START an Apprentice
Build the workforce your business needs.
START an Apprentice is a practical five-step framework to help small businesses in England recruit, onboard and develop apprentices with confidence.
Why START?
Hiring an apprentice should not be this complicated
You know your business needs skilled people. Taking on an apprentice could be a great way to develop them, but there is a lot to consider - funding, training providers, recruitment and ongoing support.
START gives you a straightforward process practical tools and support when you need it. So you can spend less time figuring out what to do next and more time running your business and developing your future workforce.
GOVERNMENT APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORT
Up to £2000
Eligible employers who don't pay the apprenticeship levy may receive up to £2,000 in government hiring support, normally paid in two instalments after 90 days and one year.Eligible apprenticeship training and assessment costs may also be fully government-funded, subject to the funding rules.
Government support could help make investing in your future workforce more affordable.
**Government funding is subject to eligibility and payment conditions. Hiring payments support apprenticeship employment costs and are not a reimbursement of START programme fees.
For eligible employers in England recruiting a qualifying new apprentice aged 16–24.
THREE WAYS TO START
Choose the support that works for your business.
START Online
Learn the framework. Build your own system.
£500 + VAT
Five self-paced learning modules.
START handbook and eight practical tools.
Video lessons, examples and checklists.
Resources you can adapt and reuse for future apprentices.
Lifetime access to resources including bonus unit for your supervisors and mentors.
START Together
Practical workshops and expert guidance.
£2,000 + VAT
Everything included in START Online.
Live group one day workshop and networking opportunity.
3 further group coaching sessions online
Expert advice as you work through your decisions.
A practical approach you can continue using as your business grows.
START With Us
We set it up. We help you manage it.
£1,000 setup + £100/month per apprentice, plus VAT
We complete the relevant toolkit for your apprentice.
Branded competency framework and performance management documentation.
Monthly documented performance and development reviews.
Liaison with your supervisor and training provider.
START With Us is priced per apprentice. Additional services are quoted separately.
Need Something More?
Business BASICS
Additional support for under-18 apprentices.
£1,000 + VAT
Includes sample risk assessments, a safeguarding policy template and introductory safeguarding training to help your business prepare for the additional responsibilities involved in employing younger apprentices.
Apprentice Recruitment Support
Help finding the right person.
Priced to your requirements
Additional support with recruitment planning, attracting candidates, interviews and assessment, tailored to the needs of your business.