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 shouldn't be complicated.
You know your business needs skilled people. Taking on an apprentice could be a great way to develop them, but there's a lot to consider — funding, training providers, recruitment, paperwork and ongoing support.
And who has the time to manage it all?
START gives you a straightforward process, practical tools and expert support when you need it.
So you can spend less time figuring out what to do next and more time building the workforce your business needs.
GOVERNMENT APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORT
Up to £2000
For eligible employers recruiting qualifying new apprentices aged 16–24 in England.
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.
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.
BUILT ON REAL EXPERIENCE
Practical support from an apprenticeship specialist.
START an Apprentice has been created by Coventina Consulting, drawing on more than 16 years of experience in apprenticeships, workforce development and building employer-led training academies.
We understand that smaller businesses need more than information. They need straightforward advice, practical tools and systems that work in the real world. Our approach combines business planning, recruitment, workplace learning and performance management to help you develop capable, confident employees.
Because a successful apprenticeship isn't just about completing a qualification. It's about developing someone who can contribute to your business for years to come.
Clarity Backed by Expertise
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Yes. The START Online and START Together frameworks and resources can be adapted and reused for future apprentices. START With Us consultancy is charged per apprentice because each person requires individual planning, documentation and ongoing support.
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Absolutely. START can help you improve induction, supervision, competency tracking and performance reviews for apprentices already working in your business.
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No. Your approved training provider is responsible for the apprenticeship training and assessment within its remit. START helps you manage the workplace development, supervision and performance side of the apprenticeship.
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Costs depend on wages, equipment, supervision, training arrangements and the apprentice's circumstances. Government funding may reduce eligible costs. START helps you understand and plan for the investment before recruiting.
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Our monthly performance and development support can continue throughout the apprenticeship, including programmes lasting three or four years.
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Eligible non-levy-paying employers in England may receive up to £2,000 for recruiting qualifying new apprentices aged 16–24, subject to government funding rules and payment conditions.
READY TO START?
Let's build your future workforce.
Learn the process yourself, join our supported workshops or let us help you set everything up.
START an Apprentice gives you a practical way forward, with the guidance and support to develop the people your business needs.