Apprenticeships - information for employers

We are committed to fostering strong partnerships with you.

Our apprenticeship programmes are informed by you and designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen fields while providing you with motivated and capable talent.

We offer a broad range of apprenticeship programmes and are always developing more to meet the evolving needs of the industry. We are focused on promoting diversity in the workplace by targeting women in male-dominated industries (and vice versa) and targeting students with barriers to maths for engineering or health apprenticeships.

Interested in partnering with us? Email us.

Why partner with us?

Access to talent

You'll gain access to a pool of enthusiastic and skilled apprentices who are eager to contribute to your organisation.

Tailored training

Our higher and degree apprenticeships are tailored to meet the specific needs of your industry, ensuring that apprentices receive relevant and up-to-date training.

Retain staff

Apprenticeships enhance remuneration with a free degree, saving student debt and helping to retain employees.

Incentives

There are also some incentives available, such as the CITB offering up to £11,000 for taking on an apprentice. We can provide more information on these opportunities.

Support and guidance

We provide comprehensive support throughout the apprenticeship process, from recruitment to completion, ensuring a smooth and successful experience for both employers and apprentices.

Employer webinars

We have regular webinars for you and your teams to attend. These sessions go through the curriculum design and operation of the apprenticeship, provide valuable feedback on skill gaps, and discuss what you need to make our apprentices work-ready with future-proofed skills.

“I feel the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is highly beneficial for my career development. My employer will benefit from having more skilled and knowledgeable nursing associates, full of motivation and energy, who will be able to enhance the standards of the company."

Dilip De Filippis, Royal Hospital for neuro-disability

What's the process?

Initial consultation

We discuss and understand your business needs and the type of apprenticeship roles you are looking to fill.

Programme design

Based on your requirements, we can design bespoke or Trailblazer apprenticeship programmes that align with your business goals.

Apprenticeship standards (trailblazers)

Apprenticeship standards are developed by employer groups known as 'trailblazers'.

There standards show what an apprentice will be doing, and skills required of them, by job role.

View the full list of apprenticeship standards

Recruitment

We can assist in the recruitment process by promoting the apprenticeship opportunities, screening candidates, and organising interviews.

Training and development

Apprentices will receive a blend of on-the-job training and academic learning, supported by our experienced faculty and industry experts.

Ongoing support

Throughout the apprenticeship, we provide ongoing support and regular progress reviews to ensure the success of the programme.

How does it work?

As an employer, you will need to:

Employ the apprentice for a minimum of 30 hours per week
Ensure the apprentice is employed for at least the duration of the apprenticeship, which is typically 12 - 48 months
Give the apprentice the same employment rights as other employees and will be paid a salary, receive paid leave for study, complete coursework and attend university classes, usually once a week or in a block delivery
Identify a mentor for the apprentice, who can support them and attend regular reviews with us
Cover the funding for the apprenticeship programme

Funding and levy payments

Case study: Findlay Whitelaw career journey

Findlay Whitelaw didn't start her career in cybersecurity, she built it by following curiosity, embracing change, and saying yes to new challenges - even when they were outside her comfort zone.

Findlay began her career in banking, moved into accountancy and while working full-time, and having a young family, embarked on an MBA. Midway through her studies, she felt a pull to do more - so she shifted to a boarder and more senior role working in a fast pace operational environment, that blended finance and business delivery. After finishing her MBA, she asked herself, "what haven't I done yet in my career journey?" The answer - IT.

With no technical IT or cyber background, but plenty of transferable skills, from people leadership, to risk, operations and strategic delivery, Findlay applied for a relatively senior cybersecurity role, that she had no formal experience in... and got it.

That bold step launched a new chapter for her. She climbed the ranks, learning both on the job and formally, progressing from Senior Manager to Head of Security Operations (working for a large UK Financial Service organisation) to Senior Director, and Field CTO (at a vendor company).

Currently Findlay is working in the field of Solutions Engineering and Consultancy, where she helps clients and customers understand cyber and insider security risks, and aligning technology strategy, exploring innovative approaches to cyber resilience. Findlay is also a published IEEE author, as well as having her work featured in various leading IT blogs and industry platforms.

Findlay is also a passionate advocate for inclusive pathways into cyber security, previously supporting degree apprentice programmes.Diagnosed with dyslexia, during her MBA as a mature student, she now shares her journey open to encourage other females and returning learners to explore careers in cyber.

Her message is clear - "Cybersecurity isn't about fitting into a mould, its about bringing your perspective, transferable skills, confidence to the table, the curiosity and passion for lifelong learning, no matter where you started".