Apprenticeship Incentives: How They Can Benefit Your Business

As well as being a great opportunity for the learner, an apprentice also adds value to the business that employs them. There are also a range of government-funded apprenticeship incentives available for companies who employ apprentices.

Who Can Access Apprenticeship Incentives?

Incentives are available to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who employ apprentices. Larger businesses (with an annual payroll exceeding £3million) instead contribute to the Growth and Skills Levy, which covers the learner’s course cost. While SMEs pay 5% of the course cost (for apprenticeships we offer this typically ranges from £250 – £400). From 1st August SMEs won’t have any course fees to pay for apprentices under 25 years of age.

Available Incentives

There are a range of incentives currently available to SMEs, including:

• £3,000 through the Youth Jobs Grant for hiring eligible unemployed young people aged 18-24, who have been claiming Universal Credit for 6 months or more
• £1,000 from the Young Apprentice Initiative for hiring apprentices aged 16-18 or aged 19-24 if the apprentice has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• From 1st October 2026, SMEs will also be able to claim £2,000 for each new apprentice hired under the age of 25.

All incentives are stackable meaning SMEs can claim multiple incentives simultaneously. For an apprentice aged 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit for 6+ months and meets the relevant criteria, an SME could receive a total of £6,000

Who Are Apprenticeships For?

Despite often being seen as an opportunity for school leavers, apprenticeships are also available to existing employees-ideal for supporting the learning and development of your team.

Apprenticeships We Offer

Hiring an apprentice is more straightforward than you likely believe. Here at 2 Start Training, we support the employer and learner through the process, we offer a range of Level 2 apprenticeships and Level 3 apprenticeships, including:

• Large Goods Vehicle Driver C+E (Level 2)
• Urban Driver Apprenticeship (Level 2)
• Supply Chain Operative (Level 2)
• Traffic Operative (Level 2)
• Removals Operative (Level 2)
• Team Leader (Level 3)
• Transport And Warehouse Supervisor (Level 3)

Explore our courses in more detail including course modules, here.

Additional Benefits To Hiring An Apprentice

Aside from the government-funded incentives available, businesses have noticed a wider range of benefits to hiring an apprentice, including:

• 80% of employers seeing a significant increase in employee retention
• 92% of businesses that have taken on apprentices believing it leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce

By providing apprenticeships, you can fill skills gaps by upskilling your existing workforce, in turn supporting the future of your team. Interested in hiring an apprentice? Speak to us by calling 02392 123 555 to learn more about how apprentices could benefit your business.