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Guide to apprenticeships for employers acttraining.org.uk
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About us
Boost your business with apprenticeships Your business can thrive with the right skills in the right people. Apprenticeships and work-based learning give your employees practical experience while earning nationally recognised qualifications - helping your team and your business succeed. This guide explains how apprenticeships work, the support available, and how we can help you build a skilled, future-ready team.
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About us Benefits for your business How do apprenticeships work? Routes we offer Funding and support for employers How to get started
Since 1988 ACT has grown to become Wales’ largest training provider and a proud member of the Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) Group. Supported by the Welsh Government, we are committed to improving lives through learning, delivering apprenticeships, Jobs Growth Wales+ placements, and training programmes across 30 different sectors. In 2025, the organisation worked with more than 5,000 learners and 1,000 employers to upskill Wales. We offer fully-funded, work-based learning in everything from social media and project management to business administration and data analytics. There are also opportunities to bring new talent into your organisation through hiring an apprentice or with our Jobs Growth Wales + placements.
There are hundreds of qualifications to choose from across many sectors, if you have a training need, we will have a solution. We currently work with employers across all sectors throughout Wales, including The Royal Mint, Howdens, Zurich Insurance, United Welsh, Tata Steel UK, numerous NHS health boards, the Welsh Ambulance Service, and Cardiff University.
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Benefits for your business
Apprenticeships are more than just training - they are an investment in your business. They deliver motivated, skilled employees while reducing recruitment and training costs. By combining on-the-job learning with formal qualifications, staff gain the skills that matter most to your organisation.
How do apprenticeships work?
Staff develop the practical skills your business needs, helping teams work more efficiently and deliver better results.
Apprentices learn while they work, gaining practical experience alongside nationally recognised qualifications. They are paid at least the National Apprentice Minimum Wage and typically complete their programme over 12–18 months, with monthly visits from an assessor to provide guidance and track progress.
Address skills gaps
Upskilling existing staff
Apprenticeships can support your business to: Improve productivity
Training programmes are tailored to your organisation, ensuring employees gain the right skills to meet current and future business needs. Engage and motivate your workforce
Apprentices are motivated to learn and progress, often showing strong commitment to the employer that invests in their development. A cost-effective way to grow talent
Apprenticeships provide a cost-effective way to upskill and develop existing employees, reducing the need for external recruitment while strengthening skills and capability from within the organisation.
Apprenticeships aren’t just for new recruits - they’re also a great way to develop the skills of your current employees. ACT can help you identify training opportunities that match your team’s development needs, ensuring your staff gain nationally recognised qualifications while continuing to contribute to your business. Hiring a new apprentice
ACT can help you find the right apprentices for your business. We provide support with advertising vacancies (including on the Apprenticeship Vacancy Service), screening applications, and preparing a shortlist of candidates. This recruitment support can be provided at no extra cost for eligible apprenticeship roles, helping you bring skilled new staff into your organisation.
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We provide apprenticeships across a wide range of business needs. Whether you want to upskill existing staff or recruit new talent, we can match the right programme to your business goals. Routes we offer: Digital Skills for Business
Including IT Support, Data Analyst, User Centred Design and Cyber Security Green Skills for Business Including Energy and Carbon Management and Sustainability in the Workplace Management ILM-accredited programmes including Project Management and Advice and Guidance
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Financial Services Including AAT, Insurance and Retail Banking Human Resources CIPD accredited Marketing Including Social Media for Business, Digital Content Designer and CIM Digital Marketing
All programmes are work-based and fully funded for eligible employees, giving your business the opportunity to develop valuable skills with minimal disruption. Whether you’re recruiting a new apprentice or upskilling an existing employee, the programmes are designed to maximise learning, boost productivity, and support long-term growth.
Procurement and Supply Including CIPS in Procurement and Regulation and Compliance Business Services
Including Contact Centre and Customer Services Supporting Teaching in Schools Including Digital Learning Practitioner and Learning and Development Health and Social Care Adult and Children and Young People Childcare, Play, Learning and Development Including Playwork Clinical Healthcare Support Services Including Therapies Hairdressing and Barbering
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Funding and support for employers At ACT we have extensive experience helping Welsh businesses access funding for apprenticeships and nationally recognised qualifications. Many of our clients benefit from fully-funded programmes, allowing businesses to develop staff at little or no cost. We can help you make the most of Welsh Government funding and support you to access other available funding opportunities. We can also advise on UK Apprenticeship Levy implications, helping you understand what applies in Wales and how to maximise the benefits for your business.
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What are the employer commitments?
As an apprenticeship employer, you are responsible for paying the apprentice’s salary and any additional training required for their role. You should also provide ongoing support and guidance to help the apprentice thrive, develop their skills, and succeed in their role.
Why invest in apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships provide practical, nationally recognised qualifications while building a motivated, skilled workforce. They also help reduce costs — for example, a Welsh SME could save around 13.8% of a young apprentice’s gross annual salary thanks to National Insurance exemptions for apprentices under 25.
Who can access apprenticeship funding?
Apprenticeship funding is available to Welsh businesses of all sizes across all sectors. Programmes are fully-funded by the Welsh Government and designed to be flexible, minimising disruption while maximising skills development.
What support does ACT provide?
We guide employers through every stage of the apprenticeship process. This includes understanding your skills needs, selecting the right programme, upskilling existing staff, or bringing in new talent. Our assessors meet regularly with apprentices and their line managers to track progress and ensure learning stays on track.
The council have partnered with ACT as our main workplace apprenticeship partner for more than eight years now. The range of qualifications offered fits in with the diverse roles throughout the whole council – from refuse collection, to caring, to accounts, and health and safety. There will always be the appropriate qualification to align with someone’s roles. Jane Westwood, HR Business Partner at Newport City Council
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How to get started with apprenticeships
Starting is simple. Our team will guide you every step of the way: 1
Discuss your training needs and objectives
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Identify suitable apprenticeship routes
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Support your existing staff to gain new skills or recruit new apprentices
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Regularly review your business needs to help your organisation take full advantage of available training and funding
Get in touch to find out more: 029 2046 4727
info@acttraining.org.uk acttraining.org.uk