Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to nurture their own talent. They also provide an excellent route for young people to enter the labour market, allowing individuals to train on the job and gain a qualification at the same time. They have become a key government policy in the UK. Since April 2017, large employers in the UK have been required to pay an apprenticeship levy and other employers are required to contribute some of the costs. 

This factsheet reviews the key features of apprenticeships and their benefits to employers. It also looks at the elements of implementing and running a successful apprenticeship scheme and outlines the funding changes.

Explore our viewpoint on apprenticeships and investment in training, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers

Member tool: CIPD Buddy BETA
Experiment with AI to find answers on this topic with our prototype. Login to explore CIPD Buddy

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue

Related content

Data

Data hub

Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

Student wearing glasses and an audio headset looking at their laptop and smiling.
Guide

Making work experience work: Guide for employers

Advice for employers on making work experience work, highlighting good recruitment practices and providing information on feedback during placements

For Members

Explore our other factsheets

Factsheet

Harassment and bullying at work

Understand what bullying and harassment at work is, and how employers and employees can address the problem

Factsheet

Mediation at work

Learn how mediation can resolve conflict in the workplace

Factsheet

Zero-hours contracts

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of zero-hours contracts, recent UK legislative changes, and good practices to follow

For Members
Factsheet

Skills development in the UK workplace

Understand what we mean by skills in the workplace, UK skill levels and the government’s skills policy.

Factsheets