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. 

Apprenticeship training

Apprenticeships are available for bringing in new talent, and to train existing staff.

Training funding can be drawn down from the BC Apprenticeship Levy Account.

Information about the apprenticeship process is available below.

Apprenticeships - Buckinghamshire Council guide for schools

Apprenticeships in Maintained Schools Video

Apprenticeships are work-based 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
• an opportunity to work towards a nationally recognised qualification

Apprenticeships are offered at different levels making them appropriate for a wide group of people. This route is now regarded by many businesses as a popular alternative to Higher Education.

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?

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.

Maintained schools only.

The Buckinghamshire Council levy funds cover the cost of apprenticeships for all maintained schools. They are available to be used in addition to the schools own levy contributions.

There is no limit on amount of funds or number of apprenticeships taken up.

How to use your levy contribution

Complete the apprenticeship levy claim form and return to hrservicedesk@buckinghamshire.gov.uk in order to:

• use the levy
• start the arrangements to set up an apprenticeship

Claims can be made for both new talent or staff upskilling apprenticeships.  

Buckinghamshire Council maintained schools

1. School identifies an opportunity. Speaks with BC Apprenticeship Team (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 Team (copy from hrservicedesk@buckinghamshire.gov.uk)
3. The Apprenticeship Team approves the 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 the school when adverts are live
7. Applications go directly to the school for shortlisting. The school invites applicants to interview, and 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 
10. School completes electronic Notification of Appointment form (copy on schoolsweb) for HR Operations Team to complete starter details (including Contract)
11. Apprentice start date: The training provider completes enrolment with the apprentice on the first day; School starts Induction training. 
12. BC charge an apprentice recruitment fee of £485 per vacancy (inc; Levy Claim, contractual & training advice, and candidate support.)

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.

Training fees are fully funded by Buckinghamshire Council 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 £485 for each apprentice vacancy, which includes Levy claim, contract and training advice and candidate support. 

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

Role	Apprenticeship available	Levy claim amount
School Business Manager	School Business Professional (L4)	£6,000
School Business Manager	Associate Project Manager (L4	£6,000
School Secretary/Office Manager	Business Administrator (L3)	£4,500
School Secretary/Office Manager	Operations/Departmental Manager (L5)	£7,000
School Secretary/Office Manager	Team Leader/Supervisor (L3)	£4.500
Receptionist	Customer Service Practitioner or Specialist(L2/3)	£3,500/£4,000
Receptionist	Business Administration (L3)	£5,000

Management

Role	Apprenticeship available	Levy claim amount
Headteacher	Chartered Management Degree (L6)	£22,000
Headteacher	MEd in Educational Leadership (L7)	£14,000

Childcare and education

Role	Apprenticeship available	Levy claim amount
Teacher	Teacher (L6)	£9,000
Teaching Assistant	Teaching Assistant (L3)	£7,000
Teaching Assistant	PE & School Sport (L3)	£7,000
Science Lab Technician	Laboratory Technician (L3)	£21,000
Nursery Workers	Early Years Practitioner or Educator (L2 & L3)	£4,000/ £6,000
Playworker (after school, lunchtime, holiday clubs)	Early Years Practitioner or Educator (L2 & L3)	£4,000/ £6,000

Facilities

Role	Apprenticeship available	Levy claim amount
Facilities Manager/Caretaker/Site Manager	Facilities Management Supervisor (L3)	£4,000
Facilities Manager/Caretaker/Site Manager	Property Maintenance Operative (L2)	£14,000

Accounting and finance

Role	Apprenticeship available	Levy claim amount
Finance Officer	Assistant accountant (L3)	£12,000
Finance Officer	Professional Accounting Taxation Technician (L4)	£8,000
Finance Officer	CIMA or CIPFA L7	£21,000

 

Resources