Discover everything you need to know below — from key insights to helpful tips that make a difference.
Quick Overview of Apprenticeships
With apprenticeships comes jargon — so let us help you decode it.
Understanding Apprenticeship Terms
Apprenticeship, Diploma, Qualification? Let’s start with the “Apprenticeship Standard” — this outlines what an apprentice will be doing and the skills required for their job role. Standards are developed by employer groups known as “trailblazers” and include a defined list of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs).
- EPA: End Point Assessment – the final assessment after the training
- OTJ: Off-the-Job Training – a minimum of 6 hours a week during working hours
A full glossary of terms is available from IfATE.
Deciding What You Need
Before choosing a programme or provider, ask yourself:
- What are your organisational needs?
- What is the culture of your organisation?
- Do you want to recruit new staff or upskill existing employees?
- What programmes or apprenticeship standards suit your business? Explore options via the Institute for Apprenticeships.
- Do you pay the apprenticeship levy, or will you need to consider funding support?
- Are your line managers engaged in the process?
- Do your staff understand what’s involved (e.g. OTJ, Functional Skills)?
Finding the Right Apprenticeship Provider
If you don’t have a provider in mind, you can search for one using Find Apprenticeship Training. Alternatively, a recommendation from another business may help guide your decision.
Choosing the right apprenticeship provider can feel overwhelming due to the wide variety of providers, programmes, and delivery formats. But the key is to find a provider that offers high-quality training in a way that suits your company’s needs and culture.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Provider:
- Do they cover your geographical area?
- Can they deliver in a format that suits you (e.g. virtual, workplace-based, offsite)?
- Will they adapt resources and training to fit your business?
- Do they have experience in your industry or training area?
- What do other employers say in reviews on Find Apprenticeship Training?
- How does Ofsted rate their training? Find provider report
- What’s their onboarding process like?
- What learner support do they offer, and how is progress tracked?
- Is there someone you can speak to with initial questions?
- Do they have testimonials on their website or social media?
- What added-value services do they offer?
- Can they help with recruitment and funding admin?
- What are their trainers’ qualifications and experience?
- Are trainers directly employed?
- Do they offer reporting tools?
- Can they support marketing the programme internally?
- Does their organisational culture align with yours?
Have a chat with the provider. Learn more about what they offer — and more importantly, what they can do for you.
What Makes a Good Apprenticeship Provider?
- Checks apprentice eligibility and any learning barriers
- Is compliant with employer requirements and standards
- Develops a tailored training plan
- Ensures correct funding by factoring in prior learning and programme length
- Delivers Off-the-Job Training in line with funding rules
- Communicates regularly and supports the employer
You’re looking for a partner who can give your organisation and your team the best chance of success with apprenticeship training.
Ask questions! Learn as much as you can — a good provider is there to help.