Hire an apprentice
Bring new talent into your business and shape their training around the way your team works. Talk to us about recruitment, programmes and funding.
Good people. A stronger business.
Courses and apprenticeships help you build a workforce that’s skilled, motivated, and ready to grow with your business.
Talk to our team
How we support employers
Train your existing staff
Help current employees build recognised skills and confidence, with training that connects to their everyday role.
Recruit new talent
Explore apprenticeships that bring fresh perspectives and practical capability into your business.
Develop existing staff
Help your team build skills, knowledge and confidence connected to their everyday work.
A personal partnership
Discuss your priorities with our team and understand the programme arrangements before you begin.
Start with what your people need.
We work with employers and individual learners to connect training with practical workplace needs. Tell us about your ambitions, your existing team and the skills you want to develop.
Discuss your training needsHow are apprenticeships funded?
Employers fall into two groups, depending on the size of the annual pay bill. Our team will confirm which applies to you.
Levy payers
If your annual pay bill is over £3 million you pay the Apprenticeship Levy, charged at 0.5% of the pay bill. Levy funds can be spent on training and assessment, and the government adds a 10% top-up.
See what’s coveredNon-levy employers
You pay 5% towards the cost of training and assessment and the government pays the remaining 95%, up to the funding band maximum. Extra support may apply depending on your circumstances and your apprentice’s.
See what’s covered
Employer funding estimate
An indicative starting point for your training budget.
ESTIMATED PROGRAMME VALUE£7,000
- Estimated employer contribution
- £350
- Estimated government contribution
- £6,650
Estimate only. These sample funding bands and contribution rates are not a funding quotation or eligibility decision. Levy funds may include government top-ups; confirm current arrangements with Nextstep.
Discuss your optionsWhy employers choose apprenticeships
Five good reasons to take on an apprentice
Upskill and save on recruitment
Hiring is expensive. Apprenticeships let you grow skills inside your business while you see a return on the investment.
Keep people motivated
A route to progression gives employees a reason to commit to your future and build their careers with you.
Open a door to work
Apprenticeships give people a way into full-time employment, including those starting out or changing direction.
Grow talent in-house
Offering an apprenticeship attracts motivated applicants and lets you develop the skills your team needs.
Train for the role
Programmes can be shaped around your business so staff gain the knowledge and skills their job actually needs.
Employer questions
How can Nextstep help me recruit and train staff?
We can help you explore apprenticeship programmes for new recruits or existing employees, and explain the training, support and funding arrangements before you commit. Tell us your priorities and we will suggest sensible next steps.
How much does it cost to take on an apprentice?
It depends on your organisation and the programme. Levy-paying employers use levy funds. Other employers usually contribute 5% of the training cost, with the government paying the rest up to the funding band maximum. You also pay the apprentice’s wages. We will confirm the figures for your programme.
Can I use an apprenticeship to upskill existing staff?
Yes. Apprenticeships are not only for new hires. Where the role and the programme are a good fit, current employees can work towards a recognised qualification while they keep doing their job.
Which sectors do your apprenticeships cover?
Business and management, health and social care, early years and education, digital and technology, creative and marketing, and housing and property. Browse the full list on our apprenticeships page.
Interested in recruiting an apprentice?
Tell us about your team and what you need. We will talk through programmes, funding and next steps.