National Apprenticeship Week 2023 - Apprenticeship FAQs

There is a significant amount of guidance out there about the principles of developing and delivering an apprenticeship - what we hope here is that we can suggest ways to achieve this in ways that are relevant to the technical community. 

Below are some examples of FAQs around apprenticeships. 

Visit our FAQ page to see all frequently asked questions.

What do you need to include in a business case to recruit an apprentice?

Experience suggests you need to include the following: 

• Equality and diversity initiatives. The implementation of apprenticeship programmes is a key way to increase diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

• Aligns with the Technician Commitment so if you are a signatory, this should form part of your action plan. Sustainability.

• Addresses skills gaps, age profile of the workforce. Set skills in the workforce

• Aligns with ‘Civic Duty’ if your institute is a Civic University.

• Opportunities for the local community and for those young people who may not usually enter further or higher education.

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

Historically, they were aimed at younger people, often termed as ‘grow your own’. The current scheme is open to existing staff (to help upskill current workforce) as well new recruits, so age is often irrelevant at this point.

What is the best time in the year for an apprentice to start?

They can start anytime but if they are enrolling at a further education (FE) college for their training part this will usually have to be aligned with their timetable, often September or sometimes January.

If I am responsible for the apprentice programme, how do I arrange the off-the-job training?

You will need to liaise directly with a registered education provider who can deliver the off the job training for the relevant standard. Your university may have a preferred supplier list or you may have already built up a relationship with a local provider. If not then the government’s apprenticeship website provides access to a list of providers.

It may also help to contact colleagues within your organisation who may be using the same standard, or even colleagues in higher education institutions (HEIs) in your local area, for recommendations.

Practical technical skills training can be expensive for FE colleges to run, therefore, they may well be better placed to deliver if they are approached by a group rather than an individual.

Please ensure that if you are expected to sign any agreements, you have the institutional authority to do so. This is critical in case problems occur with the supply of the training. 

What sort of work classifies as ‘Off-the-job’ training?

Useful information on gov.uk  

In addition, things such as:

• Giving presentations

• Carrying out a research project

• Researching the literature behind a particular piece of research

• Production of documents such as standard operating procedures

• Attending external training courses or conferences (maybe giving a presentation on the learning obtained)

• Production of a poster for an internal conference or event