Taking on an apprentice can be a fantastic way to grow your team, invest in future talent, and bring fresh energy into your business. But for many employers—especially those new to apprenticeships—the process can raise a lot of questions.
Whether you’re looking to upskill existing staff through an apprenticeship or recruit new talent into your team, it’s essential to understand how the process works, what to expect, and how to get the most out of it.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up the top 10 most frequently asked questions from employers.
What are the benefits of taking on an apprentice?
Apprentices bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to learn. The benefits include:
- Tailored training to meet your business needs
- Increased staff retention
- Cost-effective recruitment
- Improved team morale and development
- Access to government funding and incentives
Employers regularly tell us how apprenticeships help drive productivity, innovation, and culture within their organisations. Visit our 5 Key Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice for Your Business blog for more benefits.
What is the process?
We make it simple. The apprenticeship journey typically involves:
- Initial consultation – we’ll learn about your business and goals.
- Programme recommendation – we suggest the best-fit apprenticeship standard.
- Recruitment or staff enrolment – either hire new talent or upskill current employees.
- Paperwork & funding – we handle the documentation and funding applications.
- Onboarding – your apprentice starts their learning journey with full support.
CT Skills acts as your partner from start to finish.
What is the onboarding process?
For new recruits, CT Skills can manage the full recruitment process, including:
- Advertising the role
- Shortlisting candidates
- Pre-screening interviews
- Arranging final interviews with your team
Once the candidate is selected, we’ll guide them through enrolment, initial assessments, and learning agreements. Our onboarding process ensures that apprentices—and employers—are ready to start strong from day one.
‘Great calibre of candidates coming through. CT Skills enhance our values and role expectations in the training.’ – Employer feedback
How long does the course take?
The duration depends on the apprenticeship level and subject area, but most typically last between 12 and 24 months.
While there’s a minimum duration (usually 12 months plus end-point assessment), apprentices who demonstrate exceptional progress may be able to complete sooner. Our tutors monitor progress closely and work with employers to ensure each apprentice stays on track—and sometimes ahead!
How much time do employees spend away from the job?
One of the most common concerns employers have is how much time an apprentice will spend away from their regular duties.
Under government guidelines, a minimum of 20% of an apprentice’s working hours must be dedicated to off-the-job training. Off-the-job training is dedicated learning and development time. While the name may suggest apprentices will be away from their role, that isn’t the case. Other than the weekly allocated study time, the rest typically consists of naturally occurring activities. Click here for a full breakdown of OTJ times for all apprenticeships.
At CT Skills, we work flexibly with employers to minimise disruption, often delivering training in a blended format—online and on-site—to suit your business operations.
What are the accredited achievements?
Each apprenticeship leads to a nationally recognised qualification, relevant to your industry. These may include:
- Functional Skills in English and Maths (if not already achieved)
- Sector-specific diplomas or certificates such as AAT, CIPP, CMI, and TQUK
- End-Point Assessment (EPA) certification
What are the costs?
For many employers, apprenticeships are highly cost-effective. Here’s a breakdown:
- Levy-paying employers (annual payroll over £3 million): pay 0.5% of their wage bill into the Apprenticeship Levy, which funds training.
- Non-levy employers: pay just 5% of the training cost, with the government covering the remaining 95%.
- Incentives: depending on the apprentice’s age and circumstances, additional grants or incentives may be available—we’ll help you access them.
CT Skills offers you a free and professional 360 service designed to ensure you get the best recruitment experience possible. We have an incredibly talented workforce that will attract and hire the best apprentices, develop and upskill your workforce, and optimise your employees’ learning, all as part of our free service.
Click here to get your copy of our comparative employer NI contribution guide.
How do we support our apprentices?
Supporting your apprentice is crucial to their success. You’ll need to:
- Provide a dedicated mentor or line manager
- Offer regular feedback and check-ins
- Allow time for off-the-job training
- Create a safe and inclusive environment
The good news? You’re not alone. CT Skills offers wraparound support for both you and the apprentice, including regular progress reviews, one-on-one coaching, and a direct point of contact to guide you every step of the way.
‘I have been very impressed with the entire team at CT Skills. They have been very accommodating over meeting times. They have worked with the learners very closely and helped them where needed. They are always contactable. A perfect example of tutors working with learners and employers successfully. Highly recommended.’ – Employer feedback
What support is available to the learner?
We pride ourselves on outstanding learner support. Apprentices receive:
- A dedicated tutor
- Regular one-on-one coaching
- Learning resources via our digital platform
- Wellbeing check-ins
- 24/7 access to learning tools
This high level of support ensures apprentices stay motivated, on track, and confident in their development. Visit our Careers Hub for more learner resources.
Why choose CT Skills?
CT Skills is an award-winning, Ofsted-approved training provider with a strong track record of employer satisfaction. What sets us apart?
- Free recruitment service
- Tailored training to fit your business
- Excellent employer communication
- Flexible delivery methods
- Dedicated account management
- Strong completion and achievement rates
Whether you’re hiring new talent or developing your team, we make the apprenticeship process easy and impactful.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re hiring or upskilling, CT Skills is here to support your apprenticeship journey with expert guidance, a personalised service, and training that works for your business.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how an apprenticeship could benefit your business.