You focus on running your business. We take care of the training, the paperwork, the compliance, and the ongoing support. Whether you’re hiring someone new or developing an existing team member, the apprenticeship works around you.
Hear how employing an apprentice, or putting an existing employee through one, helps real businesses in our region grow. Then tell us what you need.
Apprenticeship funding is changing through 2026 as the levy moves to the new Growth & Skills Levy. For many employers, especially SMEs, the system is becoming more generous thanks to new incentives. Not sure what you're entitled to? Our team will map your funding in your first conversation, no commitment and no cost. Open the section that applies to you.
SME
If your annual pay bill is under £3 million, you don’t pay the levy. From August 2026, the government covers 100% of training costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24 (you pay their wages). For apprentices aged 25 and over, the government funds 95% and you contribute 5%. We help you budget and check what else applies.
Levy
From August 2026, levy funds expire after 12 months instead of 24, so plan recruitment proactively to avoid losing them. The 10% government top-up has been removed, though funds already in your account aren’t affected. Once your levy funds run out, government co-investment drops from 95% to 75%, so you contribute 25% of any further training costs. We help you maximise every pound before it expires.
SME
From October 2026, small and medium-sized employers receive £2,000 for each newly recruited apprentice aged 16 to 24. It’s paid in two instalments of £1,000, at 90 days and 365 days, on top of your funding.
All employers
A £1,000 incentive is available to all employers hiring an apprentice aged 16 to 18, paid as two £500 instalments at 90 and 365 days. It also covers 19 to 24 year olds with an EHCP or who are care leavers. From June 2026, a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant is available for newly recruited 18 to 24 year olds who have claimed Universal Credit for more than six months, paid as two £1,500 instalments. Where you qualify, these can often be combined. Our team helps you claim everything you’re entitled to.
All employers
You pay no employer National Insurance on earnings up to £50,270 for apprentices under 25. Depending on salary, that can save you thousands of pounds a year, per apprentice, whether you’re an SME or a levy payer.
68+ pathways. Whether you're bringing in a school leaver or qualifying an experienced team member.
Tell us what role you're hiring for or who you want to develop. We visit your site and understand your operations.
We match the right apprenticeship, map your funding, and handle setup and paperwork.
Training happens on campus, at your workplace, or blended. Your named contact keeps everything on track.
Your employee qualifies. We stay in touch to plan what's next as your business evolves.
Yes. From April 2026 the apprentice minimum wage is £8.00 an hour. You can pay this rate for the first 12 months; after that, apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum or National Living Wage for their age.
Typically at least 30 hours a week, including off-the-job training. Most work 30 to 40 hours depending on your business and the programme.
Apprentices spend 20% of their normal working hours training with us. This can be weekly, monthly, or in blocks. We’ll agree what suits your business.
We help you write a clear, accurate job description tailored to your business and the apprenticeship standard.
We advertise your vacancy free through the national Find an Apprenticeship service, our website and local networks, and we handle enquiries, applications and interviews.
Tell us what you need. We’ll come back within one working day with a plan: your funding options, how recruitment works, and a realistic timeline. No commitment.
01302 553 610 · employertraining@dncolleges.ac.uk · Doncaster & Scunthorpe
