Employing an apprentice
Hiring an apprentice helps you build talent, boost productivity, and strengthen your workforce for the future. Apprenticeships bridge skill gaps and develop people with the job-ready capabilities your organisation needs. If you’re exploring whether an apprentice is right for your business, this guide explains the benefits, responsibilities, and next steps.
Why hire an apprentice?
Hiring an apprentice helps you meet growing skills demands, develop employees with job-ready capability, and support long-term productivity. Apprenticeships also provide an important entry route into the workplace, giving people the hands-on experience and training they need to grow. By choosing to recruit apprentices, you help shape the next generation of talent while bringing valuable new skills into your organisation.
What do apprentices do?
Apprentices learn job-specific skills while studying toward a recognised qualification. They work alongside experienced staff, gaining practical knowledge and contributing to day-to-day tasks from the outset. Because apprentices earn a wage and develop skills on the job, employers gain a functioning, motivated team member without the typical recruitment or initial training costs.
How to hire apprentices
Before employing an apprentice, it is essential to define the specific technical roles and digital skills your team requires. Rather than navigating this alone, Estio acts as your partner in digital apprenticeships recruitment, aligning our specialised training schemes with your long-term business goals.
We simplify the hiring process by managing your vacancy end-to-end. As an expert apprentice finder, Estio handles the heavy lifting; sourcing, screening, and matching you with high-calibre candidates who fit your organisation’s culture. Once we provide you with a tailored shortlist, you simply interview and select your preferred apprentice to join your team.
Rules around employing apprentices
pprentices must be at least 16 years old and employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week, including study time. They must be working toward a recognised apprenticeship standard or framework. When hiring an apprentice, employers must ensure candidates have the right to work in England and will complete at least 50% of their working hours in England. Meeting these requirements keeps the apprenticeship compliant and eligible for funding support.
What will it cost us?
Employers must pay apprentices at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. If you are based in England, government funding can also cover some of the costs associated with training and assessing an apprentice.
Why choose Estio?
Estio is a specialist provider of digital and technology apprenticeship programmes. Our courses are developed with industry experts to ensure apprentices gain the skills employers need most. Training is delivered remotely to provide flexibility and consistency, and our dedicated support helps apprentices progress confidently from onboarding to completion.
Benefits of employing an apprentice
What our employers say
Tips for success when onboarding your first apprentice
Set clear expectations
Be patient
Give feedback
Provide a mentor
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find the answer to a question, our advisers will be happy to help.
Apprenticeships must last at least one year and can run for up to five years, depending on the apprenticeship level.
For more information on how apprenticeships work and the impact they can make on your business, our FAQs give you clear, practical answers to help you make confident decisions.
Breaking into the marketing industry: Mya’s story
Having completed our Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship in May 2023 with a Distinction whilst working at Kent based marketing agency, I Do Marketing Ltd, Mya Clarivette has gained valuable learning and work experiences that will stay with her throughout her marketing career.
