Boost your business with an apprentice

Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any business to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

The businesses that we work with that offer apprenticeships view them as beneficial to their long-term success.

In recognition of the value apprentices can bring to our economy, an incentive payment is available for employers who hire an apprentice aged between 16–18 years old.

Apprentices are important in helping businesses to recruit the right people, and develop the skills they need to respond to conditions and grow – both now and in the future.

Keep your business up to date with the latest knowledge, techniques and technology. You can also use apprenticeships to upskill your existing team.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more contact our Apprenticeships team on 0191 375 4040 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Interested in Apprenticeships?

Please submit your details below and someone from the team will be in touch to discuss apprenticeships.

More Info

• The basics
  
  Apprenticeship training takes place both on and off-the-job. An apprentice will be in the workplace for most of the week with one day dedicated to their apprenticeship studies. This could be in college, in the workplace or remotely with a tutor.

  We offer Apprenticeship Standards from Level 2 to Level 7 that last between one and four years depending upon the sector. During this time, an apprentice will complete a series of assessments including examinations, assignments and evidence building.

  Higher apprenticeships 

  We also offer a wide range of higher apprenticeships so you can upskill your existing workforce. Our higher apprenticeships range from Level 4 to Level 7 and include a variety of subjects and professional qualifications.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Funding details for hiring an apprentice

  Hiring an apprentice is a smart investment in your business — and it's more affordable than you might think.

  Employers in the UK can benefit from generous government funding to help cover the costs of apprenticeship training and assessment. Apprenticeship training cost funding is accessed via an Apprenticeship Service Account.

  To begin setting up the account please click here: Sign in to your apprenticeship service account - GOV.UK

  We will provide you with assistance to set up the account.

  The amount of funding you receive depends on the size of your business and the age of the apprentice:

  Non-Levy Paying Employers (those with an annual payroll under £3 million):
  Apprenticeships are 100% funded if you recruit an apprentice aged 16-21. If you recruit an apprentice aged over 22, the training costs are 95% funded and there is a 5% employer contribution in which you will be invoiced for.

  Levy Paying Employers:
  You can use your apprenticeship levy funds to fully cover training and assessment costs.

  In the event that insufficient funds are available within your Apprenticeship levy account, you will be required to pay 5% co-investment of the remaining costs.

  Levy Transfer and Co-Investment

  If you're a non-levy paying employer and would prefer not to pay the 5% contribution, there is an option to receive apprenticeship funding from a levy-paying organisation. This is known as a levy transfer.

  Levy paying employers with unused apprenticeship levy funds can transfer up to 25% of their annual levy to other organisations, helping businesses cover up to 100% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

  This is a great opportunity for employers to access fully-funded apprenticeships without having to pay the usual 5% contribution.

  If you’re interested in securing a levy transfer, we can help connect you with suitable partners.

  Apprenticeship training cost funding is accessed via an Apprenticeship Service Account. To begin setting up the account please click here: Sign in to your apprenticeship service account - GOV.UK

  We will provide you with assistance to set up the account.

  Wage Costs: Employers are responsible for paying the apprentice’s wages. However, apprentices can be paid the National Minimum Wage for apprentices, making it a cost-effective way to grow talent within your business.

  Did you know that employers are typically exempt from paying National Insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25 years old, provided they earn less than £967 per week.

• Incentive details for hiring an apprentice

  There is a grant available for employers who employ an apprentice aged 16-18 years old.

  The total grant per apprentice is £1,000.00 which is payable in two equal installments of £500.00.

  The payment will be made directly to the employer, as long as the apprentice is still in active learning at day 90 and day 365.

  Claiming the payment

  Further eligibility criteria applies - if you would like to find out further information or require assistance, please contact our Apprenticeship team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Why choose NCD

  At NCD we plan, manage and deliver apprenticeship training. We have over 50 years’ experience delivering apprenticeships and work with over 450 employers across the region.

  We’re proud to be in the top 10% of UK colleges for education, training and apprenticeship achievement.
  Many of our programmes have progression routes so learners can study from level two up to degree level and beyond.

• Understanding apprenticeship benefits and funding

  Invest in your future and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. 

  If you're a smaller employer, you are eligible for government funding which will pay between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs.

  If you're a large employer, you can use your levy to pay for your apprenticeship training.

  Apprenticeships are available at any level and any age so you can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee, allowing you to grow talent.

  Find out more about your estimated yearly gain, the future of your business and the funding available towards training costs by visiting the Apprenticeships.gov.uk website here. 

• First class support

  We will be there for you every step of the way. We will support you with funding and can help with recruitment.

• Apprenticeship Skills Co-ordinator

  An appointed Apprenticeship Skills Co-ordinator will play an integral part in supporting your apprentices. They will arrange a starting point, set and review milestones and carry out regular assessments and observations.

  
  The Apprenticeship Skills Co-ordinator will visit the workplace updates every 12 weeks throughout the qualification to monitor progress and ensure targets are being met.

• Higher Apprenticeships

  Higher Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that combine full-time employment with part-time study at a higher education level — offering a practical, cost-effective alternative to traditional university routes.

  They are designed for individuals who want to gain advanced skills and qualifications while earning a salary and contributing to a real business environment.

  Key Features of a Higher Apprenticeship

  • Qualification Level:
    Higher Apprenticeships typically lead to qualifications at Level 4 or Level 5 (equivalent to a foundation degree, HNC, or HND). Some programmes can progress up to Level 6 (bachelor’s degree level) or even Level 7 (master’s level), depending on the role.
  • Target Audience:
    Ideal for school leavers, existing staff looking to upskill, or individuals looking for a career change. Apprentices may already hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
  • Duration:
    Typically lasts 1 to 5 years, depending on the level and complexity of the apprenticeship.
  • Training Structure:
    Apprentices spend most of their time working on the job, supported by a dedicated training provider or higher education institution. At least 20% of their time is spent on off-the-job training.

  Benefits to Employers

  • Develop high-level skills within your workforce tailored to your industry needs.
  • Improve staff retention by investing in employees’ long-term development.
  • Access government funding to cover up to 100% of training costs.
  • Increase productivity through motivated, highly skilled staff working in real-time roles.

  Higher Apprenticeships are a powerful way to grow your own talent and fill higher-skilled roles within your organisation — without the high costs often associated with traditional education.