Skills Launchpad Plymouth
Apprenticeships
Benefits
Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Take a look here and here!
86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service.
Other benefits of working with apprentices include:
employers can adapt their training according to the needs of their business
apprentices are motivated to learn new skills
employers can expand and upskill their workforce
apprentices will bring fresh ideas and an abundance of enthusiasm to your workforce.
Did you know?
Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, are real jobs with real training, meaning apprentices earn while they learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification from level 2 up to degree level, depending on the role they are working towards with their employer. Apprentices gain new skills through combining hands-on experience with off-the-job training, at least 20% of an apprentice’s normal working hours, over the planned duration of the apprenticeship training period, must be spent on off-the-job training.
Apprenticeship programmes are organised in 18 different industry sectors. There are over 600 different apprenticeships available covering all careers.
Employers decide which apprenticeship standard and which individual will meet their business needs and if required which provider will support them through the process. The Apprenticeship Standards provide a framework for systematically building the skills level within an organisation therefore giving businesses the skills needed for future growth.
Apprenticeship funding
Apprenticeships are one of the most cost-effective ways to recruit new talent and develop your workforce. From 1 August 2026, apprenticeship training and assessment costs for eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 are fully funded by government, making it easier than ever for employers of all sizes to invest in skills. This means employers do not need to make a training contribution for eligible young apprentices, even where a levy-paying employer has exhausted its available Growth and Skills Levy funds.
Whether you're a small business or a large employer, recruiting an apprentice aged under 25 can provide access to fully funded training while helping you build the skills your business needs for the future. The funding applies across the wider Growth and Skills offer, including apprenticeships, foundation apprenticeships and apprenticeship units. Employers may also be eligible for additional financial incentives when recruiting young apprentices.
Levy-paying employers can use funds held within their Growth and Skills Levy account to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. Where levy funds have been exhausted, eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 continue to benefit from fully funded training and assessment costs.
Employers who do not pay the Growth and Skills Levy can access fully funded apprenticeship training and assessment for eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24. For apprentices aged 25 and over, employers contribute 5% towards training costs and government funds the remaining 95%.
This makes apprenticeships one of the most affordable and effective ways to recruit, upskill and retain talent while addressing workforce skills gaps.
Employer responsibilities
Employers are responsible for paying apprentices' wages and providing appropriate workplace support. Apprentices must be paid at least the applicable statutory minimum wage. Apprenticeship training costs may be fully funded or part-funded depending on the apprentice's age and the employer's circumstances.
How it works in the City
Getting started is straightforward. Employers can contact a local apprenticeship training provider to discuss workforce needs, identify the most suitable apprenticeship standard and receive support with recruitment, funding and delivery arrangements.
Local Apprenticeship Providers
Construction apprenticeships Along with local training providers, employers can explore construction apprenticeships with:
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships can develop your existing staff and grow your business. A higher or degree apprenticeship is a great way to develop existing talent within your company but also to grow your team. Support can be provided to help you recruit a higher/degree apprentice . Click here to find out more.
Employers in construction and manufacturing
For employers in construction and manufacturing, Building Plymouth and Plymouth Manufacturing Group (PMG) jointly organise an annual Early Careers Fair. To find out more email:
Skills Launchpad Plymouth Apprenticeship Opportunities Bulletin
Bi-monthly Skills Launchpad Plymouth issues their Apprenticeship Vacancy Bulletin via the Skills Launchpad Plymouth Adult Hub and the Skills Launchpad Plymouth Youth Hub.
This collates the current apprenticeship opportunities in the city and Plymouth’s local training providers alongside upcoming events and career fairs. Employers advertising on the national apprenticeship site would automatically be included in this publication.
For your business to feature, email latest apprenticeship opportunities to SkillsLaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk
Jobcentre Plus
Plymouth’s two local Jobcentre Plus offices can support employers looking to recruit apprentices and develop their future workforce. The local Employer Adviser Team can provide information on apprenticeship opportunities, help employers connect with suitable candidates, and offer advice on work experience, work trials and other recruitment pathways that can help build a talent pipeline.
If you are interested in recruiting an apprentice, advertising vacancies, or finding out more about initiatives such as the Disability Confident scheme, you can create an employer account through the https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-find-a-job-employer.
For local support, employers can email the local team at plymouth.eateam@dwp.gov.ukor submit an enquiry using the online employer contact form.
Devon and Cornwall Training Provider Network
Represents apprenticeship training providers, this local network shares the most up to date information (see employer guide to apprenticeships here) as well as advice about apprenticeships, including the latest local vacancies.
Raising the profile of apprenticeships in Plymouth
There is always a lot happening during National Apprenticeship Week (usually February time) and employers are welcome to join in events and activities to promote local opportunities to target audiences.
To find out more and be part of the week’s line-up email SkillsLaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk
Find out more
A range of government programmes are available for employers who are considering hiring an apprentice, further detail can be found here.
In particular, for apprenticeships please see here.
Employing an apprentice is easier than employers imagine it to be and there’s financial support and help available from the government – detailed information is available from:
• Digital Apprenticeship Service
• End point assessment organisation (EPAO)
• Reserve access to funding for apprenticeship training and assessment