Apprenticeship FAQs for Employers
Apprenticeships are a powerful way to build skills, grow talent, and strengthen your workforce. If you’re exploring 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.
What is the difference between Levy and non-Levy funding, and how do we access the relevant funds?
The Apprenticeship Levy is paid by larger employers and can be used to fully fund apprenticeship training. If you’re a non-Levy employer, you only contribute 5% of the training costs, with the government covering the rest.
Through Estio, you’ll get clear guidance on setting up your Apprenticeship Service Account (ASA) and managing your funds so you can invest confidently in new talent or upskill your existing team.
What is the expected time commitment and supervisory responsibility required from our existing staff?
Your apprentice will work a minimum of 30 hours per week, including their study time.
They learn on the job, so they’ll need regular access to a mentor or supervisor who can support their development and help them apply new skills. Estio provides structured training remotely, making your team’s supervision more focused and manageable day-to-day.
Can we use an apprenticeship to upskill or reskill an existing employee, or are they only for new recruits?
Absolutely. Apprenticeships are one of the strongest ways to upskill your current workforce.
Existing employees can enrol in programmes to gain role-specific digital skills, build confidence, and progress into new responsibilities. There’s no upper age limit, making apprenticeships a flexible tool for developing talent already inside your business.
How long does it typically take from requesting a consultation to the apprentice starting in the workplace?
Once you enquire, Estio will move quickly to understand your needs, open recruitment if required, and support you through the matching and onboarding process.
Timelines vary depending on the role and candidate availability, but employers can typically expect apprentices to start within a few weeks of confirming their programme and completing initial setup steps.
What initial steps do we need to take to set up our Apprenticeship Service Account (ASA)?
Setting up your ASA is your first step to accessing funding and managing your apprenticeship.
You’ll need your organisation’s PAYE details and Companies House information. Estio will guide you through the process, help you link to your chosen programme, and make sure your funding is allocated to the right apprentice.
How is the mandatory ‘20% Off-the-Job Training’ delivered, and what flexibility is there around our business operations?
Estio delivers all learning remotely, giving your apprentice the flexibility to study without disrupting daily operations.
Off-the-job training includes online workshops, coursework, project work, and skills development that support their role. Because the learning is remote and spread across the programme, employers often find it easy to integrate into weekly schedules.
What are our legal and contractual responsibilities regarding the apprentice’s salary, benefits, and employment status?
As the employer, you must:
Employ the apprentice for at least 30 hours per week.
pay at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.
provide the same rights as any employee, including holiday entitlement and a contract of employment.
ensure the apprentice can spend 20% of their contracted hours on training.
Estio supports you with guidance around compliance and funding so you can set everything up correctly from the start.
What evidence do we need to provide for the apprentice’s 20% off-the-job training?
We guide you through what counts as off-the-job training and help you capture it accurately. Evidence can include project work, online learning, mentoring, shadowing, and skills development that support the apprenticeship standard.
How does Estio measure progress throughout the apprenticeship?
Your apprentice will receive regular reviews, skills coaching, and milestone assessments to track their development. We keep both you and the learner updated, ensuring progress stays aligned with your business needs and the programme’s professional standards.
What ongoing pastoral and academic support does Estio provide to the apprentice and to our business contact?
Estio offers end-to-end support, from recruitment to completion.
Your apprentice receives regular coaching, progress reviews, digital learning support, and access to specialist trainers who are experts in their field.
You’ll also have a named point of contact to ensure the programme stays on track and aligns with your business needs.
What happens if an apprentice is struggling with the workload or the technical content?
Estio provides ongoing pastoral and academic support. If an apprentice needs extra help, our coaches and trainers offer targeted guidance to keep them on track. We work closely with employers to make sure support is joined up and tailored to the apprentice’s needs.
How much flexibility is there in the training schedule to fit around peak business periods?
Training is delivered remotely, giving your apprentice the flexibility to balance learning with day-to-day responsibilities. If your business experiences seasonal peaks, we will work with you to plan learning time effectively while still meeting the programme requirements.
Can apprentices work remotely or in a hybrid setting while completing their programme?
Yes. Estio’s fully remote delivery model supports both hybrid and remote working arrangements. As long as the apprentice has access to the tools and support they need, they can progress effectively in any modern work environment.
What responsibilities does Estio take on compared to what we manage as the employer?
Estio delivers the training, coaching, and progress monitoring, while you provide the workplace experience, supervision, and employment conditions. We work in partnership—supporting the apprentice academically while you guide their day-to-day role, development, and on-the-job application.
What digital and technology apprenticeship programmes does Estio offer, and which roles do they support?
Estio specialises in digital and technology programmes designed to meet the real needs of modern workplaces. Our apprenticeships support roles across IT support, data, software development, networking, cyber security, digital marketing and more. Each programme builds practical, job-ready skills your business can put to work immediately.
Can we promote an apprentice to the next level once they complete their current programme?
Yes. Many employers choose to continue developing their apprentices by enrolling them in the next level. Estio offers clear progression routes, helping you retain motivated staff and build long-term capability within your business.
What is the typical success rate of Estio apprentices, and how does this benefit employers?
Employers consistently report strong outcomes and high first-time EPA pass rates. This reflects the quality of our training and the support apprentices receive throughout their programme. It gives businesses confidence in the skills and readiness of their developing talent.
Which business size benefits most from digital apprenticeships?
Any organisation can benefit, whether you’re a growing start-up building digital capability, or a large employer tackling significant skills gaps. Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective, structured solution for developing the digital talent your organisation needs.
How soon will we see the impact of an apprentice’s developing skills in our workplace?
Apprentices begin applying new skills straight away. Because learning is aligned to their role, you’ll notice improvements in productivity, problem-solving, and digital confidence within the first few months of the programme.