Employers
All you need to know about the Apprenticeship programme s
Supporting Your Apprentices
Thank you for partnering with Dianthas for your apprenticeship programme. This guide provides essential information to help you effectively support your apprentices and understand your responsibilities as an employer.
Benefits of Apprenticeships for Your Business
- Develop a skilled workforce tailored to your business needs
- Improve productivity and staff retention
- Enhance your competitive edge with fresh talent and ideas
- Cost-effective training and development
- Future-proofing your workforce
- Contingency planning
Your Role as an Employer
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide a genuine job with a contract of employment
- Pay at least the apprentice minimum wage
- Allow at least 20% off-the-job training time
- Assign a workplace mentor/supervisor
- Provide regular feedback and participate in reviews
- Support completion of required assessments
Creating a Supportive Environment
- Ensure clear communication about expectations
- Enhance your organisation’s learning culture with Apprenticeships
- Provide regular check-ins and feedback
- Adapt support based on individual needs
- Recognise and celebrate achievements
Funding Rules for Existing Employees
Eligibility Requirements
- Existing employees can be enrolled on apprenticeship programmes if the training provides substantial new skills and knowledge
- The apprenticeship must be directly relevant to their existing or new role
- There must be a genuine need for the training
Co-investment Rules
- Large employers (annual pay bill over £3 million) use their Apprenticeship Levy funds
- Non-levy paying employers typically contribute 5% of the training costs with the government funding the remaining 95%
- Small employers (fewer than 50 employees) may receive 100% government funding for apprentices aged 16-18 or 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan
Additional Funding Considerations
- Incentive payments may be available (subject to current government initiatives)
- Additional learning support funding is available for apprentices with learning difficulties or disabilities
- End-point assessment costs are included in the overall funding
- There are occasionally levy transfer opportunities for fully funded apprenticeships and we can guide you through the process, to find out what is available contact us
Monitoring and Compliance
- Regular progress reviews with your Dianthas coach
- Evidence requirements for off-the-job training
- Documentation of mentoring and support
- Participation in Ofsted visits and inspections
Working with Dianthas
Your Key Contacts
- Employer Engagement Manager: Mandy Connick [mandy.c@dianthasltd.co.uk]
- Apprenticeship Coach: Your primary point of contact for programme delivery
- Careers Coach: Kimberley Mead (kimberley.mead@dianthasltd.co.uk)
Our Commitment to You
- Regular updates on apprentice’s progress
- Support with training needs analysis
- Guidance on compliance with funding rules
- Responsive communication
External Resources
- Government Apprenticeship Information: gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice
- Apprenticeship Service Account: manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk
- ESFA Funding Rules: gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules
- Acas Employer Guide: acas.org.uk/apprentices
- Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education: instituteforapprenticeships.org
Frequently asked Questions
- Can I change the apprenticeship programme once started?
In some circumstances, with proper documentation of the business need for change. - What if my apprentice is struggling?
Contact your Dianthas coach immediately for additional support options. - How do I evidence the 20% off-the-job training?
Your Dianthas coach will provide templates and guidance for tracking. - What happens if my apprentice leaves before completion?
There are specific funding implications; contact us immediately to discuss.
We value your partnership and are committed to making your apprenticeship programme a success. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact your Employer Engagement Manager.
