Discover everything you need to know below — from key insights to helpful tips that make a difference.
Why choose Fareport? Why work with Fareport?
Fareport Training is an Ofsted graded ‘Good’ work-based training provider. We deliver Apprenticeships and Customised Training to employers who want to upgrade the skills and qualifications of their workforce. Read more in our blog.
How do I start working with Fareport?
We can provide all the information you need to know in order to offer an apprenticeship to existing or new staff. Read more in our blog.
What is an Apprenticeship?
There are rules governing what an apprenticeship is. The main ones are:
- The apprentice must be employed in a real job; they may be an existing employee or a new hire
- The apprentice must work towards achieving an approved apprenticeship standard or apprenticeship framework
- The apprenticeship training and employment must last at least 12 months
What are the types or levels of apprenticeships?
If you have employees who live in England and are over 16, they can apply for an Apprenticeship. There are various levels of Apprenticeship depending on their current skills and qualifications:
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2)
- Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3)
- Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeship (Level 4 or above)
All Apprenticeships are real jobs, and apprentices earn a salary. You must pay at least the national apprentice minimum wage, currently £6.40 per hour (2024/25), increasing to £7.55 from April 2025.
Training is mostly delivered in the workplace, tailored to develop the skills their employer wants. Apprentices benefit from long-term salary prospects and progression opportunities.
Read more in our employer guide here and blog.
What is off-the-job training?
All learners are entitled to off-the-job training during paid hours to support their qualification. This training is for achieving the apprenticeship, not for their day-to-day job alone.
Read more in our blog.
How much does an apprenticeship cost?
The government apprenticeship levy is a tax to help companies provide apprenticeship opportunities.
- Employers with a pay bill over £3 million pay the levy, which funds apprenticeships through an Apprenticeship Service Account.
- Employers with a smaller pay bill may have their training fully funded or partially subsidised.
Find out more about Apprenticeship Funding here.
What is the apprenticeship service account?
The Apprenticeship Service account lets employers manage apprenticeships. You’ll need a GOV.UK One Login to:
- Create apprenticeship adverts
- Accept agreements with the Department for Education
- Manage user access
- Give providers permission to act on your behalf
You can also add organisation details, PAYE scheme, and apprentices. Use this service to reserve or manage funding, and give feedback on training providers.
Who are Apprenticeships for?
The levy can be used for new or existing staff of any age who meet eligibility criteria. Apprenticeships are suitable for anyone who wants to upskill, including school leavers (16+).
Read more in our blog.
What are the benefits of apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships boost skills and productivity. They offer long-term benefits through structured, practical training embedded in the workplace. Learners progress with confidence through real-world learning and regular feedback.
Read more in our blog.
Where can I find training providers?
Employers can find apprenticeship training here. You can:
- Choose a course and level
- Find a training provider
Fareport delivers tailored programmes across England with highly qualified trainers. We hold MATRIX and CIPD accreditations.
Why recruit an apprentice?
Apprenticeships are ideal for gaining experience, understanding business operations, and building personal skills. Rules changes mean anyone eligible to work in the UK can apply, as long as the apprenticeship delivers significant new learning.
Read more in our blog.
Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?
To be eligible, you must:
- Live and work in England
- Be 16 or over
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
- Have UK residency for the last 3 years
- Be in a real job and not in full-time education
- Work 30+ hours a week
- Not hold a similar or higher-level qualification
- Be able to commit to the apprenticeship requirements
Do I need to complete Functional Skills?
Learners aged 16–18 without exemptions must complete Functional Skills Level 1 or 2. Learners 19+ may opt in or out but will still receive literacy and numeracy support through embedded curriculum activities.
Find more course FAQs here.
If you can’t find the question you are looking for, please just ask.
Contact us to find out more about the apprenticeships available to you.