Hiring an Apprentice FAQs

Apprentices must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week. 

• Apprentices under 18 can work up to 40 hours per week
• Apprentices aged 18 and over can work up to 48 hours per week, in line with Working Time Regulations

If you have questions about working hours or flexible arrangements, our Apprenticeship Team can advise you. 

Most employers contribute 5% of the apprenticeship training costs through co-investment, with the Government funding the remaining 95%.

If paying the employer contribution is difficult, you may be able to receive transferred apprenticeship levy funds from a larger levy-paying employer. These funds can cover your contribution, and do not need to be repaid.

Our team can help you explore the funding options available to your business.

No. East Coast College offers a free apprenticeship recruitment service to help you find the right candidate.

We'll work with you to:

• Create an engaging apprenticeship vacancy
• Advertise your role on the Find an Apprenticeship service
• Promote the vacancy through the College website and social media channels
• Share opportunities with current East Coast College students

We'll support you throughout the recruitment process, from advertising the vacancy to selecting the right apprentice.

Off-the-Job (OTJ) Training is learning that takes place outside an apprentice's normal day-to-day duties but is directly related to their apprenticeship.

Examples include:

• Attending college or training sessions
• Completing online learning
• Working on assignments or projects
• Taking part in workshops or industry specific training

Apprentices are required to complete an average of 6 hours of Off-the-Job Training each week throughout their apprenticeship.

On-the-Job Training takes place in the workplace and helps apprentices develop the practical skills and knowledge needed for their role.

Examples include:

• Learning from experienced colleagues
• Shadowing team members
• Receiving coaching or mentoring
• Developing new skills while carrying out workplace tasks

Both On-the-Job and Off-the-Job Training work together to ensure apprentices gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to complete their apprenticeship successfully.

You can find additional guidance and support from the following organisations:

• Apprenticeships Norfolk
• Apprenticeships Suffolk
• ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
• Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)
• GOV.UK – Employing an Apprentice
• Apprenticeships