THE ROLE OF AN APPRENTICESHIP PROVIDER 

An apprenticeship provider delivers apprenticeship training to apprentices employed in a workplace. But being an apprenticeship provider isn’t just about ticking off classroom hours or completing e-learning modules; they offer a surprisingly broad spectrum of support to both the apprentice and the business or organisation that employs the apprentice.

If you’re a business or aspiring apprentice, understanding exactly what services you can tap into with an apprenticeship provider will help you ensure you choose one to suit your needs.  

What is an apprenticeship provider? 

Firstly, what exactly is an apprenticeship provider? Basically, it is a training organisation that the government has approved to deliver one or more apprenticeship standards. Apprenticeship providers are also sometimes known as learning providers or training providers. They’ve undergone rigorous checks and processes to prove they can meet high-quality training and learner support standards, which is reassuring for apprentices and businesses. 

Apprenticeship providers come in different guises, including:

• Small, independent training organisations serving local businesses and apprentices
• National training companies with centres in multiple locations 
• Community and FE colleges
• Large employers who deliver in-house training for their staff (though many opt to use external providers). 
• Universities for degree-level apprenticeships. 

Supporting the apprentice

Apprenticeship providers are focused on ensuring that apprentices keep on track and progress through their training programme. They keep in regular contact with the apprentice and their employer, conducting regular reviews and always being on hand to offer help, guidance and encouragement. These are some of the main ways an apprenticeship provider supports an apprentice:

• Initial skills assessment: Providers assess an apprentice’s existing skills, including maths and English, and identify areas where additional support is needed. They also check that the apprentice’s job role offers practical opportunities to develop these skills. 
• Tailored training plans: They create a bespoke training plan, developed collaboratively with the employer and apprentice, to ensure it works for everyone and meets the programme requirements. 
• Flexible training delivery: Training is typically delivered through a mix of e-learning modules, workshops, or occasionally in-person sessions, accommodating both the apprentice’s work commitments and learning pace. 
• Recording off-the-job hours: Apprenticeship providers help apprentices track off-the-job training hours, a vital element of their programme. This might include identifying relevant workplace activities like in-house training or attending events to log as part of their apprenticeship. 
• Progress reviews: The apprenticeship provider conducts progress reviews to keep the apprentice on track with their skills development. They pinpoint any areas for improvement and keep both apprentices and employers informed about next steps. 
• Resolving challenges: An apprenticeship provider is available to offer practical solutions and support to help resolve issues that challenge the apprentice’s progress. These could be workplace issues or even personal challenges. You could say that an apprenticeship provider works alongside an employer to ensure the apprentice is well-supported.
• Wellbeing: Providers ensure workplace safeguards are in place and educate apprentices on personal and online safety. They’re also trained to direct apprentices to resources or support for issues like mental health or financial concerns. 
• Preparing for End-Point Assessments (EPA): When apprentices approach the end of their programme, providers offer revision sessions and guidance to help them succeed in their EPA. Quite often, they can provide one-to-one revision sessions. 
• Career progression: Once an apprentice has finished their course, their provider will help them explore their long-term career pathways and opportunities, including progressing to higher-level apprenticeships or specialised training. 

Supporting employers

Employers often underestimate the breadth of services apprenticeship providers deliver. Apprenticeship providers do far more than train apprentices; they can also act almost as advisors or strategic partners, specifically supporting businesses in developing workforce capabilities, boosting retention, and driving commercial success through training. Here’s a run-through of what services an apprenticeship provider might offer employers in addition to the delivery of training:

• Funding guidance: Providers help businesses understand how funding works, including navigating Apprenticeship Service accounts to access levy funds or apply for government funding or levy transfers.  
• Draw up organisational career pathways: Providers can advise on suitable apprenticeships and explain apprenticeship-based progression pathways for new recruits or existing staff. They help employers position apprenticeships as part of a comprehensive staff development strategy to recruit, retain, and upskill talent. 
• Customised training: Providers work closely with employers to determine the skills and knowledge their organisation needs. They can tailor apprenticeships to meet these requirements, sometimes even incorporating additional, short courses if necessary. 
• Ongoing advice: Employers can reach out to their apprenticeship provider for ongoing support in managing their apprentices effectively. They are well-placed to advise on workplace challenges affecting apprentices’ learning or performance. 
• Employee wellbeing support: Apprenticeship providers are well-trained to spot the signs and support any apprentices who are facing mental health issues. Indeed, many apprenticeship trainers have undertaken mental health awareness or first aid courses, including suicide first aid. They can draw on these skills and experience to provide advice to help employers support their apprentices with mental health or other personal issues. 
• Information about additional funded opportunities: Many providers have in-depth knowledge of skills funding and links to funding bodies. This means they can often point employers towards other funded training opportunities, such as Skills Bootcamps. 
• Publicity and recognition: Providers proactively share case studies and success stories, showcasing employers committed to apprenticeships. They can also help companies apply for prestigious awards like “Apprenticeship Employer of the Year” or get on the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, boosting brand reputation. 

Apprenticeship providers can act as an employer’s expert HR partner, offering strategic insights into recruitment, retention, and workforce development. By encouraging employers to put people at the centre of the business, they can help them transform organisational culture, ensuring happier teams and better business outcomes.