Who can deliver Apprenticeships for my company?
Any training provider wishing to deliver apprenticeships — including employers with their own apprenticeship training programme — must be a member of the Register of Apprenticeship Training Organisations (RoATP). The register is overseen by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), who conduct due diligence on all applicants. At Firebrand, we have successfully been on the RoATP for many years; along with our Ofsted grade, this means we are a great provider to work with!
Who can study for an Apprenticeship?
Anyone! There are no age restrictions, but, importantly, there are eligibility criteria set by the funding agency. At Firebrand, we will ensure you have the right eligibility and, also, that you are in the right role in your organisation to take an Apprenticeship.
How much should I pay my apprentice?
All apprentices must be paid at least the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage relevant to their age. Existing employees that become apprentices would maintain the same terms and conditions of employment, with the addition of the Apprenticeship Agreement.
What are Mandatory Apprenticeship Training Hours?
Mandatory Apprenticeship Training Hours, or Off-the-Job Training, as they were previously called, are a requirement of apprenticeship funding. At Firebrand, we plan the programmes to ensure your apprentices meet these requirements. As an employer, you will provide hours towards this in various ways that we will help you plan.
How do I recruit an IT apprentice?
At Firebrand, as part of our service to you, we can help with advice and guidance for apprentice recruitment — plus, you can advertise for apprentices for free.
Apprenticeships provide excellent opportunities to find new talent. You can also use Traineeships (Government-funded work experience programmes) for this purpose.
What jobs can I fill?
Apprenticeships can help fill many roles in IT and Digital, including:
- Cyber Security Information Analyst
- Support Technician
- Website Administrator
- Helpdesk Professional
- Software / Web Developer
- Desktop Support Engineer
- Network Planner
- Database Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Software Tester
- Mobile and Windows App Developer
In addition, there are roles that are less obvious but that can align to the apprenticeship standards. At Firebrand, we will carry out role suitability for you to ensure you fill the right talent gap with the right candidate.
For example, a variety of roles in HR, Admin, Back Office Support, Retail, and Banking are on our standards, to name just a few!
Does my apprentice get paid holiday?
Yes. Your apprentice is entitled to the same holiday schemes as the rest of your employees. All apprentices are employed in the organisations they work for, on either apprenticeship-specific contracts or job contracts.
How are apprentices supported?
At Firebrand, we are committed to the success of our partners and learners. We have many levels of support — our Learning Mentors will be the day-to-day support for you and the apprentice. We also have Instructors, Operational Managers, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can help you and your apprentices stay on track. The high level of support of our programmes is a big reason why we have great success rates and reviews.
Where do apprentices train?
All classroom training takes place at our residential, distraction-free training centre at Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire.
The training is residential, which means that apprentices live with us for the duration of the training — usually, between 2 and 11 days — with accommodation and meals included.
The facility includes ample free parking, a hotel, a restaurant, and a free shuttle bus service to and from the train station. Training can take place over weekends. Employers cover the travel costs.
Can I hire more than one apprentice?
You can hire as many apprentices as you want — there’s no limit.
Can my current employees become apprentices?
Yes. Plus, because Firebrand is a Tech Industry Gold provider, your apprentice can be of any age.
The most important thing is that they do not have any IT qualifications that are higher than the level of the Apprenticeship programme they would like to join. Many of our on-programme apprentices are upskilling, developing new digital skills.
Can I add to my apprentice's training programme after I've signed up?
Yes. You need to choose your training programme at the start of the Apprenticeship, but you can tailor this once you get to know your apprentice. We are committed to helping you find the best solution for your apprentice and your business.
My company isn't based in England. Can I hire a Firebrand apprentice?
At Firebrand, we support apprentices all over the UK and internationally. What differs is the way an employer funds and pays for these apprenticeships. For a more in-depth look at the funding you could receive and commercial offers, please get in touch.
What’s the age limit for apprentices?
There’s no upper age limit. Apprentices must be 16 years old when they begin their apprenticeship and must be eligible to live and work in England.
Are staff who hold a degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) eligible for apprenticeships?
Employers can use the funds in their Digital Account and access Government co-investment to enrol staff on an Apprenticeship at a higher level than the qualification their already hold. This includes previous Apprenticeships.
If an individual holds a qualification at a higher level than the IT Apprenticeship you would like them to undertake, they may still be eligible if the previous qualification is materially different — for example, unrelated to IT or Computer Science.
At Firebrand, we always check prior learning to ensure that your learners meet the funding and academic rules.