Employers
Take on an Apprentice
Hiring an apprentice is an effective way for businesses to develop future talent and build a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Employers with apprentices often report increased productivity, improved staff retention, lower recruitment costs and long-term workforce growth.
Businesses of all sizes can take on an apprentice and our Apprenticeships team will support you throughout the process.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job where an employee earns a wage while gaining nationally recognised qualifications and developing industry-specific skills. Apprentices split their time between working for their employer and completing structured training with Oldham College.
We deliver apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors including;
- Business
- Construction
- Digital
- Education and Childcare
- Health and Social Care
- Horticulture
- Media
- Professional Services.
We continually review our offer to ensure it meets local and regional workforce needs.
Why take on an apprentice?
Develop future talent
Develop future talent
Apprenticeships help businesses build a skilled workforce for the future while creating career-building opportunities for local young people.
Bring new skills into your organisation
Bring new skills into your organisation
Apprentices can bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and new skills into the workplace while learning on the job.
Hiring an apprentice allows you to develop skilled employees who understand your business from day one. Apprentices can improve productivity, strengthen succession planning, reduce recruitment costs and bring fresh ideas into your organisation.
Cost-effective recruitment
Cost-effective recruitment
Taking on an apprentice can help reduce recruitment costs while supporting long-term workforce growth within your organisation.
Oldham College has a growing talent pool of motivated candidates seeking apprenticeship opportunities. We advertise vacancies, screen applicants and match employers with suitable candidates, saving you valuable recruitment time
Recruitment support
Recruitment support
Our Apprenticeships team supports employers throughout the process, including:
- Advertising apprenticeship vacancies
- Matching employers with suitable candidates
- Advice on funding and incentives
- Support with onboarding and paperwork
- Guidance with Apprenticeship Service accounts.
Funding and support available
Taking on an apprentice is a cost-effective way to grow your workforce, develop future talent and fill skills gaps within your organisation.Apprenticeship training and assessment costs for eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 are now 100% government funded, subject to funding rules.
Depending on the employer and apprentice, financial support may include:
- Up to £2,000 for eligible employers that do not pay the Growth and Skills Levy, when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 from October 2026
- £1,000 for employing an apprentice aged 16 to 18, or an apprentice aged 19 to 24 who has been in care or has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
- Up to £2,000 for employers taking on an eligible Foundation Apprentice
- £3,000 through the Youth Jobs Grant for eligible employers recruiting a young person aged 18 to 24 who has been out of work and claiming Universal Credit for six months or more
- Employer National Insurance relief for eligible apprentices under the age of 25
- Apprenticeship Levy transfer opportunities
- CITB grants available for eligible construction employers
Employers may be able to access more than one payment where eligible.
Apprenticeship funding can also be used to develop existing employees, helping you build the skills you need within your current workforce.
Our Apprenticeships team can help you understand what funding and support your organisation may be eligible for and guide you through the process.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships are Level 2 apprenticeships designed to help young people get started in an industry.
They give young people the opportunity to develop practical, sector-specific skills alongside wider employability skills, such as teamwork and workplace professionalism.
For employers, Foundation Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to bring young people into the workplace, while helping to develop future talent within your organisation.
Our Apprenticeships team can explain how Foundation Apprenticeships work and whether they could be suitable for your organisation.
Apprenticeship Service account
Employers need an Apprenticeship Service to manage their apprenticeships and access funding.
The service can be used to reserve apprenticeship funding, manage apprentices and access levy transfers.
Need help? Our team can support you with setting up your Apprenticeship Service account, understanding funding and taking on an apprentice.
For more information, see GOV.UK.
Take on an Apprentice
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're considering hiring an apprentice or want to support your existing staff to do an apprenticeship, our FAQs provide all the information you need to understand the process.
Why choose Oldham College?
Oldham College has a long-established reputation for delivering high-quality technical education and apprenticeships. We work closely with employers across Greater Manchester to ensure our training reflects current industry needs, while providing dedicated support throughout the apprenticeship journey.
Who is eligible to become an apprentice?
Apprentices can be new recruits or existing employees looking to develop new skills. There is no upper age limit, and apprenticeships are suitable for people at different stages of their careers. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set by the government and be employed in a role that allows them to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard.
Who provides the training and support?
Oldham College delivers the apprenticeship training through experienced industry specialists, while the employer provides valuable workplace experience.
You’ll appoint a workplace mentor or line manager who provides day-to-day support and helps the apprentice develop practical skills.
Oldham College works alongside your team to monitor progress and provide advice whenever needed, and each apprentice receives regular reviews and support from a dedicated assessor, ensuring they stay on track throughout their programme.
Who pays for apprenticeship training and how much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on your organisation, the apprenticeship programme and your funding status, as well as whether you pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Many employers benefit from government funding, and additional financial support may be available in certain circumstances.
Oldham College will guide you through the funding process, explain your contribution (if applicable) and help you maximise the funding available.
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
As an employer you’ll employ the apprentice, provide meaningful work, pay at least the appropriate wage, allow time for off-the-job training, support their development and work closely with Oldham College throughout the programme.
Off-the-job training is protected learning time that helps apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their role. This may take place at Oldham College, in your workplace or online, depending on the apprenticeship programme.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
Most apprenticeships last between 12 months and four years, depending on the level and occupation. During this time, apprentices work while completing their training and assessment.
Apprentices are employed under a contract of employment and work agreed hours with their employer. Their programme includes dedicated off-the-job training within their normal paid working hours.
Where does the apprentice complete their training?
Apprentices gain practical experience within your business while attending planned training sessions delivered by Oldham College. Depending on the programme, learning may take place on campus, online or in the workplace.
What qualifications will my apprentice achieve?
The qualification depends on the apprenticeship standard. Apprentices gain industry-recognised knowledge, skills and behaviours, and where required, additional qualifications relevant to their occupation before completing an End-Point Assessment.
Additional Information
Explore Apprenticeships
Find out more about the apprenticeships we offer and hear from some of our students.
Meet the Team
Meet our dedicated team of Business Advisors and discover how they can help you.
Hear from our Apprentices
Hear from our apprentices at Oldham College about how an apprenticeship is helping them prepare for successful careers.
Our Partners
We're proud to work with employers across a range of sectors. Explore partner stories, testimonials and case studies that showcase the value of working together.
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