Benefits of apprenticeships for employers
Apprenticeships are key to addressing numerous workforce challenges. With organisations struggling to fill the skills gap, tackle staff retention and upskill existing employees, apprenticeships provide the perfect solution to these issues.
Succession planning
Apprentices can be school leavers, graduates or have an established career; utilising apprenticeships as part of your talent strategy can help with succession planning, filling skills gaps and expanding your business.
Upskilling your team
Apprenticeships also offer an affordable way to train new team members and upskill existing staff, for example, individuals who are looking to gain professional qualifications to progress in their role. There are hundreds of apprenticeship standards now available, providing development opportunities for all teams in your workforce.
Staff retention
Apprenticeships can improve team performance and boost staff retention. 80% of companies investing in apprenticeships experienced an increase in staff retention (Skills Funding Agency).
“Our Trust uses apprenticeships because they are well-rounded programmes and apprentices can study alongside their day-to-day role. We find this works better than sending people away to do vocational courses. Working with Mindful Education works fantastically, especially in an NHS organisation because it gives apprentices the flexibility to study when it's convenient for them. ”
Diversity and inclusion
Apprenticeships are increasingly helping employers to drive social mobility and diversity in the workplace. Employers can use this training to build a diverse and inclusive workforce across all departments and divisions.
Funding for apprenticeships
Employers with an annual payroll of over £3 million are required to pay the growth and skills levy at 0.5% each month. Your levy account can then be accessed for apprenticeship training and assessment; money held in your digital fund is available for you to spend on apprenticeship training for up to 12 months after the date it entered your account.
For smaller businesses that don’t pay the growth and skills levy, the government will fund 95% of the cost of training for all apprentices. There is no limit on the number of apprentices your organisation can have. SMEs can also apply for a transfer of levy funds from a larger employer that has available funds to spare.
As part of the government’s focus on its Youth Guarantee and investment in early careers, there is a raft of financial incentives available to employers hiring 16-24 year old apprentices. You can find out more about this in our long read: Tackling youth NEET numbers with the new Level 2 Administration Assistant Apprenticeship
Next steps
Navigating the apprenticeship system is simpler than it appears. With funds set to expire after 12 months from August 2026, planning is key to ensure that you don’t miss out on key training opportunities.
Is your business seeking a cost-effective way to bridge skills gaps that delivers positive, measurable outcomes? The Mindful Education Employer Engagement team can discuss how a structured, professional apprenticeships strategy can support your talent goals.
Contact apprenticeships@mindful-education.co.uk to arrange a meeting.
The Mindful Education marketing team works closely with our partners to help them promote Online and On Campus courses and apprenticeships.
