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Upskilling Staff with Apprenticeships: It's Not Just for New Hires
When people think of apprenticeships, they often picture a school leaver on their first day. That's only half the story.
Some of the most powerful apprenticeships happen when a trusted team member steps up to learn something new.
If you're looking at upskilling staff, here's how apprenticeships can help.
Why Upskilling Staff Through Apprenticeships Works
You already know your people. You know their strengths, their potential and their commitment.
An apprenticeship builds on that foundation. It gives them structured, recognised training whilst they keep doing the job.
The benefits for your business are clear:
Stronger retention: people stay where they feel invested in
Skills gaps closed from within: no costly external recruitment
Better succession planning: future leaders grow in your culture
Higher morale: colleagues see a genuine route to progress
Who Can Take an Apprenticeship?
Almost anyone. There's no upper age limit, and existing employees are just as eligible as new starters.
What the Rules Say
To qualify for funding, the apprenticeship must:
Teach substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours
Differ meaningfully from any training they've already done
Include at least 20% of paid hours on off-the-job learning
Match a role where they can apply what they learn
These conditions are set out in the government's funding rules. A good provider will check them with you before anything begins.
What Does It Cost?
For most existing staff, it costs far less than you'd expect.
Non-levy employers: the government covers 95% of training costs for apprentices aged 25 and over. You pay the remaining 5%.
Aged 16 to 24: training is fully funded, so your contribution is £0.
Levy payers: training is paid from your levy account, or you can transfer unused funds to another business.
Take a 27-year-old on the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship. With a funding band of £5,000, your contribution is just £250.
Remember that funding covers training, not wages. Pay must still meet at least the legal minimum.
Which Skills Could You Build?
Upskilling staff works across every part of your business. Our apprenticeships sit in six areas:
Business & Leadership
Customer Experience
Financial Services
Project & Change Management
Housing & Property Management
Transport & Logistics
Explore our full range of employer apprenticeships to find the right fit for your team.
The best investment you can make is in the people who already believe in your business.
How to Get Started
Starting is simpler than most employers expect.
Spot the need: where are your skills gaps, and who has the potential to fill them?
Talk to your team: the best apprenticeships begin with an enthusiastic employee.
Speak to a provider: we'll check eligibility, funding and the right standard for you.
Ready to Invest in Your Team?
Your people are your greatest asset. Let's help them grow.
Speak to our employer team today about upskilling staff in your business, with funding support every step of the way.
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