Apprenticeships and Workforce Training for Employers in Herefordshire & Worcestershire

You’ll need to pay your apprentice’s salary (at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices) and provide a genuine job role with opportunities to learn. The great news? Government funding can cover between 95-100% of your training costs. We’ll help you understand all costs and funding options, ensuring you access every available incentive.  (For under 19’s the Minimum Apprentice Wage applies, for 19 and older the National Minimum Wage applies.) 

Absolutely. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to upskill your current team, from entry-level qualifications right up to degree-equivalent programmes. Any employee aged 16 or over can start an apprenticeship, making them perfect for professional development and career progression. We’ll help you identify which programmes best suit your team’s development needs.

Your apprentice should be treated as any other employee, with a formal contract and clear terms and conditions. You’ll need to provide them with 20% of their working time for off-the-job training (up to a maximum based on a 30 hour a week, which equates to six hours a week), whether that’s attending our training centre, completing online learning or participating in workplace training activities. You’ll also need to support their development and provide opportunities to apply their learning in the workplace.

Training patterns vary by programme.

Accountancy apprentices attend one day per week for levels 2 and 3 and a combination of online and face to face for Level 4.

Customer Service and Business Administration apprentices have 15-20 scheduled sessions throughout their programme, through a mix of face to face and online sessions.

Engineering apprentices could typically spend their first six months in our training centres to ensure the foundation knowledge is embedded, or a block release option is available. HWGTA offers enhanced training modules allowing employers to purchase optional extras if desired.

Management apprentices receive scheduled training and portfolio days throughout their programme.

All apprentices receive regular workplace visits every 4-6 weeks from their dedicated HWGTA Learning & Development Specialists to monitor progress and ensure they’re on track.

The duration of an apprenticeship varies depending on the level and occupational area. Some apprenticeships can be completed in as little as 8 months, while others, such as Engineering programmes, typically take between three and four years. Business and Accountancy apprenticeships generally take between 12 and 18 months. Each programme is carefully structured to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to achieve occupational competence.

In addition to the training period, every apprentice must complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is the final stage of the apprenticeship and assesses whether the apprentice can perform their role to the required industry standard. EPA periods are planned for 3 months and are included within the overall apprenticeship duration.

We’re with you every step of the way. You’ll get a dedicated Learning & Development Specialist who visits every four to six weeks to monitor progress and provide support. We handle all the paperwork, funding applications and compliance requirements. Our expert trainers deliver high-quality training, and we provide regular progress updates. Plus, our employer-led approach means we understand your needs and can adapt our support accordingly.

While many employers retain their apprentices as valued team members, there’s no obligation to provide employment after the apprenticeship ends. However, we encourage viewing apprenticeships as a long-term investment in your workforce. Many of our employer partners have built successful succession plans around their apprenticeship programmes.

The Growth & Skills Levy (previously known as the Apprenticeship Levy) is paid by employers with an annual pay bill of over £3 million. Levy funds can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment delivered by approved training providers.

If your available levy funds have been used:

• Apprentices aged 16-24: training and assessment costs are fully funded by the government, with no employer contribution required. 
• Apprentices aged 25+: the government funds 75% of the training and assessment costs, with the employer contributing the remaining 25%.

This funding applies up to the maximum funding band for the apprenticeship standard.

Our free recruitment service takes care of the process from start to finish. We’ll help you define the role, advertise the vacancy, screen applicants, and carry out initial assessments. We then present the most suitable candidates for you to interview.

With extensive experience working with local employers, we pride ourselves on matching the right apprentice to the right business.

We’ll also guide you through the apprenticeship funding process and help you access any available funding and incentives. Depending on your circumstances, apprenticeship training may be fully funded or eligible for government support.

Established in 1967, HWGTA is an employer led, not for profit training provider with a long standing reputation for excellence. Having achieved Ofsted Outstanding twice and been named Worcestershire Apprenticeships Training Provider of the Year twice, we are committed to delivering exceptional apprenticeship programmes and employer support.

From our Hereford centre and purpose built Worcester training facility, we work with more than 200 employers across the region, helping them develop skilled, motivated workforces. Our experienced team understands the needs of local businesses and provides expert guidance at every stage, from recruitment through to successful completion.

Our apprenticeship achievement rates consistently exceed national averages, demonstrating our commitment to quality training and successful outcomes for both apprentices and employers.

It is this focus on excellence, results and employer satisfaction that keeps businesses returning to us year after year, trusting us to help develop the skilled workforce they need to succeed.