Employ an Apprentice

Build a skilled, motivated workforce with the support of Blackburn College Apprenticeships.

Whether you're looking to recruit new talent or upskill existing employees, our team can help you identify skills gaps, access funding and recruit work-ready candidates.

Call: 01254 292500
Email: apprenticeships@blackburn.ac.uk

Learn more about How to Employ an Apprentice

Read our booklet here

Why Employ an Apprentice?

Workforce planning allows businesses to think ahead and train staff to fill future skills gaps. An apprenticeship programme offers a cost-effective solution to develop employees with the knowledge, skills and behaviours your organisation needs.

Benefits

Cost-effective staff training
Positive return on investment
Build a motivated and loyal workforce
Develop skills specific to your business
Fill current and future skills gaps
Upskill existing employees and support progression

Two Routes to Apprenticeships

Recruit an Apprentice

Employ a new recruit through an apprenticeship programme. Anyone aged 16 or over can apply.

Upskill Existing Staff

Enrol current employees on an apprenticeship programme to develop new skills and gain recognised qualifications

1 man and 1 woman talking looking at laptop on table

Train. Retain. Gain.

Train

Our experienced officers provide a free Training & Needs Analysis (TNA) to identify skills gaps within your organisation.

Retain

Support your employees to progress through higher-level apprenticeships and gain new knowledge and skills.

Benefit from motivated, highly qualified employees who take pride in their achievements and contribute to business success.

We Can Help You Recruit

Once you complete a vacancy form, we'll advertise your vacancy, manage applications and identify suitable candidates for your role.

Apprenticeship Funding

Levy Paying Employers

Businesses with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy and can use these funds towards apprenticeship training.

Non-Levy Employers

100% funding available for training apprentices aged 16-24
95% funding available for apprentices aged 25+
Employers recruiting apprentices aged 25+ contribute 5% of training costs

National Insurance & Employer Incentives

Employers can benefit from National Insurance savings when employing apprentices under the age of 25 who earn less than £967 per week.

You may also be eligible for:

£1,000 grant for apprentices aged 16-18
£2,000 incentive for recruiting apprentices aged 16-24 (from October 2026)
Additional payments for eligible Foundation Apprenticeships

How the Process Works

Identify a training or recruitment need
Contact Blackburn College
Create an Apprenticeship Service Account
Reserve funding or add learner details
Advertise the vacancy
Candidate assessment and selection
Apprenticeship agreement completed
Apprentice enrols
Regular reviews and support
Qualified, upskilled employee

Ready to Get Started? Speak to our experienced Business Development Team about your recruitment and training requirements. 01254 292500 apprenticeships@blackburn.ac.uk

Explore Blackburn College

Visit our campus

It couldn’t be easier to discover our campus, situated close to Blackburn town centre, we’re easily accessible by public transport and car.

How to get to us

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