Tuesday 13th October 2026
Apprenticeships give employers a practical way to recruit new talent or develop employees already working within their organisation. They combine a real job with structured training, allowing employees to build relevant knowledge and skills while continuing to contribute in the workplace.
Employers need to work alongside the apprentice and their training provider throughout the programme. Together, they’ll agree the right apprenticeship, monitor progress and help the apprentice apply what they learn within their role.
GLP Training works with employers to provide apprenticeships for new and existing employees, with training shaped around your workforce and business requirements.
How Does an Apprenticeship Work for the Employer?
The exact process varies depending on the apprenticeship, employee and organisation, but there are several main stages for employers.
1. Identify Your Workforce Requirements
Start by looking at where your organisation needs to develop skills. This could mean recruiting somebody into a new role, supporting an existing employee to progress or addressing a wider skills gap across a department or team.
2. Choose the Right Apprenticeship
Next, you can explore apprenticeship programmes that align with the employee’s role and longer-term progression.
A training provider can help you compare the available options and decide which programme best supports your objectives.
3. Confirm Funding and Eligibility
Before enrolment, the employer, apprentice and training provider need to establish whether the programme is suitable and what funding route applies. The available funding can depend on several factors.
4. Enrol the Apprentice
The training provider completes the initial assessment and enrolment process before training begins. This helps establish the starting point and ensures the programme is appropriate for their role and development requirements.
5. Complete Training Alongside the Job
Apprentices continue working throughout their programme while completing structured apprenticeship training during paid working time.
Employers need to support this by giving apprentices opportunities to develop the required knowledge and skills within their day-to-day role.
6. Review Progress
The apprentice, employer and training provider work together to discuss development and identify whether any additional support is required.
7. Complete the Apprenticeship
Once the training and development have been completed, the apprentice moves towards the final assessment for their programme.
From there, employers can look at the employee’s next steps, which could include further training, more responsibilities or progression into an advanced role.
Can Apprenticeships Be Used for Existing Employees?
Yes – apprenticeships aren’t limited to people joining your organisation for the first time.
If you’re wondering how apprenticeships work for employers with existing teams, employees can undertake an apprenticeship as long as the programme supports relevant development within their role.
For example, an apprenticeship may support someone moving into a more advanced position or developing skills that the organisation currently lacks.
What Are Employers Responsible for During an Apprenticeship?
Employers are responsible for supporting the apprentice throughout the entire programme. This includes:
- Employing the apprentice in a suitable role and paying them for the work they carry out
- Giving the apprentice opportunities to develop and apply the knowledge and skills required
- Providing opportunities to learn from experienced members of staff
- Allowing enough time during paid working hours for apprenticeship training
- Supporting the apprentice’s progress and working with the training provider throughout the programme
What Does an Apprenticeship Involve?
Depending on the programme, learning can include workshops, self-study, project work and one-to-one tutor sessions. GLP Training’s apprenticeship learning involves around six working hours per week, with the exact approach depending on the programme.
Training takes place during paid working time, while the workplace gives apprentices opportunities to put their learning into practice.
What Does an Apprenticeship Training Provider Do?
Your training provider manages the structured learning side of the apprenticeship while working closely with your organisation.
Their role can include:
- Completing the apprentice’s initial assessment and enrolment
- Delivering structured apprenticeship training
- Providing dedicated tutor support
- Reviewing progress throughout the programme
- Working with managers and employers to support workplace development
- Preparing the apprentice for completion and assessment
How Much Do Apprenticeships Cost Employers?
Apprenticeship costs can vary depending on the industry and funding available. Employers pay the apprentice’s wages, while training and assessment may be partly or fully funded.
- Employers with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million pay the Apprenticeship Levy. It’s charged at 0.5% of the annual pay bill, with a £15,000 annual allowance reducing the amount payable.
- For apprenticeships starting from 1 August 2026, non-Levy employers can receive full government funding for eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24. For apprentices aged 25 or over, they generally contribute 5% of eligible training and assessment costs.
Each apprenticeship also has a funding band that sets the maximum amount available towards training and assessment. If you’re still unsure, GLP Training can provide apprenticeship funding guidance based on your circumstances.
How Does the Apprenticeship Levy Work?
The Apprenticeship Levy provides eligible employers with a way to fund apprenticeship training through their levy funds.
Those funds can be used towards eligible apprenticeship training for new recruits or existing employees, provided the apprenticeship and learner meet the relevant requirements.
Employers that do not pay the Levy may still be able to access government support towards apprenticeship training. Find out more about Levy gifting here.
What Are the Benefits of Apprenticeships for Employers?
For employers, apprenticeships can support several priorities:
- Addressing skills gaps and developing knowledge within your organisation
- Developing existing employees to give them opportunities to progress
- Keeping your organisation more competitive and attractive to new recruits
- Building future talent as your organisation grows
- Supporting workforce planning to help guide long-term organisational requirements
How Long Does an Apprenticeship Take?
Apprenticeships typically take around 12 to 24 months, although the exact duration depends on the programme, level and individual apprentice.
Training is completed alongside the apprentice’s normal role, with regular progress reviews throughout the programme. Some courses can differ in length, for example, GLP Training’s Facilities Management apprenticeships typically range from 9 to 24 months.
How to Choose the Right Apprenticeship for Your Business
Understanding how an apprenticeship works for the employer starts with a few questions. What does the employee currently do, where are the skills gaps and what do you want them to be capable of doing in the future?
You should also consider:
- The employee’s current responsibilities
- The skills you need to develop
- The appropriate apprenticeship level
- Whether you’re recruiting somebody new or developing an existing employee
- Longer-term progression opportunities within the organisation
Explore GLP Training’s training pathways to see the different development routes available, or get in touch with the team to discuss your needs in more depth.
How GLP Training Supports Employers
You won’t be managing the apprenticeship alone. GLP Training works with employers throughout the programme to make sure training remains on track.
We can support you with:
- Understanding workforce requirements and existing skills gaps
- Identifying suitable apprenticeship programmes
- Funding and eligibility guidance
- Flexible apprenticeship delivery
- Dedicated employer and tutor support
- Ongoing progress reviews
- Planning further development and progression
Get Started Today
GLP Training can help you explore apprenticeship options, understand available funding and find the right development route for your people. Just speak to one of our advisors to discuss what you want to achieve.