How do I choose an Apprenticeship programme?

The Institute for Apprenticeships is a great resource for finding apprenticeship standards that align with your business needs. By using relevant keywords related to the skills or roles you're interested in, you can efficiently search for suitable apprenticeship options. This still means you need to do a lot of the leg work yourself though, so our team is here to help you find the right option.

Our Business Partners play a crucial role in bridging the gap between employers and the right Apprenticeship programmes. By segmenting our Business Partners to industries, they become experts in the fields they serve, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the specific skills and competencies required in each Apprenticeship standard and how those meet needs of our employers. This tailored approach ensures that the selected Apprenticeship not only aligns with the company's strategic goals but also enhances workforce capabilities. Through this collaborative process, our Business Partners help employers navigate the diverse range of Apprenticeship options, ultimately facilitating a more effective and efficient talent development strategy.

Your Business Partner is an excellent resource for understanding how each specific Apprenticeship operates and exploring ways to tailor it to better meet your specific needs. They can provide insights into the structure and delivery as well as the best fit for your job roles. If you have particular requirements in mind, sharing those with your Business Partner will help them offer the most relevant solutions.

How do I get started?

The quickest way to connect with the team is by submitting this quick capture form. This allows us to match you with the right person to discuss your specific needs and provide tailored assistance. If you have any questions about the form or the process, feel free to ask!

Things to think about:

When your Business Partner calls, they will likely ask questions to clarify your needs. Be prepared to discuss your specific goals, any challenges you're facing, and what you hope to achieve through the programme. Sharing details about your current situation will help them provide the most relevant support and solutions.  You don't have to know all the answers now, some we can very easily support you with, but it's helpful to think about the following questions so that you're ready to talk about them:

• The job title of the role you are looking to support with an Apprenticeship
• The hours of work, and type of contract you are able to provide
• Your ability to pay your Apprentice a fair wage, via PAYE
• Whether you have a Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account in place
• Your timescale for recruitment
• Any specific requirements of your candidates e.g. driving license, prior training, core skills)

What support will I get from you?

The Business Plus teams are dedicated to supporting employers by providing guidance and simplifying required processes. They strive to assist you in navigating requirements and making the experience as straightforward as possible. We provide comprehensive support throughout the Apprenticeship process, including assistance in selecting the right programme, recruiting candidates, onboarding your Apprentice, and supporting their line manager throughout the life of the programme. Our resources are designed to support your entire business during the Apprenticeship, ensuring you and your Apprentice have the best possible chance of success. 

Find out more about the specific support we offer you, and how it differs from other training providers here.