• +1300

    We currently have more than 1,300 apprentices on programme, across the business community.

  • 1000+

    We work with over 1000 employers across the region to upskills their workforce through apprenticeships.

  • 93%

    93% of our employers agreed that the training delivered by the College had a positive impact on their business.

Apprenticeships

Take your business to new heights by leveraging the power of apprenticeships. Explore our comprehensive apprenticeship programs, each tailored to ensure a positive impact on the overall success and productivity of your business.

Why hire an apprentice?

Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any business to grow talent, train your existing staff, and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. There are many benefits to taking on an apprentice, including:

Grow your own talent

By tailoring the training to your business needs, you can grow your own talent and fill a skills gap efficiently.

New energy

An apprentice is motivated and eager to learn and can bring a new energy to your business, which will have a positive effect on existing staff.

Make a real difference

An apprentice is making a contribution to your workplace while they are learning and gaining skills on-the-job. They can add value to your business as soon as they start.

Discover new talent

If you’re looking for a school leaver with real potential, you can choose the right apprentice for your business from a pool of un-tapped talent.

Motivated staff

Apprenticeships are a great way to motivate your existing staff by investing in their development and supporting them in gaining industry specific skills and national recognised qualifications.  

Develop a workforce for the future

Training apprentices can provide you with a skilled workforce for the future and can be much more cost-effective than hiring experienced staff.

Fresh ideas

Apprentices can bring fresh new ideas to your business and keep your business up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology - increasing your competitiveness, innovation and productivity.

A real asset

Employing an apprentice can be a real asset to your existing workforce and can support them with their day-to-day workload.

Industry placements

Work placements offer an ideal way for employers to spot talented potential apprentices and employees.

Find out more > 

Apprenticeship Levy

Our Business Development Team is here to provide you with unbiased advice and guidance on the Apprenticeship Levy. Leveraging years of experience working with employers, they can help your organisation gain a clearer understanding and advise you on utilising the Levy to recruit new talent and upskill your existing workforce.

Contact us

Key apprenticeship facts

  • The minimum wage for an apprentice is £6.40 per hour
  • If you employ an apprentice under the age of 19 years old, you will qualify for the Government's £1000 Apprenticeship Employer Incentive Grant. You don't need to apply for this Grant, the College will take care of this for you
  • If you are a non-apprenticeship levy paying employer (an employer with an annual salary of less than £3-m) hiring an apprentice under the age of 22 years old the Government pays the entire cost for training your apprentice
  • If you are a non-apprenticeship levy paying employer (an employer with an annual salary of less than £3-m) hiring an apprentice over the age of 21 years or older the government covers 95% of the training cost for your apprentice
  • Apprenticeship funding can also be used to train your exisitng staff
  • Not all apprentices are new to the workforce. An apprentice can be someone who has previously studied at college and/or has already gained industry knowledge before

What our employer partners say:

“We really value our relationship with the College. We have worked in partnership together for many years. During this time the College has trained thousands of our staff. The quality of the training is always first class and the models of delivery are flexed to suit the needs of our organisation. We trust the integrity of the College, this is what sets it apart from other training providers we have worked with in the past.”

–Faye Gregory Smith – Senior Business Manager – Sunderland Care and Support

“Employing apprentices has helpeed with future planning and the growth of the business, whilst remaining competitive.”

–Geoff Scott – Social & Economic Manager – Keepmoat Homes

“Throughout our relationship with EPNE, the full on-boarding process has been second to none. The account management has been frequent and thorough, consistently meeting our recruitment needs with high quality apprenticeship candidates for our ongoing apprenticeship programmes. From identifying staff development needs to the quality of programme delivery, the standard has been high. EPNE are playing a huge part in our vision for growth over the next 3-4 years.”

–Chris Small -Training & Development Lead – AESC

“Apprenticeships are a key part of our recruitment. Their ongoing training produces more skilled, knowledgeable and loyal employees.”

–Kirsty Gowans – Business Services Director – Drilcorp Limited

“Apprentices are a vital part of our business strategy; they have brought an injection of fresh energy and creative ideas.”

–Andre Mills – Head of Production – Rokshaw

“All our apprentices on site are learners at Northumberland College. It is hugely important to the positive development of a community that education and industry are connected and aligned.”

–Jeff Hope – Head of Ashington Manufacturing – AzkoNobel

“Sunderland City Council and Sunderland College work in partnership together on many of our apprenticeships and staff training programmes. Sunderland City Council really values apprenticeships and the support we receive from the College is highly appreciated. The College is currently delivering training to over 60 apprentices who are either based directly at Sunderland City Council or at its partner companies . I meet with the College on a monthly basis to review our apprenticeship provision and this type of account/contract management ensures that the quality of our apprenticeships remains high. It also allows a proactive approach to keep track of all apprentices across the Council and their future apprenticeship requirements.”

–Monica Pattar – Apprenticeship Lead – Sunderland City Council

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