Apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes, designed by employers, that are linked directly to job roles. They give an employee the chance to receive structured, high quality training in the workplace and the opportunity to work towards a nationally-recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships are offered at different levels so are suitable for anyone - regardless of age or level of experience.

Many schools are now using apprenticeships to help existing staff gain new skills and qualifications, and not just to bring in young people at the start of their careers.

Apprenticeships can support the following roles:

• post grad trainee teacher
• caretakers
• business managers
• lab technicians
• teaching assistants
• finance officers
• office/ IT support staff
• receptionists
• headteachers
• nursery staff

The Government website has the current list of apprenticeship standards that are approved & available, and also ones that are in development. 

Frequently asked questions

Is there a maximum age for apprentices?

No. People of any age can do an Apprenticeship.

Can I offer existing staff an apprenticeship?

Yes! Apprenticeships are an excellent way for staff to gain a nationally-recognised qualification which relates directly to their job role. It demonstrates to employees that you are investing in their future.

Contact hrservicedesk@buckinghamshire.gov.uk for advice on how to upskill, and complete a Levy Claim form.

What would our commitment be as an employer?

Apprentices must have a contract of employment, a job description & generally work a minimum of 30 hours per week. (Less can be negotiated)

They must be paid their normal wage for the hours that they are employed and whilst attending training and assessments.

They must be supervised, mentored & supported by the employer during their Apprenticeship. They must be allowed to spend 20% of their time learning new skills, off-the-job, during working hours.

Will I have to pay for the training?

Training costs for BC Maintained schools will be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. You will need to make a claim to draw down these funds.

Email hrservicedesk@buckinghamshire.gov.uk for a copy.

Can somebody do an apprenticeship if they already have a degree?

Yes, as long as the apprenticeship is in a different subject to the Degree.

How much do I have to pay a new apprentice?

The 2024-25 National Minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £6.40/hr for the first year of their apprenticeship. In the second year of the apprenticeship, if the apprentice is aged over 19, age-related National Minimum Wage applies (aged 19-20 =  £8.60/hr; 21 and over = £11.44/hr)

Recruiting a new apprentice

BC maintained schools

1. School identifies an opportunity. Speaks with BC Apprenticeship Coordinator (via hrservicedesk@buckinghamshire.gov.uk) to explore which training provider on the approved list can be used
2. School submits Levy Claim Form to BC Apprenticeship Coordinator (copy from hrservicedesk@buckinghamshire.gov.uk)
3. Apprenticeship Coordinator approves use of Levy funds
4. Training Provider introduced
5. School completes Advertising Booking Form (copy on schools web) & sends to advertising@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
6. BC Resourcing team notifies school when adverts are live
7. Applications go directly to school for shortlisting. School invites applicants to interview, selects & notifies unsuccessful applicants.
8. School conducts Right to Work, qualifications and DBS checks.
9. School liaises with training provider on learner assessment & desired start date (NB Apprentice must be enrolled on the apprenticeship on the same date that employment starts.)
10. School completes electronic Notification of Appointment form (copy on schools web) for HR Operations Team to complete starter details (including Contract)
11. Apprentice start date: Training provider completes enrolment with apprentice on first day; School starts Induction training. BC sends Employer Apprenticeship Agreement to apprentice afterwards

12. BC charge apprentice recruitment fee £421.27 per vacancy (inc; Levy Claim, contractual & training advice, and candidate support.)

Costs for a new apprentice

In the first year of an apprenticeship, regardless of the apprentice's age, the BC apprentice wage is £6.40 per hour.

From 12 months onwards you must pay age-related National Minimum Wage.

Example costs

To work out the per annum salary, multiply the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) by the full time annual apprentice salary. 

• Full time Equivalent - 0.7827 (School contract of 35 hours per week, for 38 weeks per year, plus 5 weeks holiday) 
• Full time annual apprentice salary @ £6.40/hr = £12,347

Total £9,664 per annum.

Training fees are fully funded by schools apprenticeship levy.

If your apprentice is aged between 16-18, you will also receive a Government Incentive payment of £1,000 over the term of the apprenticeship.

In addition to the normal charge for any vacancy advertising you require, you’ll be charged an Apprentice recruitment fee of £421.27 for each apprentice vacancy, which includes Levy claim, contract and training advice and candidate support. 

Current apprenticeship training programmes

As new apprenticeship standards are made available we hope to extend this list.

You can keep up to date with current apprentice standards online. 

Business and admin

Management

Childcare and education

Facilities

Accounting and finance