Apprenticeships in Dorset and Somerset
Apprenticeships offer practical, hands-on training that helps people build real skills and earn recognised qualifications while working. Whether you’re just starting out, retraining, or developing your team, apprenticeships provide valuable opportunities for growth and success across Somerset and Dorset.
What Are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships combine practical, hands-on experience with structured training, allowing learners to develop the skills they need while earning a wage. Open to people at any stage of their career — from school leavers to those looking to retrain or progress — they offer a flexible way to gain qualifications that employers value. Apprenticeships are available from a wide range of levels, including advanced and degree-level options, giving learners the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the job role, making them the perfect training option for individuals and employers alike.
The Essentials
Apprenticeships are real jobs where the apprentice earn a salary.
Apprenticeships are a work-based programme with a skills development plan and assessments. They combine hands-on work with recognised training, with nearly 700 different apprentice standards available, from Accountancy through to Zoology.
Apprentices normally work a minimum of 30 hours a week, a minimum of 6 hours of the apprentice’s time will be spent completing off-the-job training (usually one day a week) at a College, University, Training Provider or on-site. They have the same rights as all employees, so they get paid and get sick pay and annual leave.
Apprentices will work towards qualifications from levels 2 -7 (education equivalent – GCSE to master’s degree).
Apprenticeships must last one year but can be up to 5 years for some qualifications.
Apprenticeships are a great choice for individuals aged 16 and over (by the end of the summer holidays) who s and want to earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications. They’re open to people at any stage of their career, including individuals starting out, upskilling, or changing direction, or employers who are looking for a way to upskill their current workforce, or recruit new employees – all tailored to their business needs.
Apprenticeships can be the perfect training solution for both employers and individuals. Read more here to discover how an apprenticeship could work for you:
Benefits of hiring an Apprentice
Benefits of doing an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships take place all across the UK, in every region and sector, from large cities to rural communities. Most apprentices split their time between on-the-job training with their employer and off-the-job learning delivered by a college, university, or independent training provider. This mix allows apprentices to apply what they learn in real workplace settings while gaining the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to progress in their chosen career.
There is a lot of information available to you to help get you started:
For Employers:
The benefits of hiring an apprentice, the associated costs and your responsibilities as an employer
Finding the right apprenticeship, choosing a training provider and recruitment
Resources, training and support from ‘Amazing Apprenticeships’
For Learners:
Search for live apprenticeship vacancies across Dorset and Somerset
The national minimum wage for apprentices can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Apprentices are paid at least minimum wage, but can be paid more
Pay is dependent on the industry, location and type of apprenticeship.
For more information on minimum wage, please see
Getting Started
Whether you’re an individual or an employer, discover how apprenticeships can help you grow and succeed.
I'm an employer interested in Apprenticeships
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Grow Your Workforce with Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are real jobs and can benefit your business it powerful ways from developing new talent to upskilling your current workforce, and building skills for the future. Whether you’re a small employer or a large organisation, apprenticeships could be the perfect training solution for your needs.
The Benefits Explained
- Improve Productivity
Apprentices bring fresh energy and skills that boost efficiency and innovation. - Upskill Existing Employees
Develop and retain your current workforce with recognised training and qualifications. - Match Skills to Business Needs
Tailor programmes to build the skills your organisation needs now and in the future. - Enhance Your Company Image
Show your commitment to people and the local economy, strengthening your reputation. - Reduce Staff Turnover
Investing in training increases engagement, loyalty, and retention.
- Raise Staff Morale
Investing in apprentices motivates teams, boosts engagement, and fosters a positive workplace culture. - Attract the Best Candidates
Apprenticeships make your organisation appealing to ambitious people who want to learn and grow. - Increase Diversity
Open opportunities to people from all backgrounds and build a more inclusive, creative workforce. - Future-Proof Your Workforce
Train apprentices in your organisation’s values to develop skilled, loyal staff for the future. - Support Local Growth
Strengthen the local economy by connecting with training providers and creating opportunities in your community.
What Does It Cost?
Hiring an apprentice is more affordable than you might think. Employers pay at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices (£6.40 per hour as of April 2024), and most training costs are funded by the government. Large employers can use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover 100% of training fees, while smaller employers pay just 5%, with the rest funded by government support.
Non Apprenticeship Levy Payer
If you have pay bill of less than 3 million you are a Non Levy Payer.
From 1st April the Government funds all training and assessment costs for those 16-21 years old.
The Government pay a minimum of 95% towards apprenticeship training, and assessment costs are paid for by the government.
You will be asked to pay up to 5% of these costs.
If training costs are a barrier, you may qualify to receive an Apprenticeship Levy Transfer.
You will pay your cash contribution directly to the provider.
Apprenticeship Levy Payer
If you’re an employer with a pay bill over 3 million you will need to pay the Apprenticeship Levy
From 1st April 2024, you can now transfer up to 50% of your unspent levy funding
The Apprenticeship Levy allows employers to have control of their training.
You will fix a price for each apprenticeship.
You report and pay your levy to HMRC through the PAYE process.
An extra 10% is paid directly to employers’ apprenticeship accounts.
Financial Incentives...
Employers may receive a £1,000 incentive for hiring apprentices aged 16–18 or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Employers in the UK may be exempt from paying Class 1 National Insurance contributions (NICs) for apprentices under certain conditions:
- The apprentice must be under 25 years old
- They are enrolled in an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework
- Their earnings must be below the Apprentice Upper Secondary Threshold, which is £967 per week or £50,270 per year
Shape Your Career with an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn while you learn, gaining real experience in the workplace while working towards a recognised qualification. Whether you’re just starting out, changing direction, or looking to develop new skills, an apprenticeship helps you build confidence, grow your career, and achieve your goals — all while getting paid and learning from industry professionals.
How They Can Benefit You
Earn While You Learn – Get paid while gaining valuable skills and qualifications.
Gain Real-World Experience – Work alongside professionals and develop practical, job-ready skills.
Achieve Recognised Qualifications – Gain industry-recognised credentials.
Boost Your Career Prospects – Progress into full-time work, higher apprenticeships, or university-level study.
Learn from Experts – Benefit from one-to-one support from experienced mentors and tutors.
Avoid Student Debt – Training costs are covered by the government and your employer.
Build Confidence and Independence – Strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Start a Real Career Path – Open doors to a wide variety of professions and future opportunities.
Apprenticeships & Equivalent Qualifications
| Apprenticeship Type | Level | Equivalent Qualification |
|---|---|---|
Degree Apprenticeship | 6 & 7 | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree |
Higher Apprenticeship | 4, 5, 6 & 7 | Foundation Degree and above |
Advanced Apprenticeship | 3 | A Level |
Intermediate Apprenticeship | 2 | GCSE |
FAQ & Myth Busting
Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages; anyone over 16 living in England can apply. There are different entry requirements depending on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level.
Apprenticeships are an alternative route into skilled employment and are suited for all ability levels. Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (Master’s Degree equivalent).
An apprenticeship is a real job. Employers hire apprentices so that they can get the future talent that their business depends on. So from day one, apprentices are given real work experience alongside industry professionals, where your opinions and contributions are valued.
There are hundreds of vacancies available in Somerset and Dorset. You can view the latest vacancies here.
Statistics show that more than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends, with 67% remaining with the same employer.
You don’t need to leave your current job to do an apprenticeship — many people complete them while working to gain new skills and progress in their role; however, if your employer doesn’t offer apprenticeships, you can still apply for one with another organisation.
Ready to Start Your Apprenticeship Journey?
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