Choose a training provider

Once you’ve decided on the type of apprenticeship your business needs, you’ll need to choose a training provider.

The training provider is responsible for the 20% ‘off-the-job’ training. The provider doesn’t have to be located near you as many are national and offer training at your workplace and online.

To choose a training provider, use the find apprenticeship training service. It allows you to:

• choose an apprenticeship training course
• choose a course at the right level and skills
• check the availability of training providers at the apprenticeship location
• view employer reviews
• share your interest in an apprenticeship training course with all training providers

Once you’ve decided on the type of apprenticeship your business needs, and chosen a training provider, you’ll need to create an apprenticeship service account.

Things to consider

Choosing the right training provider is important so that you can make sure your business, and the way it operates, is supported.

Consider things like:

• what your expectations for the apprenticeship are
• how well they communicate with you about the training
• what other employers say about them
• what apprentices say about them
• what Ofsted say about them. You can search for an Ofsted report

You’ll need to agree:

• ways of working
• frequency of communication
• frequency of apprentice progress review

Working with your training provider

Your training provider can provide you with as much help and support as you need when you take on an apprentice.

It’s up to you how you work together. Just ask them any questions you have.

Your training provider can help you:

• find the right training
• recruit and interview apprentices
• prepare your apprentice for the workplace
• make sure your apprentice is working in an appropriate environment
• make sure your apprentice is learning the relevant skills for your business

If you want to learn more on how training providers deliver apprenticeship training and end-point assessments, you can look at the checklist and EPA guidance for providers.

There is a pilot running exploring how training providers can support non-levy paying employers. View the list of the thirteen expert apprenticeship training providers taking part.