Frequently
Asked Questions

Yes. Candidates are briefed on your vacancy and how the apprenticeship works, so they understand the opportunity and the commitment involved before meeting you.

Yes. Apprenticeships can help existing employees develop new skills and progress within your business. They are suitable for people at different career stages, including those taking on new responsibilities.

The programme must provide meaningful new learning and be relevant to the employee’s role. Previous qualifications and experience are considered when assessing suitability and funding eligibility.

Yes. We arrange for suitable candidates to meet you at a convenient time and venue, giving you the opportunity to assess their suitability for your business.

Apprenticeship funding in England helps cover eligible training and assessment costs. The funding available depends on whether your business pays the apprenticeship levy, the apprentice’s circumstances and the programme’s start date.

Levy-paying employers can use available funds in their apprenticeship service account. For non-levy employers, eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 can receive fully funded training and assessment within the funding band maximum. For other apprentices, an employer contribution normally applies. We can help you understand the arrangements relevant to your business.

We take time to understand your requirements, then source and interview candidates to assess their suitability for the role, your business and the apprenticeship programme.

The training provider supports the apprentice through teaching, feedback and progress reviews. The approach may include online learning, individual tutorials and workplace activities, depending on the programme.

As the employer, you provide day-to-day supervision and opportunities to apply new skills. Together, you and the training provider help the apprentice stay on track and identify any additional support they need.

The cost depends on the programme, available funding and whether your business pays the apprenticeship levy. For non-levy employers in England, eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 can have their training and assessment fully funded within the funding band maximum. For other apprentices, a 5% employer contribution normally applies.

You must also budget for the apprentice’s wages, paid training time and any costs outside the funding arrangements. Any applicable recruitment or service fees should be confirmed separately before you proceed.

The duration depends on the apprenticeship programme, its level and the apprentice’s existing knowledge and experience. Working hours can also affect the overall timescale.

The training provider will confirm the expected duration, training schedule and assessment requirements before the programme begins, so you and your apprentice can plan ahead.

You must provide a suitable paid role, a safe working environment and the supervision needed to help your apprentice develop. You must pay the applicable minimum wage and allow paid time for the required training.

You will also need an apprenticeship agreement and an agreed training plan. Regular involvement in progress reviews helps ensure the apprentice receives relevant workplace experience and support throughout the programme.

Hiring an apprentice gives you the opportunity to develop someone’s skills around the needs of your business. They combine practical workplace experience with structured learning, building confidence and competence as they progress.

An apprenticeship can also support succession planning, bring fresh perspectives to your team and create a clear development pathway that encourages long-term commitment.

Our aim is to connect supportive employers with suitable apprentices, helping businesses develop their workforce while giving individuals the opportunity to build a rewarding career.

Off-the-job training is planned learning that develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the apprenticeship, beyond the apprentice’s usual day-to-day duties.

It takes place during paid working hours and can include tutorials, workshops, online learning and practical training. It does not necessarily mean leaving the workplace. The training provider will agree a training plan that meets the programme’s requirements.

We provide guidance on candidate recruitment, apprenticeship programmes and choosing a training provider. We help you and your apprentice understand the process and what is expected.

Apprenticeships in England are generally available to people aged 16 or over who are not in full-time education. Applicants can be new recruits or existing employees.

Eligibility also depends on residency and right-to-work requirements, previous learning, the job role and any programme-specific entry criteria. The training provider will check these details and confirm funding eligibility before enrolment.

Gateway has supported employers with apprenticeship recruitment and programmes since 2009, with particular expertise in the legal sector. Our approach is professional, friendly and straightforward.

We are independent of any single training provider, allowing us to help you explore training options that suit your business and your apprentice.

We focus on quality rather than quantity, presenting suitable candidates who meet your vacancy requirements and the relevant apprenticeship criteria.