Information for Employers
Training an apprentice through Steve Willis Training Centres could be the answer to your staffing needs, now and for the future of your business.
You select the apprentice who joins your business to make sure they are a good fit, enthusiastic and hard working. You'll train them on the job to meet the needs of your business for four days each week, while they work towards their Gas, Plumbing or Electrical qualifications. They will study one day a week at our specialist training centres with experienced teaching staff and fully equipped workshops and classrooms.
You could already have a candidate in mind, or we can matchmake to find you someone suitable. We often have a few experienced apprentices looking for new employers - we might have the perfect candidate waiting for you right now. Take a look at the current list.
You’ll find it a cost effective staffing option as there is extra funding support available subject to availability (see below), and you don’t have to pay Class 1 National Insurance Contributions if your apprentice is under 25 and earning less than £43,000 per year. You’ll need to employ your apprentice for a minimum of 30 hours a week and pay at least the minimum wage.
Why choose Steve Willis Training for your Apprentice?
You'll be sure to get the candidate who's right for you - you will choose your newest employee.
Steve Willis Training Centres run Assessment Days for would-be apprentices; this includes a trade selection test process to ensure they have the academic potential to complete their apprenticeship, and a 1:1 interview to ensure they have the right attitude for us to recommend them to an employer.
Successful candidates are rewarded with a SWT ‘Certificate of Recommendation’ offering them a position to start their apprenticeship at Steve Willis Training Centres; subject to employment in the forthcoming academic year (typically September).
If you already have a potential apprentice in mind they can also attend one of our Assessment Days and the results will be fed back to you. Our service can also include advertising your vacancy and managing applicants to your requirements, before you choose who to interview - if you prefer, you can even come along to the Initial Assessment Days.
Government Funding for Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are funded by government based on a co-investment model for all non-levy employers. Government will fund 95% of the agreed price, with the employer paying 5%. Levy paying employers pay for programmes with funds in their levy account. Find out about the levy on the government's apprenticeship funding webpage
Extra support for small employers
Government will fund all of the training costs (not just 95%) to the funding band maximum when the employer employs less than 50 staff and the apprentice meets one of the following age criteria
aged between 16 and 18 years old (or 15 years old if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31 August)
OR
aged between 19 and 24 years old and has either an education, health and care plan provided by the local authority, or has been in the care of the local authority
Additional government funding for 16-18 year olds
All employers taking on an apprentice receive £500 when they have completed 3 months on their programme, and a further £500 after 12 months. This funding is available when the apprentice meets one of the following age criteria
aged between 16 and 18 years old (or 15 years old if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31 August)
OR
aged between 19 and 24 years old and has either an education, health and care plan provided by the local authority, or has been in the care of the local authority
How do I start? We can help...
Our Apprenticeships Team can help you every step of the way from advertising your vacancy right through the apprenticeship programme.
We've got lots of resources to help you. Take a look at our Employer Information Sheet, and our FAQ's.
And if you've got any questions, just get in touch... 01444 870860 / 02392 190190 / apprenticeships@stevewillis.com
