Hiring any employee is a significant investment; we get it. Apprenticeships are no exception. But when done right, it’s one of the smartest investments a business can make for long-term growth.
This easy guide lays out our process in 5 simple steps, from initial discussions to your apprentice’s first day, at no cost to you.
Fresh Perspectives That Drive Innovation Today’s apprentices don’t just bring energy — they bring solutions. They’re the ones suggesting Instagram Reels for your plumbing business, streamlining your inventory with apps you’ve never heard of, or spotting process improvements that save hours each week.
Loyalty You Can’t Buy When you invest in someone’s future, they invest in yours. Our apprentices have a 92% retention rate after qualification – compared to 68% for standard hires.
Training That Fits Your Business Unlike university graduates who need retraining, apprentices learn your way of working from day one. They’re shaped by your standards, your processes, and your culture.
Government-Backed Financial Support Apprentice wages start from £7.55/hour, with full training costs covered by government funding. Plus, you may qualify for £1,000 grants and National Insurance excemptions. It’s skills development that pays for itself.
Your Step-by-Step Journey
Step 1: The Discovery Call
Every successful apprenticeship starts with understanding your unique needs. In our initial call, we’ll explore:
- Where your business is heading and what skills you’ll need
- Which roles would benefit most from fresh talent
- The right apprenticeship standard for your goals (from Digital Marketing to Advanced Manufacturing)
- What hiring an apprentice looks like
- Exactly what is required from you and what support you’ll receive
This isn’t a sales call – it’s a simple conversation to help you understand what apprenticeships are available and how they work.
Step 2: Crafting Your Perfect Job Specification
Our recruitment service is free. We’ll advertise across all the main digital channels including the National Apprenticeship Service. We also have relationships with schools, colleges and universities across the country, allowing us to draw on a large pool to find the right fit for your team.
Our job specifications highlight:
- Real career progression opportunities
- Your company culture and values
- Specific projects they’ll work on
- The skills they’ll develop
- Why your business is worth their commitment
Step 3: Smart Shortlisting (No CV Mountains)
Here’s where we save you serious time.
We personally screen every application, conduct video interviews with promising candidates, and assess both their potential and cultural fit. You receive a shortlist of 3-5 genuinely suitable candidates, not a pile of CVs to wade through.
Each candidate summary includes:
- Why we think they’d work well in your business
- Their key strengths and areas for development
- Interview notes and our honest assessment
- Suggested interview questions tailored to your needs
You choose who to meet, and we can arrange everything from formal interviews to practical trial days.
Step 4: Seamless Setup and Onboarding
Found your perfect apprentice? We handle the complex stuff.
We’ll:
- Confirm all funding arrangements and complete the paperwork
- Set up their personalised training schedule
- Coordinate their first-day logistics
- Introduce you to their dedicated tutor
Everything is designed to be straightforward, compliant, and stress-free.
Step 5: Ongoing Partnership and Progress
Our relationship really begins when your apprentice starts.
Your dedicated account manager will:
- Check-in monthly to track progress and address any concerns
- Coordinate regular progress reviews with you and the apprentice
- Tailor the training schedule to what’s the biggest priority in your team
- Help plan their career progression within your company
- Provide additional support if challenges arise
We’re invested in long-term success, not just placement numbers.
Investment and Returns
What You’ll Invest:
- Apprentice wages: typically £7.55-£8.65/hour (rising with experience)
- Your time: approximately 2-3 hours per week for mentoring and guidance, scaling down over time as your apprentice gets to grips with their role.
What You’ll Receive:
- £1,000 employer incentive payments (if eligible – apprentice is aged 16-18)
- 95% government funding for all training costs (100% if levy funding is available)
- National Insurance savings for apprentices under 25
- A skilled team member trained specifically for your business
- Fresh ideas and digital capabilities
- Long-term employee loyalty and drastically reduced recruitment costs
Most businesses find their apprentice is contributing meaningful value within 3-6 months, with full return on investment typically achieved within the first year.
Real Success Stories
“Fantastic and courteous service all round. The team at professional Apprenticeships really go out of their way to take the time to understand your business needs and find the best candidates to suit your ambitions for growth. They truly understand the importance of a good fit for both the apprentice and the company.”
— Rich O’Brien, Flex Digital Agency
“Lydia provided brilliant service in finding us a new apprentice, and the training and support Claire then delivered to make sure our apprentice got through their programme successfully was brilliant. Would recommend them to anyone looking for an apprentice.”
— Asem Din, Hughes Isaac & Co
Who We Partner With
From household names like Vodafone and Liverpool FC to ambitious local businesses making their mark, we work with employers who understand that great people drive great results.
Our partners choose apprenticeships because they want to:
- Build capabilities rather than just fill gaps
- Develop talent that truly understands their business
- Create career pathways that attract ambitious people
- Invest in sustainable growth rather than quick fixes
- Promote diversity and inclusion through apprenticeships
Ready to Explore What’s Possible?
If you’re curious whether an apprentice could strengthen your team, let’s have a conversation.
We’ll provide honest insights about whether apprenticeships align with your goals, clear information about next steps, and realistic expectations about timelines and outcomes. No pressure, no pushy sales tactics, just a professional discussion about your options.
The businesses that get the most from apprenticeships are those that see them as partners in growth, not just extra pairs of hands. If that sounds like your approach, we’d love to help you explore the possibilities.
Ready to start the conversation?
👉 Book a discovery call — Let’s discuss your specific needs
👉 Explore apprenticeship standards — Find the right fit for your industry
Questions? Call us on 0333 444 0036 or email info@pro-app.co.uk