FAQs

There are two main funding routes:

• If the employer’s pay bill is over £3 million per year, they’ll usually pay the Levy, which they can use for apprenticeship training.
• If under that threshold (non-levy), the government usually covers most of the training cost (often 95% or more), and the employer contributes a small portion (or sometimes 0% for smaller organisations under certain conditions).

• Levy-employing organisations pay into the Apprenticeship Levy and use those funds to pay for apprenticeships.
• Non-Levy employers don’t pay into the levy but can still participate via government funding, with small employer contributions depending on apprentice age and business size.

Apprentices must be paid at least the Apprentice National Minimum Wage (which is regularly updated). Many employers pay more. Salary also depends on sector, level, location and responsibility.

These are hours when the apprentice is learning new skills, knowledge, or behaviours away from their regular job duties. It’s part of their training, and must be planned, recorded, and relevant to the apprenticeship standard. (You can’t count everyday tasks or regular work duties, unless they specifically deliver new standard KSBs.)

• Learners who don’t already have GCSE (or equivalent) grade 4/C in English and Maths will usually need to complete Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship.
• If you already meet the requirement, you and your employer may agree in writing to opt out (i.e. you don’t take them again).
• We work with PASS Functional Skills for delivery and examinations.

• The gateway is a stage where the apprentice must meet all obligations before the final assessment — this includes having completed all training, met minimum off-the-job hours, achieved required Functional Skills (if needed), and submitted their portfolio of evidence.
• After passing gateway, the End Point Assessment takes place. It’s conducted by an independent assessor or organisation and confirms whether the apprentice meets all required knowledge, skills and behaviours in the standard.

• Use the national Find An Apprenticeship site (for England) to see current vacancies.
• Check with local training providers, colleges or specialist providers like Impact Academy.
• Employers advertise vacancies directly; applications usually include a CV, supporting statement and sometimes an interview.

These vary by standard and employer. Some require prior qualifications (e.g. GCSEs), others focus more on attitude, transferable skills, and willingness to learn. Always check the job description and apprenticeship  standard.