Using Apprenticeships as CPD for Your Existing Staff
Apprenticeships are not only a way to recruit new employees. They can also provide a structured and cost-effective route for developing the skills of people who are already part of your organisation.
What if You Are Not in a Position to Recruit Additional Staff?
Apprenticeships can still support your organisation even when recruiting new employees is not currently possible.
The future can sometimes be difficult to predict. Engineering and manufacturing employers may find themselves in very different circumstances. Some businesses may continue recruiting apprentices, while others may need to review production, staffing levels and future workforce requirements before taking on additional employees.
This applies to organisations of every size. Employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy may continue building funds in their account, even when their current circumstances mean they are unable to increase their wage bill or recruit new apprentices.
If your organisation cannot currently recruit additional employees, apprenticeship funding may still be used to develop suitable members of your existing workforce.
Build Skills Within Your Current Team
Apprenticeships can provide employees with recognised training, new technical knowledge and a clear route for progression.
Apprenticeships are not just for bringing new talent into your business. They can also be an effective way to upskill employees who are already established within your organisation.
An apprenticeship can be started at different ages and may be completed by someone already working in a relevant role. Previous qualifications and prior learning will need to be considered, but the range of available apprenticeship levels means there may be suitable opportunities for employees at different stages of their careers.
Retain Experience
Develop people who already understand your organisation, customers, systems and working environment.
Close Skills Gaps
Build the technical, leadership or operational skills your organisation needs for future growth.
Support Progression
Give employees a structured route into greater responsibility or more senior positions.
Using Apprenticeship Funding for Existing Employees
The funding route available will depend on your organisation, payroll, employee circumstances and the apprenticeship programme.
Apprenticeship Levy
Employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy may be able to use funds in their apprenticeship service account to support eligible training for existing employees.
- Use available levy funds for eligible programmes
- Develop staff without recruiting an additional employee
- Support technical and management progression
- Align training with organisational skills needs
Co-investment and Funding Support
Employers that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy may be able to access government support towards eligible apprenticeship training costs.
- Funding support may reduce the cost of training
- Existing employees can be considered
- No additional salary is created for an existing member of staff
- Our team can explain the available funding route
Apprenticeship funding rules and employer contributions can change. Speak to our team before making a decision so that we can explain the arrangements that apply to your organisation and chosen programme.
Questions to Consider
Before choosing an apprenticeship for an existing employee, consider the role, the individual and the outcomes your organisation needs.
Does the apprenticeship match the employee’s current or future role?
Will the programme address a genuine organisational skills need?
Does the employee have sufficient time and support to complete it?
Has previous learning and experience been considered?
Is there a clear progression opportunity after completion?
Explore CPD Opportunities for Your Existing Staff
The best way to understand how apprenticeships could support your current workforce is to discuss your organisation, employees and skills needs with our team. We can provide guidance specific to your circumstances.