Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to nurture their own talent. They provide an excellent route for young people to enter the labour market, allowing individuals to train on the job and gain a qualification at the same time. They can also be used for upskilling existing employees.
On this page we review the key features of apprenticeships in England and their benefits to employers. We will also look at the factors of implementing and running a successful apprenticeship scheme and funding.
An apprenticeship is a paid job which combines employment and training and is available to anyone entitled to work in the UK. The apprentice gets a nationally recognised qualification on completion.
Upon completion an Apprentice can then apply for membership of the IRPM and if successful could then take one of our industry-endorsed, Ofqual-recognised qualifications.
Apprenticeships are a unique way to ‘grow your own’; they combine on-the-job training in an organisation with off-the-job learning and provide employers with an effective way of growing their skills base.
Hiring apprentices brings a number of benefits to employers:
According to Centre for Economics and Business research on the economic impact of apprenticeships, there is a net gain to the employer while apprentices train, and a higher output once employed.
An apprentice is an employee, so all apprentices receive a wage. An apprentice should be told about their rights as an employee – what they are entitled to expect and what their obligations are to their employer and colleagues. This is mandatory in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Training is a combination of on the job and off the job. The training provided is made up of core elements: a competence-based element, a knowledge-based element, and transferable or functional skills.
IRPM has agreements with two Apprenticeship Training Providers Apprentice who have access to IRPM branded study learning materials and content:
The Learning Curve Group - Enquire with Learning Curve Group
If you are interested in finding your apprentice or becoming one, simply get in touch with the IRPM Apprentice Partners to start the process.
For current apprentices we recommend that you make an application to join IRPM as an Affiliate member and benefit from our professional resources including over 600 training courses that are video based on demand as well as access to our qualifications that are the recognised industry standard.
Upon completion of an apprenticeship, members may apply for higher level membership of the IRPM and if successful could then apply to take one of our industry recognised Ofqual recognised qualifications. They may qualify for exemptions and will then earn the right to use the post nominal letters that recognise their professionalism.
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical EducationApprenticeship standards
Apprenticeship standardsNational Apprenticeship Service Helpdesk Telephone: 0800 015 0400
National Apprenticeship HelpdeskApprenticeships in England
Apprenticeships in England