Employer FAQs

Got a question about Damar or about apprenticeships? Check out our FAQs or get in touch to find out more.

STUDENTS

Looking to develop your skills and your career?

VACANCIES

If you’re new to the world of apprenticeships, it can seem like there’s a lot to take in. We have 40 years’ experience of working with large employers, SMEs and public sector organisations so we understand the challenges and issues you may be facing and can show you how we have helped similar companies grow and thrive through our apprenticeship programmes and workforce development training..

Here are some employer FAQs about apprenticeships. If there is anything else you would like to know or you are considering apprenticeship training for your business, give us a call on 0161 480 8171 or click the ‘Contact Us’ button below.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an on the job training programme that develops an employees’ knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to perform in their job role. The training is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of the individual and their employer.

Who can do an apprenticeship?

There are no age restrictions on apprenticeships and apprenticeship training can be used for new recruits or to upskill existing staff. Apprenticeships are also now open to graduates. However, we do need to ensure that there is a sufficient enough gap in the individual’s required skills, knowledge and behaviours so that they will benefit from the training.

Can existing staff do an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships can be used for new staff or existing employees, who may need to upskill in their current position or who are looking to change roles.

Why should I employ an apprentice?

Skills shortages and staff retention are still among the biggest risks to UK businesses. Apprenticeships can help businesses across all industries by offering a cost effective route to attract fresh talent and to invest in workforce development. If you have trained staff with the right skills for the job, they can do a wider range of tasks and take on new responsibilities – this can help to reduce skill shortages, minimise staff turnover, improve your customer experience and increase productivity.

What does the training involve?

The delivery method can vary according to the needs of the apprentice, the employer and the qualification. We use a blended delivery model which combines 1:1 and group coaching sessions and visits with a Damar coach and subject specialists, with online learning, webinars and e-tutorials delivered via our virtual learning environment, Damar OpenLearning. This gives apprentices access to more specialist teaching content and the flexibility to access content when at times that suit them and the employer. Most apprentices need to at least six hours per week (on average) on their studies.

What does the training cost?

If your annual wage bill is over £3 million, the cost of training will be funded by your apprenticeship levy. We can help you to navigate your Apprenticeship Service account to access this funding.

If your wage bill is below the £3 million threshold, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (EFSA) covers 95-100% of the training costs. The level of funding available is determined by the size of your business and the age of the apprentice.

Size of business	Age of apprentice	Funding available*
Less than 50 employees	Aged 16-18	100% funding available
Less than 50 employees	Aged 19+	95% funding available
More than 50 employees	Aged 16+	95% funding available

*Please note, some apprenticeships have accreditation costs which are not eligible for government funding.

How much should I pay an apprentice?

The minimum apprenticeship wage is £5.28. However, we strongly encourage all of our employers to pay more in order to attract high calibre candidates.

“The apprenticeship has given me a broader depth and knowledge, not only to support my role but around my own leadership and management styles and will assist continued development in my career.”

Koren O’Connor
Head of Secretarial,
CMS