Finding the Right Training Provider
Starting, restarting or reviewing an apprenticeship scheme can feel complicated. Choosing the right training provider is one of the most important decisions you will make.
What Should You Look For?
You may be starting an apprenticeship scheme, returning to one after a break or reviewing your current arrangements. Whatever your position, the provider you choose will shape the experience of both your business and your apprentices.
When a company first begins exploring apprenticeship delivery and available funding, it can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar and confusing world.
Employers often need answers to several important questions:
- What does a training provider actually do?
- What will the apprenticeship programme cost?
- How much work will the employer need to manage?
- What training will the apprentice require?
- Who will recruit and assess suitable candidates?
- What qualities and knowledge should candidates have?
Not All Providers Are the Same
Employers can choose from independent training providers, colleges and universities. The options are broad, and the level of support offered can vary considerably.
Independent training providers account for a significant share of apprenticeship delivery in England. Once colleges and universities are included, employers have a wide range of organisations and delivery models to choose from.
Selecting the right partner is essential. A poor choice can lead to wasted time, unnecessary cost, weak apprentice support and a programme that does not meet the needs of the business.
Different providers offer different levels of employer engagement, flexibility, recruitment support and programme management.
Which Type of Provider Is Right for You?
Whether you are beginning a new apprenticeship scheme, returning to apprenticeships or considering a change of provider, the level of support you need should guide your decision.
Consider Your Capacity
Decide how much recruitment, administration, programme design and progress monitoring your team can realistically manage.
Define Your Skills Needs
Identify the knowledge, technical skills and capabilities you want the apprentice to develop by the end of the programme.
Understand the Support
Ask providers exactly what they will manage, how often they will communicate and how they will support your business and apprentice.
Three Questions to Ask Every Provider
The answers to these questions should give you a clear picture of the support, flexibility and partnership you can expect.
Do You Provide a Thorough Recruitment Service?
Do you provide apprentice recruitment that includes testing, assessment, telephone interviews, information, advice and guidance, shortlisting and interview arrangements?
A strong recruitment service should reduce the administrative burden on your team while helping you identify candidates who match the role and organisation.
Will You Develop a Company-Specific Training Plan?
Will you help us develop and implement a training plan, then assess and monitor progress beyond the minimum requirements of the apprenticeship standard?
The apprenticeship should support your organisation’s real skills needs rather than simply deliver a generic qualification.
Will You Tailor the Programme Around Our Needs?
Do you ask what we want and tailor the course, qualifications and delivery model to suit our business?
A provider should understand the outcomes you need and explain where flexibility is possible within the apprenticeship standard and funding rules.
Which Type of Provider Are We?
We would answer yes to all three questions and place ourselves firmly within the holistic, wraparound provider category.
We believe our level of engagement with employers and apprentices is outstanding, and it is something in which we take great pride.
We work in partnership with employers to understand their organisation, recruit suitable candidates, shape the training programme and closely support apprentice development.
In a marketplace with many options, we believe the value we add and the long-term employer relationships we build are central to the success of our apprenticeships.
Talk to Our Employer Team
We can explain how we recruit, design programmes, manage apprenticeship funding and support employers and apprentices throughout delivery.