Apprenticeships

Providing on-the-job training can help you grow your workforce.

Apprenticeships can give school-leavers a chance to learn as they work, and can also be used to upskill existing staff. They range from level two – which is GCSE level – to level seven, which is the equivalent of a master’s degree. 

Who can apply?
Apprentices can be new or current employees, so businesses can use apprenticeships to upskill existing staff. Businesses must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage and you must be able to help your apprentice to work with experienced staff, learn job-specific skills and get time for training or study during their working week (at least 20% of their normal working hours).

How much time does this involve?
Apprenticeships must last for at least a year. They can last up to 5 years depending on the level the apprentice is studying.

Apprenticeships can give school-leavers a chance to learn as they work, and can also be used to upskill existing staff. They range from level two – which is GCSE level – to level seven, which is the equivalent of a master’s degree. 

Find out more about apprenticeships

Employer Guide: How to recruit your first apprentice

This guide is designed to provide you with a useful overview of the key steps to follow when recruiting an apprentice, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the apprenticeship system or a small or medium sized business.

Employer Guide: Recruit an Apprentice website

This North East Ambition guide for employers will show you step by step how to use the government's Recruit an Apprentice website along with tips to make your apprenticeship vacancy stand out and attract top talent.

George Smith furniture

George Smith, based in Cramlington, Northumberland, is synonymous with beautifully crafted furniture. The company is also a proud supporter of apprenticeships.
 

Case study: Lookers Plc

We sat down with Matthew Clay, Group Qualifications Manager, and Kirsty Pickering, Apprentice Technician, to discuss their experiences from both sides of the apprentice relationship at Lookers PLC.

Apprenticeships with Newcastle Building Society

Newcastle Building Society’s HR Director, Karen Anderson, and Customer Adviser, Callum Parkinson, explain how apprenticeships operate at the region’s leading Building Society. 

Our apprenticeship experience: Brewin Dolphin

Robert Irving, Head of Newcastle Business Support at Brewin Dolphin, and Faye Turnbull-Stoker, Business Support Apprentice at Brewin Dolphin, share their views on the value of apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships at Sterling Pharma Solutions

Find out how Sterling Pharma Solutions in Northumberland structure their apprenticeships programme.