Employer Guide – Tech Apprenticeships

Upskilling
& Hiring,
Step-by-Step

At LearnTech, we believe building a future-ready tech team starts with the right talent.

2 people looking at a laptop

Quick links

Tech apprenticeships are a smart, flexible and cost-effective way to grow developers, analysts and IT professionals, bringing fresh perspectives and long-term value to your organisation. Whether you’re hiring your first apprentice or expanding apprenticeships within your organisation, this step-by-step guide walks you through the process with clarity, confidence and compliance. And of course, LearnTech can be here to support you every step of the way.

Roadmap: Step-by-Step

Step 1
Identify your hiring needs

Start by assessing your current and future skills gaps. Whether you need developers, infrastructure support, data analysts, AI specialists or something else, define where an apprentice could make the biggest impact. 

You might want to upskill existing team members or bring in new recruits. We can talk through your options and help build the right solution. 

Explore our full range of tech and digital apprenticeships… and upcoming start dates.

Step 2
Understand apprenticeship funding

Apprenticeships are heavily supported by government funding, making it a cost-effective way to develop new or existing staff. 

Whether or not you pay the Apprenticeship Levy, there’s almost always funding available and we can help you access it.

From January 2026, government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is no longer be available to most learners aged 22 and over. However, care leavers and those with an EHCP may be eligible for funding up to age 25.

Use the flowchart above to find out what funding your business is eligible for or book a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Step 3
Choose the right apprenticeship standard

There are a wide range of approved apprenticeship standards to align with digital and tech roles.

Choose one that fits the position and the skills you want to develop and if you’re unsure, we can help map the role to the right programme. Browse the apprenticeship standards on the Skills England website.

Apprenticeship Standards cannot be altered, and no formal changes have yet been made to include AI-related knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs). To maintain integrity and transparency, we’ve chosen to include certified AI and / or Data training within 15 of our apprenticeships, rather than rebrand or rename modules, ensuring employers know exactly what their apprentices will be learning.

All BCS accredited AI courses we’re embedding into our programmes can be found on our BCS AI Qualifications Pathway page.

Step 4
Choose the right training partner

It’s crucial to work with a training provider that will understand your needs and support you. You need to ensure your apprentices gain the skills and knowledge your business needs. It’s advisable to meet with your chosen training provider, or a couple of them to help you make the right choice. 

Here are tips to guide your decision… 

  1. Match to your needs – ensure their courses fit your tech roles and tools
  2. Check quality – review Ofsted reports and employer feedback. Use the provider metrics on the Find Apprenticeship Training website to help you decide (see FAQs below for an explanation)
  3. Industry-relevant content – they should teach up-to-date, in-demand tech skills
  4. Flexible delivery model – helps you strike the right balance between day-to-day business needs and the structured learning required for your apprentice to become highly proficient
  5. Tailored content – find out if the apprenticeship content can be tailored to your specific organisation and / or what additional qualifications are included with the apprenticeship
  6. Employer support – choose providers that offer apprentice recruitment services (free of charge), onboarding, funding and progress tracking
  7. Apprentice support – ensure good pastoral care and learning support, including for those students with additional needs
Step 5
Why LearnTech’s approach could work for your organisation

When choosing us, you get… 

  • Live online teaching by experienced tech trainers, using science-backed methods. See our FAQs for details about our training delivery model and head to the Video Guides section below to watch ‘A Typical Week in Training’ to see what learning looks like in action
  • 15 apprenticeship programmes enhanced with free, BCS accredited AI & Data qualifications, covering business innovation, data, ethics, machine learning, and AI techniques
  • Personalised support from day one
  • Free recruitment and onboarding services
  • Confidence in capability through official pass rates and employer and apprentice reviews that speak for themselves

Find out more about why employers choose us.

We’ve employed several apprentices across our own business, including a Level 3 HR apprentice and Business Admin apprentices.

We’re trusted by organisations across industries, from microbusinesses to large employers, including in the public sector (see FAQs below) and we’d love to support yours.

Book a no-obligation, free Information Session to discuss your goals and ask any questions (see FAQs below).

Step 6
Set up your Apprenticeship Service account

This is your online portal to manage funding, connect with your chosen training partner, and approve apprentice details. More information can be found on the government website.

When choosing LearnTech – we are always on hand to guide you through setup and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Step 7
Advertise your apprenticeship vacancy

If you’re not upskilling someone internally, you’ll need to promote the role. 

Create a clear, compelling job description aligned to the apprenticeship, including the salary. While apprentices can legally be paid the minimum wage, our experience shows that offering only minimum pay makes it extremely difficult to attract strong candidates for tech roles. 

Salaries should reflect the usual considerations you’d apply when hiring for any position, such as location, age, experience, qualifications, economic conditions and the level and subject of the apprenticeship (e.g. Level 3, 4 or 7). These factors vary widely, so we recommend discussing salary expectations on a case-by-case basis, either during an Information Session or when you’re ready to recruit. 

Then… 

  • Post it to the national Find an Apprenticeship site 
  • Promote it across your networks, careers pages and social media 

LearnTech can handle all of this for you for free. We offer full or supported recruitment services set out in our FAQs below. 

Step 8
Recruit and interview candidates

Shortlist applicants based on potential and passion, not just formal qualifications. Some of the best apprentices bring raw talent and a desire to grow. 

Need help screening or interviewing? When you partner with LearnTech we can support you with… 

  • Interview questions tailored to your role 
  • Candidate feedback and selection advice 
Step 9
Finalise the legal bits

During the course of this process, in collaboration with us, the following will be put in place…

  • An apprenticeship agreement 
  • A standard employment contract 
  • Compliance documentation
Step 10
Create a tailored training plan

As a collaboration between yourself, LearnTech and your apprentice we’ll map out…

  • On-the-job learning goals 
  • Off-the-job training blocks 
  • Key milestones and review points 

We personalise every training plan to work with your business needs and your apprentice. In our teaching we integrate proven science of learning techniques with the principles of andragogy (adult learning), aiming to enhance retention and skill development in vocational education for all apprentices. For more information on our delivery model and methods, see FAQs below. 

Step 11
Provide support and mentoring

Your apprentice will get the best start by being assigned a LearnTech mentor. You will need to set clear expectations for your apprentice and provide dedicated time for training. 

Our mentors help apprentices grow in confidence and capability, providing guidance and support in their learning and development.

Your apprentice will also need a workplace mentor. A well-supported mentorship relationship enhances learning, productivity and retention for apprentices, while also offering meaningful development opportunities for mentors. This is often their line manager.

Once an apprentice starts, LearnTech’s on programme services keep you informed and help ensure success for both the apprentice and your organisation. (See more in the FAQs below). 

Step 12
Track progress and prepare for assessment

We’ll help you track progress towards the apprenticeship assessment, the final test of competence. 

Our continuous improvement programme, invites you and your apprentice to take part in reviews and surveys at various stages throughout the apprenticeship programme. We’re committed to ensuring our provision is compatible with developments in tech and that we consistently give our best and always progress. Your feedback helps us achieve this!

Step 13
Plan for what’s next

Many apprentices become long-term assets. 

Think about how they can grow in your organisation, whether that’s a promotion, a permanent role or progressing to another level of apprenticeship. We can help you plan apprenticeship training from Level 3 through to Level 7.

Step 14
Final thoughts

At LearnTech, we don’t just deliver training, we help build your team. 

Whether you’re ready to hire, or just exploring how apprenticeships could work for you, please get in touch.
No pressure, just honest information, advice and guidance.

📞 Book a quick call with our team
📧 Or drop us a message and we’ll be in touch 

Frequently Asked Questions

🌻 What support does LearnTech offer for students with additional needs?

Students are at the heart of everything we do. We take a person-centred approach to ensure that every individual, regardless of diagnosis, can access inclusive, high-quality training and support.  

For those with additional needs, we create bespoke learning support plans tailored to their unique strengths and challenges. We also recognise that support needs can change over time, so we make sure students know that their support can be reviewed and adapted at any point in their journey.  

Our goal is to remove barriers and encourage an environment where all students feel supported, empowered and set up for success.

📊 What do the metrics on the Find Apprenticeship Training website mean?

Employer Reviews
The Department for Education (DfE) sends surveys to employers once their apprentice has been on the programme for about 12 weeks. Employers complete one survey per provider, highlighting up to three strengths and up to three areas for improvement.

On the Find Apprenticeship Training website, you can explore these reviews by provider and academic year, to see whether the provider’s performance is improving, declining or staying consistent.

Apprentice Reviews
The Department for Education (DfE) sends surveys to apprentices roughly every 12 weeks, allowing them to provide multiple reviews over time. Apprentices rate their provider against specific criteria and give feedback on their training experience.

On the Find Apprenticeship Training website, you can view this feedback by provider and academic year. This helps you see if the provision meets apprentices’ needs, if providers address areas for improvement and if feedback trends are improving, declining or remaining steady.

Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR)
The QAR can seem confusing, so here’s a simple explanation…

Learner definition

  • Completer – A learner who has finished the apprenticeship and sat their apprenticeship assessment but did not achieve a pass grade
  • Achiever – A learner who has finished the apprenticeship and passed their assessment
  • Non-completer – A learner who left the programme before completing their assessment
  • Leaver – Any learner who has left the programme, including completers, achievers and non-completers

QAR
Achievers   x 100
————-
Leavers

Example and what to consider alongside QAR

A provider with 50 leavers in 2024–2025 might have

  • 2 completers
  • 31 achievers
  • 17 non-completers
  • 50 leavers total

This results in a Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) of 62%.

When comparing providers, it’s important to consider QAR alongside…

  1. Volume of apprentices – Small cohorts can skew QAR, while large cohorts show performance at scale
  2. Impacts on learner groups – Check if non-completions are linked to SEND, learning support needs, provider quality or factors beyond provider control
  3. Pass rates for current learners – High pass rates among those still on programme indicate good provision
  4. Pass, merit, and distinction rates relative to starting points – Quality training is about learner progress, not just top grades
  5. Employer insights – Are apprentices developing skills that meet workplace needs and bridging skills gaps?
🎓 What is LearnTech’s training delivery model?

We deliver tech apprenticeships and training nationally through a live, virtual learning model, designed specifically for effective online teaching. 

Our delivery combines live, interactive sessions with purpose-built resources and a curriculum aligned to current industry standards. Sessions typically run once a week for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, blending theory with hands-on practice through individual tasks, group work and technical labs. 

Key features of our delivery model include: 

  • Live virtual classrooms with a maximum of 12 learners, ensuring strong engagement, collaboration and personalised support 
  • Feedback and opportunities to stretch or support learners based on their needs 
  • Curriculum focused on industry-relevant tools, platforms and practises 
  • Faster development of vocational competence through continuous learning and immediate application

▶️ Discover more with our 5 minute Typical Week in Training video.

This model offers the flexibility of remote learning without compromising the benefits of high-quality, interactive instruction. Scientific research supports that short, weekly lessons integrating the ‘learn then practise’ cycle is the most successful method for apprentices to learn. This is more effective than the block or day release approach. For more Science of Learning information, check out our blog post.

❓ Which public sector procurement organisations approve LearnTech (trading name of Technical Professionals Limited) for apprenticeships?

We’re approved by 51 NHS Trusts, 50 local authorities and various schools, colleges and universities. We have also been chosen to provide tech apprenticeships to the police force, Network Rail, The Ombudsman Service, DEFRA, The Environment Agency and many housing associations. 

We’re listed with the following procurement organisations under Technical Professionals Limited… 

  • NHS SBS 
  • NHS Collaborative Procurement, AKA 
  • Salisbury portal/framework 
  • Procurement Portal 
  • NHS England eTendering 
  • NHS London Procurement Partnership (LPP) 
  • In-Tend (NHS South of England) and NHS Supply Chain Procurement 
  • Crown Commercial Service – Apprenticeships (DPS) Dynamic Market Place 
  • The Chest North West Portal 
  • EastMids Tenders 
  • YOR Tender 
  • Oxford Approved Apprenticeship 
  • Providers 
  • EU-Supply 
  • Bluelight Portals 
  • Delta e-Sourcing 
  • ProContract AKA Due North 
ℹ️ What is an Information Session?

An information session is a free, no-obligation meeting, held either in person or via Microsoft Teams, where we provide tailored guidance about tech apprenticeships. 

These sessions are designed around your needs. Whether you’re completely new to apprenticeships or just want details about a specific programme or our delivery model, we’ll adjust the content accordingly. We can cover… 

  • How apprenticeships work 
  • Funding and recruitment processes 
  • Setting up an internal apprenticeship academy 
  • Technical content and programme specifics 

We welcome questions during the session and remain available for follow-up support or further sessions. These sessions are purely informational, with no sales pitch. They’re led by knowledgeable team members, not salespeople, and can include our trainers if you’d like to explore curriculum, teaching methods or meet the delivery team.

✔️ How does LearnTech support employers with apprentice recruitment?

We support you with both new apprentice recruitment and placing existing employees onto apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeships are available to individuals from the age of 16, with no upper age limit. 

If you have an existing employee you’d like to upskill through an apprenticeship, simply book an Information Session. We’ll guide you through every step. 

If you’re looking to recruit a new apprentice, we offer two free options: 

  1. Full Recruitment Support
    We manage the end-to-end recruitment process. LearnTech sources, screens and checks eligibility of candidates. You review CVs, conduct interviews and make the final hiring decision. 
  2. Collaborative Recruitment Support
    If you’d prefer to run your own recruitment or already have a candidate in mind, we’ll assist where needed, from basic eligibility checks to as much of the process as you want us involved in. 
➕ What are LearnTech’s on-programme services?

Once an apprentice starts, LearnTech provides structured, ongoing support to ensure their success and keep you informed.  

Key on programme services include… 

  • Quarterly Progress Meetings
    Held between the apprentice, their line manager and a LearnTech mentor. Other stakeholders (e.g. HR, L&D) are welcome to attend. These meetings review progress, discuss goals and set future milestones. 
  • Regular Progress Reports
    You receive detailed updates during the apprentice’s first three months. After that, you can choose their preferred reporting frequency – monthly, every two months or quarterly. Reports include… 
  • Progress against the learning plan 
  • Anticipated completion date 
  • Comments on achievements or concerns 

In the meantime, if any issues arise, LearnTech will contact you directly to agree on the best course of action. Progress reports are informative but not relied upon for intervention. Our mentors, trainers, support staff and internal quality assurance team are always available to answer questions or offer additional support when needed. 

This comprehensive support model helps apprentices stay on track and gives you full visibility throughout the programme.

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Trusted by…

Micro businesses to the largest employers in England…

Why employers choose LearnTech…

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Employer comments

Employing tech apprentices enable career development and allows for better integration into the team and organisation.

It’s really good to see the appetite to learn from them and they exceed our expectations.

Our experience with LearnTech has been excellent.

I’d advise other employers considering taking on an apprentice to ensure the apprenticeship is planned out as much as possible and use mentors to help make it a success.

Bringing a UX apprentice into our team has delivered clear benefits and has helped us address a long-standing challenge in recruiting people with the right skills locally.

After struggling to find candidates with the UX capabilities and practical experience we needed, we made the decision to 'grow our own talent' and Jess has proven herself to be a really valuable member of the team.

She’s been productive from day one, reducing pressure on existing staff.

Jenny Syrett

Senior UX Manager

LearnTech has been an outstanding partner in supporting our learning and development goals.

Every member of their team is dedicated to the success of learners, creating an experience that is not only professional but truly impactful.

This learner-centred approach makes their services stand out and ensures that individuals feel supported throughout their journey.

We highly value their expertise and collaborative spirit in meeting the council’s needs.

Agnes Bailey

OD Consultant

Dylan was the first apprentice we’d taken on, and it was as much a learning experience for the company as for him.

It has certainly sold us on the benefits of apprenticeships, and we see it as a great way to recruit and develop new employees. The return on investment is worth it, but it’s also great to be able to do something to help people get started in the industry.

Dylan was our first apprentice, he definitely won’t be the last.

Jon Gooch

Senior Developer

We’ve been employing tech apprentices for a couple of years and the benefits are clear - career development, an improved training culture, better skills across the team and valuable knowledge sharing. We’ve seen returns as early as mid-course, with full ROI within a year.

The most rewarding part is watching apprentices grow and support colleagues, while consistently meeting our expectations. On completion of their apprenticeship, they typically go on to special projects with potential for career progression.

Our advice to other employers - keep apprenticeships part of daily conversations, not just for quarterly reviews. Embed their learning into day-to-day activities.

Our experience with LearnTech has been great, and we’ve enjoyed working with them.

Our experience with tech apprenticeships is positive. Apprentices contribute to career development and improve our training culture. We typically see a return on investment within six months and they often exceed our expectations, taking on greater responsibility.

The most rewarding aspect is seeing their growth, personally and professionally. For example, Matt began his apprenticeship two years ago, has gone from strength to strength, achieved a Distinction and is now employed as a Data Analyst. His willingness to learn has been invaluable.

I encourage other employers to explore all the apprenticeships LearnTech offers - our experience with them has been very good.

Oliver Hosking

Senior Data Analyst

We've been employing tech apprentices for over three years and the most rewarding part is watching them grow, taking ownership of projects and eventually running with them independently. Our apprentices consistently exceed expectations, often taking on more responsibility than originally outlined. Zeb and Ellie, for example, have earned promotions within the company and distinctions across three apprenticeships.

LearnTech has been a great training partner. Our apprentices are happy and we've been consistently impressed with their progress. My advice to other employers - give your apprentices every opportunity to grow and prove themselves. The results speak for themselves.

Adam Archer

Intelligence Delivery Team Lead

We've been super happy with LearnTech as a provider. As this is our first time employing apprentices within our organisation, the pathway from the day 1 engagement, through onboarding and into the apprenticeship programme itself has been clear and well supported.

Our apprentices have brought new and fresh perspectives into the business. Their innovative ideas help keep us current and complement our more experienced team members. It's great to have a pipeline or new talent, whom we can help nurture and grow, and we hope our apprentices will want to forge long term careers with us.

Caroline Topper

COO

We’ve been employing tech apprentices for over two years. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to bring in short-term, funded roles that allow us to assess candidates' potential for permanent positions.

The most rewarding aspect is watching individuals at the start of their careers develop valuable skills and experience, that will stand them in good stead for the future.

LearnTech has been very good to work with. For other employers, I’d advise being clear on the level of apprenticeship you recruit for. It makes a significant difference to the apprentice’s starting point and their ability to contribute.

 

Service Portfolio Manager

Throughout the cohort with LearnTech, our apprentices have been supported and nourished as learners. The weekly classroom sessions have worked wonderfully with our apprentices being able to ask relevant questions when it matters.

Throughout their journey, their mentor has been a massive help of ensuring our apprentices are on target and raising concerns when needed. So much so, we have requested them to mentor our next cohort of apprentices. We look forward to another fantastic year with LearnTech!

Ash Lavington

Service Desk Manager
We’ve employed tech apprentices for over 18 months now and it is so morale boosting for staff to watch the young apprentices thrive. Within a couple of months we see a return on investment, with apprentices bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the department. It’s rewarding to see them grow in confidence and learn so much, becoming a valued member of the team.

Our experience with LearnTech as our training provider has been great. For employers considering a tech apprentice, my advice is to plan meaningful, engaging projects that not only interest the apprentice but also provide real value to the team.

We’ve been employing tech apprentices for two years and the return on investment is immediate. Apprentices bring fresh skills and perspectives that support both career development and business growth. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey, watching them apply what they’ve learned and take on new challenges.

Calum, achieved a distinction in his apprenticeship and has become a trusted team member, regularly taking on additional responsibilities. LearnTech has been amazing. Georgina has kept me well-informed throughout and I’m grateful for the support throughout.

For any employer considering a tech apprentice, I’d say it’s a truly rewarding experience.

Apprenticeships have supported our succession planning, strengthened our learning culture and boosted employee satisfaction. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of the beginning of someone’s career and to witness their personal and technical development.

Our experience with LearnTech has been very good—professional service, knowledgeable trainers, and positive feedback from our apprentice throughout. We’re already planning to take on more apprentices through LearnTech in the future. They have given a professional, high-quality service, with our apprentice finding the course good and the trainer knowledgeable.

Apprenticeships support career development, strengthen our workplace culture and align well with our focus on renewables and training. The most rewarding part is watching apprentices grow in confidence and learn to collaborate with others. Typically, they take on additional responsibility through project work alongside their formal training, and many go on to further training or receive promotions.

Our experience with LearnTech has been great - straightforward and supportive throughout. To employers considering a tech apprentice - make sure you truly have the time to train them properly or a reliable team who can. The effort is absolutely worth it.

Jonathan Alexander

EC&I and Software Design Lead

Ready to find out more?

Tech apprenticeships offer a great way for your business to develop skilled employees tailored to your organisation’s needs. We’re here to support you in all aspects of your tech and data apprenticeship needs.

If you’re ready for a no obligation Employer Information Session via Teams, or would just like more details at this stage, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!

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I'm a Potential Apprentice (Employed)
I'm a Potential Apprentice (Not Employed)

Employer Contact Form

 

Tech apprenticeships offer a great way for your business to develop skilled employees tailored to your organisation’s needs. We’re here to support you in all aspects of your tech and data apprenticeship needs.

If you’re ready for a no obligation Employer Information Session via Teams, or would just like more details at this stage, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!

Potential Apprentice (Employed) Contact Form

 

If you're currently employed in a role that offers experience related to the apprenticeship you’re interested in, please fill in the contact form below and we'll be in touch soon!

An apprenticeship is a job with training leading to a qualification. So, if you’re NOT currently employed in a suitable role, here are the three main ways to start an apprenticeship...

1 - Apply for an apprenticeship vacancy. Visit our Apprenticeship Vacancies Page to view our current opportunities. You can also explore all available apprenticeship vacancies in England using the government website findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk, where you can filter by your interests and location, plus save your searches and get email alerts for new vacancies.

2 - Talk to your current employer. If you're interested in an apprenticeship as part of your career development, speak with your employer. Following this, you can contact us to book an information session to find out more about the programmes you’re interested in.

3 – Approach another employer. Consider approaching a potential employer with a proposal to join their team as an apprentice. Many have succeeded with this approach, showing their enthusiasm for work and learning.

For more information about becoming an apprentice, explore our Apprentice Guide.

We wish you the best of luck in your future career 🙂