What is an apprenticeship? 

Apprenticeships combine training in a job with study, taking a minimum of 12 months to complete. There are over 600 apprenticeship standards available, linked to a wide range of job roles from entry level through to degree / masters level. 

Apprentices:  

• work alongside experienced staff 
• gain job-specific skills 
• earn a wage and get holiday pay 
• get time for study related to their role (usually one day a week) 

Apprenticeships are open to new recruits and existing staff over the age of 16. 

Why should I get involved? 

Employer benefits: 

• Increased staff retention and satisfaction  
• A cost-effective way of upskilling existing staff 
• New talent development and reduction in skills gaps 
• Access to funding and government incentives (dependant on eligibility criteria) 

 There are several steps involved in hiring a new apprentice: 

1. Choosing an apprenticeship 
2. Finding an organisation that offers the apprenticeship training 
3. Checking the funding you can get  
4. Creating a digital account 
5. Advertising the apprenticeship vacancy 

For more information about the process visit: https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice 

If you are a larger employer you may be paying into the Apprenticeship levy. This is a tax paid by employers which is stored in a fund to pay for apprenticeship training.  

Contact us for help with: 

• Accessing apprenticeships and apprenticeship providers 
• Understanding funding and incentives available 
• Unlocking levy potential and or levy transfers 

Please book a 1-2-1 with one of the LSIP team.

Develop a Skilled Talent Pipeline with T Levels

T Levels are innovative 2-year courses designed to bridge the gap between education and industry. Developed in collaboration with employers and education providers, T Levels ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for skilled employment, apprenticeships, or further technical study.

Why Host a T Level Student?

Hosting a T Level student offers numerous benefits for your business:

• Practical Learning: Students gain hands-on experience through industry placements, ensuring they are job-ready.
• Fresh Perspectives: Bring new ideas and enthusiasm into your workplace.
• Support for Your Team: Students can assist with projects and daily tasks, providing valuable support to your existing staff.

How It Works

T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.

What You Need to Provide

To host a T Level student, your business will need to offer:

• A safe and supportive working environment
• Opportunities for the student to develop technical and employability skills
• A named workplace supervisor or mentor
• An induction or training to help the student settle in
• Regular check-ins or review meetings to assess progress

You’ll also need to:

• Hold appropriate insurance (e.g. Employer Liability Insurance) More information here: (Young people at work: Work experience – HSE) existing employers’ liability insurance  will cover work placements provided an employer’s insurer is a member of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), or Lloyds.
• Comply with health and safety, safeguarding and equality policies and complete relevant risk assessments. For more information on compliance, legal and safeguarding requirements: Webinar recording: T Level industry placements – compliance, legal responsibilities and safeguarding – T Levels and industry placement support for employers)
• Sign an industry placement agreement with the T Level provider

Support for Employers

Hosting a student is a commitment, and there is lots of support available:

• Local T Level Providers: Schools and colleges will help you find a suitable student and support you in planning and structuring the placement.
• Ongoing Guidance: Receive continuous support throughout the placement to ensure a successful experience for both you and the student.

Financial Support Available

Recognising that some sectors and employers face specific upfront costs, a targeted Employer Support Fund is available for the financial year 2025/26. This fund will support placements starting from 23rd April 2025 to 31st March 2026, covering essential costs for all employers hosting Health T Level students and SMEs providing placements for other T Levels.

Join the T Level Employer Ambassador Network

Become a T Level ambassador and engage with others in your industry. Share your experiences and support the growth of T Levels and industry placements. Becoming a T Level ambassador – T Levels and industry placement support for employers

Ready to Get Started?

• See how other employers are making it work in practice
• Get step-by-step guidance for first-time hosts
• Understand the different placement models available

If you are interested in offering industry placements or finding out more about T Levels please contact us.

What are Skills Bootcamps? 

Skills Bootcamps have been developed in partnership with local employers, providers and authorities to help fill skills gaps and vacancies in local areas. 

Skills Bootcamps are funded, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks.

Employer cost 

• No cost to employers who recruit individuals who have completed a Skills Bootcamp. 
• Employers contribute to the cost of training if they want to use Skills Bootcamps to train their existing employees. 
• Large employers contribute 30% of the cost, and small or medium employers (SMEs) contribute 10%. 

Benefits: 

Skills Bootcamps can help your business: 

• develop a loyal and talented workforce with the skills you need quickly 
• futureproof your business in a rapidly changing labour market 
• improve your productivity; learners are motivated to learn new skills, provide new ideas and a fresh perspective 
• recruit staff with the right training and skills  
• get access to a pipeline of skilled adults by working with existing Skills Bootcamp providers 

What Skills Bootcamps are available? 

Find out more about the Bootcamps available in Cheshire and Warrington by visiting: https://cheshireandwarrington.com/growth-and-skills/skills-and-education/skills-bootcamps/skills-bootcamps-catalogue/

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The main part of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement. 

Supported interns are enrolled and supported by a learning provider, for example, a college or training provider, but spend most of their learning time in a work placement. The programme lasts between 6-12 months. The young person receives the support of an expert job coach throughout the placement. 

To find out more about offering a placement to a young person please either contact us or follow the links below to providers in Cheshire & Warrington: 

Cheshire West  

Cheshire East 

Warrington