development of existing staff.
2. Choose an apprenticeship training provider
Employers work with an approved training provider to identify a suitable apprenticeship programme, understand the delivery arrangements and establish how the training will support their organisation.
The University of Buckingham offers a range of apprenticeship programmes designed to combine academic expertise with practical, workplace-focused learning.
3. Confirm eligibility and funding
Before an apprenticeship begins, the training provider will assess the individual’s eligibility, including their employment circumstances, previous learning and suitability for the programme.
Funding arrangements will also be confirmed, including any employer financial contribution required under the Government Apprenticeship Funding Rules.
4. Training and workplace development
Throughout the apprenticeship, individuals combine structured off-the-job training with practical workplace experience.
The employer supports the apprentice in applying their learning within their role, while the training provider delivers structured learning and monitors progress.
Regular progress reviews involving the apprentice, employer and training provider help ensure that the apprentice remains on track and receives appropriate support.
5. Apprenticeship assessment and completion
Once the required training has been completed and the apprentice is ready, they undertake the relevant apprenticeship assessment.
This provides an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the programme and confirm occupational competence against the apprenticeship standard.
Successful completion results in achievement of the apprenticeship and, where applicable, any associated qualification.
Understanding off-the-job training
Off-the-job training is an essential part of every apprenticeship. It provides dedicated time for apprentices to develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours directly relevant to their apprenticeship standard.
Despite its name, off-the-job training does not necessarily mean time away from the workplace.
- Attending live online or face-to-face teaching sessions.
- Participating in workshops, tutorials and practical training.
- Completing relevant research, assignments and projects.
- Undertaking structured learning activities, including mentoring and shadowing where new knowledge or skills are developed.
- Participating in other planned learning activities directly related to the apprenticeship standard.
Off-the-job training must take place during the apprentice's normal paid working hours and be separate from their usual productive work activities.
Each apprenticeship standard specifies the minimum volume of off-the-job training required. The training provider will work with the employer and apprentice to establish an appropriate training plan.
Who is eligible for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are available to individuals at different stages of their careers, including those entering employment for the first time and existing employees looking to develop new skills.
To receive Government apprenticeship funding, both the apprentice and their employer must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Government Apprenticeship Funding Rules.
As part of the application and enrolment process, the University of Buckingham will undertake eligibility checks to confirm that the applicant and their employment meet the relevant requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be aged 16 or over and employed in a genuine and eligible job role that supports the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship.
- Have the right to work in England and meet the relevant residency and immigration requirements.
- Normally spend at least 50% of their working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship.
- Be able to undertake the required off-the-job training during their normal working hours.
- Not be undertaking another programme that would make them ineligible for apprenticeship funding under the Government funding rules.
Previous qualifications or experience do not automatically prevent an individual from undertaking an apprenticeship. However, any relevant prior learning must be assessed to ensure that the programme provides sufficient new learning and development.
The University will confirm individual eligibility before enrolment.
Employer commitment
Employers play an important role in supporting apprentices throughout their training and development.
As part of the apprenticeship partnership, employers are required to:
- Provide a genuine job role that supports the development of the occupational knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship.
- Allow apprentices to undertake their required off-the-job training during normal paid working hours.
- Provide appropriate workplace supervision, mentoring and opportunities to apply new learning.
- Participate in regular progress reviews and support the apprentice's development throughout the programme.
- Agree an apprenticeship agreement and training plan with the apprentice and training provider.
- Meet any employer financial contribution required under the Government Apprenticeship Funding Rules.
The University of Buckingham works collaboratively with employers to provide guidance and support throughout the apprenticeship journey.
Apprenticeship funding and financial support
Government funding is available to support employers with the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment, making apprenticeships a cost-effective way to recruit new talent and develop the skills of existing employees.
Funding is available to eligible employers of all sizes, whether they pay the Apprenticeship Levy or not.
The amount of funding available, and any financial contribution required from the employer, will depend on factors including:
- Whether the organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy.
- The age of the apprentice when they start their programme.
- The availability of funds within the employer's Apprenticeship Service account.
- The relevant Government Apprenticeship Funding Rules.
In addition to funding towards training and assessment costs, employers may also be eligible for additional financial support, including hiring incentives, employer payments and National Insurance savings.
Apprentices are not required to contribute towards the eligible costs of their apprenticeship training and assessment.
The University of Buckingham Apprenticeship Team can help employers understand the funding arrangements and financial support that may be available to their organisation.
Further information and support
Apprenticeship funding and eligibility requirements are set by Government and are subject to change.
The University of Buckingham Apprenticeship Team can provide guidance on programme suitability, funding arrangements, eligibility and employer responsibilities.
Whether you are considering recruiting a new apprentice or developing an existing employee, we would be delighted to discuss how apprenticeships could support your organisation.