Build a stronger workforce with funded apprenticeships that work for your business.
High Ridge Training makes hiring and training apprentices simple — from recruitment through to End-Point Assessment — backed by government funding and an Ofsted-rated 'Good' provider.
Develop talent. Boost productivity. Retain your best people.
Whether you're recruiting new staff or upskilling your existing team, apprenticeships deliver long-term benefits — across engineering, manufacturing, business administration and more.
Develop Talent
Tailor apprenticeships to your business needs and build a skilled, loyal workforce.
Boost Productivity
Apprentices help increase efficiency and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Cost-Effective Training
Train staff at any level, from entry to senior roles, with government incentives and funding.
Support Diversity
Contribute to your CSR goals and create opportunities for diverse talent.
Increase Retention
Invest in your employees' growth to reduce turnover and recruitment costs.
We'll support you every step of the way
Training Needs Analysis
We assess your business goals and workforce needs.
Recruitment Support
We advertise vacancies, screen candidates, and manage shortlisting.
Initial Assessments & Planning
Every apprentice is assessed to create a personalised learning plan.
Onboarding
We handle the enrolment paperwork and induction process.
Delivery
Off-the-job training, on-the-job development tailored to your business, and functional skills in English/maths if required.
Regular Reviews
To track progress and ensure the programme delivers for both apprentice and employer.
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
A final assessment to confirm the apprentice meets the industry standard.
Government funds the majority of training costs
What you pay depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy. From 1 August 2026, the rates below apply to all new apprenticeship starts.
Smaller Employers (Non-Levy)
- From 1 August 2026, 100% funded if your apprentice is aged 16–24 at the start of training (or 15, if their 16th birthday falls between the last Friday of June and 31 August).
- Aged 25 or over: you pay 5% of the training cost, government pays the remaining 95%.
Large Employers (Levy Payers)
- Use your apprenticeship service account to fund training.
- From 1 August 2026, if your levy balance runs out, you pay 25% of the training cost, government pays the remaining 75%.
- From 1 August 2026, unused levy funds expire after 12 months if not spent.
Incentives you may be eligible for
The following are already available now, and you may be eligible for more than one at the same time.
Employer Support Payment
Paid in two equal instalments (day 90 and 1 year, or day 242 if under 12 months) for apprentices aged 16–18 (or 15, if their 16th birthday falls between the last Friday of June and 31 August), or aged under 25 with an EHC plan or a care leaver.
Foundation Apprenticeship Incentive
Paid in three equal instalments (day 90, day 242, and on progression to the next apprenticeship) for apprentices aged 16–21, or under 25 with an EHC plan, care leaver or prisoner/prison leaver status. Available in construction, engineering & manufacturing, health & social care, digital, catering & hospitality, and retail service, supply & administration.
Care Leavers' Bursary
Available to care leavers under 25 starting an apprenticeship, paid directly to the apprentice — tax-free and not counted as income for Universal Credit.
Youth Jobs Grant
Already open since 30 June 2026, for apprentices aged 18–24 who've been unemployed and on Universal Credit for 6+ months. Paid directly to employers by DWP in two instalments — £1,800 after 6 weeks, £1,200 after 18 weeks.
Apprenticeship Hiring Payment — new from 1 Oct 2026
Non-levy employers recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24 can claim £2,000, in two equal £1,000 instalments (day 90 and day 365, or day 242 if under 12 months). The apprentice must have joined within the 3 months before their apprenticeship starts. Claimed by your training provider and passed on to you.
National Insurance Relief
No employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 — an ongoing saving on top of the payments above.
Structural rules that apply across every apprenticeship
- Minimum Programme LengthAll apprenticeships must last at least 8 months.
- Fixed Off-the-Job HoursEvery apprenticeship standard has a fixed number of off-the-job training hours, regardless of the apprentice's weekly hours.
- English and MathsStill required for apprentices who don't already hold Level 2 (GCSE equivalent). For learners aged 19+, employers and apprentices can opt out where it's not relevant to the job role.
- Prior LearningIf an apprentice has already covered some content, we'll adjust the programme to reflect that — saving you time and funding.
- Monthly Learning ChecksFunctional skills (English/maths) learners must complete monthly learning activities to remain eligible.
Apprenticeships by industry
We deliver apprenticeship training across the following sectors, plus professional development routes for teams who need a shorter, more targeted programme.
Need something shorter and more targeted? Explore our Professional Development routes, including CIPS, Early Years and Childcare, and Business and Management.
Apprenticeships in England, made hassle-free
We specialise in helping businesses recruit, train, and retain talent through tailored apprenticeship programmes aligned with your business objectives.
- Apprenticeship Recruitment Support — we help UK employers attract and select the right candidates.
- Streamlined Onboarding & Digital Paperwork — fast, paperless setup and compliance management.
- Progress Tracking & Regular Employer Updates — full visibility into your apprentices' learning journey.
- Training Aligned with Business Goals — customised programmes across engineering, manufacturing, business administration and more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire an apprentice?
It depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy. From 1 August 2026, non-levy employers pay just 5% of training costs (or nothing at all for apprentices aged 16–24) — government covers the rest. Levy-paying employers use their apprenticeship service account, topping up with 25% co-investment only if their levy balance runs out.
What is the apprenticeship levy?
The apprenticeship levy is a fund that larger UK employers pay into and use to cover the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment. Funds are held in a digital apprenticeship service account and must be used within 12 months or they expire.
How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?
Apprenticeships must run for a minimum of 8 months, with the total length depending on the level and standard — some take several years to complete.
What funding is available for hiring young apprentices?
Non-levy employers can access 100% funded training for apprentices aged 16–24, plus up to four separate cash incentives depending on the apprentice's circumstances: a £1,000 employer payment, a £2,000 Foundation Apprenticeship incentive, a £2,000 hiring payment for new 16–24 year old starters (from October 2026), and a £3,000 Care Leavers' Bursary. You can claim more than one at the same time.
Do I have to pay an apprentice the National Minimum Wage?
Yes — apprentices must be paid at least the minimum wage that applies to their age and apprenticeship year.
What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?
A Foundation Apprenticeship is an accessible entry route into work-based learning for young people aged 16–21 (or under 25 with an EHC plan, care experience, or as a prisoner/prison leaver), available across sectors including construction, engineering, health & social care, and digital.
Is there a new hiring grant for small employers?
Yes. From 1 October 2026, non-levy employers can claim a £2,000 Apprenticeship Hiring Payment when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24, provided the apprentice joined the organisation within the 3 months before their apprenticeship starts. It's paid in two equal £1,000 instalments, at day 90 and day 365 of the apprenticeship.
What is the Youth Jobs Grant?
It's a £3,000 payment for employers who hire an 18–24 year old apprentice who has been unemployed and on Universal Credit for 6 months or more. It's already open, having launched on 30 June 2026. Unlike the other payments, it's paid directly to you by DWP rather than through your training provider, in two instalments — £1,800 after 6 weeks and £1,200 after 18 weeks.
Start building your future workforce
Tell us about your business and we'll come back to you with a tailored apprenticeship and funding plan.