How It works

Taking on an apprentice is simpler than most employers expect. Here’s what the process looks like, from first conversation to your apprentice completing their programme.

  • We Talk

    It starts with a conversation — usually 20 to 30 minutes. We want to understand your business, the role you need filling, and whether an apprenticeship is the right fit. If it is, we’ll tell you which programme suits best and walk you through what to expect. 

    Vocate training advisor discussing apprenticeship options with a business owner across a table

  • We find your apprentice

    We handle the recruitment. We advertise the role, screen applicants, and put forward candidates who match your requirements. You interview and choose. If no one’s right, we keep looking. 

    Employer and recruiter reviewing apprentice candidate CVs together at a desk

  • Your apprentice starts

    Once you’ve made an offer and your apprentice accepts, we handle the enrolment paperwork and get the funding in place. Your apprentice joins your team as an employee — on your payroll, working in your business. 

    New apprentice wearing a lanyard shaking hands with their manager on their first day

  • Training runs alongside the job

    Your apprentice spends the majority of their time working for you. The rest is dedicated to off-the-job learning — structured training sessions delivered by Vocate, scheduled around your business. You don’t need to organise or deliver the training yourself. 

    We assign a dedicated skills coach who stays in regular contact with both you and your apprentice throughout the programme. 

    Young apprentice taking notes during on-the-job training at their workplace desk

  • Your apprentice completes

    At the end of the programme, your apprentice sits an End Point Assessment — an independent evaluation of what they’ve learned. Most complete in 12 to 15 months depending on the programme. 

    After that, they’re yours – a trained, qualified member of your team. 

    Confident young apprentice holding a folder after completing their End Point Assessment

What we need from you

A line manager or workplace mentor who can support your apprentice day to day. This doesn’t mean teaching them it means being available to answer questions, give feedback, and help them apply what they’re learning in a real work context.

Your skills coach handles the rest

Officially Rated Good: Our Latest Ofsted Report

Ofsted Report

Access our most recent Ofsted evaluation and discover why Vocate continues to deliver outstanding apprenticeship programmes. Click below to download the complete report and learn about our commitment to quality education and training.

Read The Report