How an apprenticeship works
An apprenticeship is a genuine job with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. It is a way for individuals to earn while they learn gaining valuable skills and knowledge in a specific job role. The apprentice gains this through a wide mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. Apprenticeships benefit employers and individuals, and by boosting the skills of the workforce they help to improve economic productivity.
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Students on degree programmes have access to extensive on-line learning resources through the University of West London as well as the LMC virtual learning environment. Students on level 6 programmes will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Degree from the University of West London and will be invited to attend the UWL graduation held annually at Twickenham stadium, London.
How do they work?
Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training, however, they may need more than this if, for example, they need training in English and maths. We will support learners to gain the required Level 2 Functional Skills English and/or Maths if they are not exempt.
Off-the-job training includes on-line virtual teaching, workshops and assessments and may include face-to-face sessions at our business suite in Wimbledon, London. It can cover practical training such as shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and attending competitions.
On-the-job training helps an apprentice develop the specific skills for the workplace and they should be supported by a mentor. Once an apprentice completes their apprenticeship they should be able to demonstrate that they can perform tasks confidently and completely to the standard set by industry.
What is the cost of an apprenticeship?
If you’re an employer with a pay bill over £3 million a year, you must pay the apprenticeship levy from 6 April 2017. Read guidance on how to pay the apprenticeship levy. You will report and pay your levy to HMRC through the PAYE process.
Employers with a pay bill of less than £3 million a year will not need to pay the levy. At least 90% of non-levy-paying employers’ apprenticeship training and assessment costs in England will be paid for by the government. The government will ask these employers to make a 10% cash contribution to the cost, paid directly to the provider, and the government covers the rest (up to the maximum agreed funding band).
The government is offering additional support to organisations with fewer than 50 employees. See the additional information in the link below.
