• +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.

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 can offer you impartial advice and guidance on the Apprenticeship Levy. With years of experience of working with employers, they can support your organisation gain a better understanding and advise you how you can ultilise the Levy for recruiting new talent and upskill your existing workforce.

Find out more

Key apprenticeship facts

  • The minimum wage for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour.
  • By employing an apprentice under the 19, you qualify for a £1000 employer incentive grant. Rest assured, we will handle the grant processing on your behalf, managing all the necessary paperwork for your convenience.
  • If you hire an apprentice aged 19 years or older, the government covers 95% of the training cost for your apprentice.
  • Apprenticeship funding can also be used to train your existing 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.
  • For employers not subject to the apprenticeship levy (organisations with an annual salary bill below £3 million), the government covers 95% of the training costs for apprentices aged 19 or older.

What our employer partners say:

“Sunderland College is supportive at every level, from recruitment through to study support to both the apprentice and the employer, and this is invaluable in us developing the apprentices.”

–Sean Thompson (Managing Director, Ashford Orthodontics Limited)

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

–Geoff Scott (Social & Economic Manager, Keepmoat Homes)

“As an organisation, we’ve always been a big believer in apprenticeships and believe that all business, especially manufacturers, have a role to play in helping nurture the workers of the future.”

–Graham Moore (Operating Controlling Partner, Grundfos UK)

“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)

Case studies

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