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Apprenticeships

All you need to know to get started

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Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for businesses to develop skilled employees and for individuals to gain hands-on experience while earning a qualification. BPIF Training is the UK’s leading provider of print, packaging, and manufacturing apprenticeships, supporting employers and apprentices every step of the way.

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire an apprentice or an individual ready to start your career, this page will guide you through the process.

Check out our guides

Information for Employers

Hiring an apprentice is a great way to bring in fresh talent, upskill existing staff, and strengthen your workforce. BPIF Training is here to support you at every step, from recruitment to training and qualification completion.

What You Need to Know

1. Choose the Right Apprenticeship

We offer a range of apprenticeship programmes tailored to the printing, packaging, and manufacturing industries. Our team can help you select the right apprenticeship standard to match your business needs.

Check our Course Information Sheets.

2. Set Up Your Apprenticeship Service (AS) Account

Employers must register on the Apprenticeship Service to manage funding, approve training, and track apprentice progress. We can guide you through the setup process.

3. Funding and Costs

  • Levy-paying employers: Use your Apprenticeship Levy to cover 100% of training costs.
  • Non-levy employers: You’ll typically pay 5% of the training costs, with the government funding the remaining 95%. Some small employers may be eligible for full funding.
  • Levy transfers: If your business does not pay the Apprenticeship Levy, you may be able to receive a levy transfer from a larger employer to cover training costs.

4. Recruiting an Apprentice

We can support you in advertising your vacancy, shortlisting candidates, and ensuring you find the right apprentice for your business. You can also enrol an existing employee on an apprenticeship programme.

5. Apprenticeship Requirements

  • Apprentices must be employed for at least 30 hours per week.
  • They must spend at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training, which we help structure around your business needs.
  • Apprentices must have the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge relevant to their role.

6. Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide a contract of employment that lasts at least the duration of the apprenticeship.
  • Support the apprentice’s learning and assign a workplace mentor.
  • Participate in regular progress reviews with BPIF Training to ensure development and success.

7. End-Point Assessment and Completion

At the end of the programme, apprentices complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Successful apprentices gain a nationally recognised qualification, supporting their career progression within your business.

Information for Apprentices

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain real work experience, develop industry-specific skills, and earn a nationally recognised qualification – all while getting paid. BPIF Training offers apprenticeships tailored to the print, packaging, and manufacturing industries, helping you start or progress your career with expert support.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

  • Earn While You Learn – You’ll be employed and receive a salary while gaining new skills.
  • Gain Hands-On Experience – Learn directly in the workplace with real responsibilities.
  • Achieve Recognised Qualifications – Complete an industry-approved apprenticeship standard.
  • Career Progression – Many apprentices go on to secure full-time roles or further training.
  • No Tuition Fees – Your employer and the government fund your training.

How Apprenticeships Work

As an apprentice, you’ll spend most of your time working and developing skills on the job. Around 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, which may include:

  • Online learning, assignments, and coursework
  • Training sessions with BPIF Training specialists
  • Shadowing experienced colleagues
  • Projects and industry-specific training

You’ll also receive regular support and progress reviews from your employer and BPIF Training.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must: ✔ Be 16 or over and not in full-time education
✔ Be living and working in England
✔ Have the right to work in the UK
✔ Be in a role that helps you gain new skills and knowledge

We offer apprenticeships at different levels, so whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, there’s an option for you.

Course Information Sheets

Looking at one of our Apprenticeship Standards? Download one of our course guides.

This is where we have all our FAB sheets.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“Hiring apprentices through BPIF Training has been a game-changer for our company. The structured training and industry knowledge have helped us develop highly skilled employees.”
– [Employer Name], [Company]

“My apprenticeship gave me hands-on experience and a clear career path. BPIF Training supported me every step of the way.”
– [Apprentice Name], [Company]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

For Employers

✅ How long does an apprenticeship last? – Typically between 12 and 30 months, depending on the standard.
✅ How do I access government funding? – Register on the Apprenticeship Service to manage funding.
✅ What are my responsibilities as an employer? – Provide employment, training support, and mentoring.

For Apprentices

✅ Do I need experience to apply for an apprenticeship? – No, apprenticeships are designed to help you gain skills and experience while working.
✅ Will I be paid as an apprentice? – Yes, apprentices receive a salary.
✅ Can I progress to a higher-level apprenticeship? – Yes! Many apprentices move on to higher-level apprenticeships or management roles within their company.
✅ What kind of support will I get during my apprenticeship? – You’ll have access to training specialists, workplace mentors, and progress reviews to ensure you succeed.
✅ What happens after I complete my apprenticeship? – You’ll be qualified! 98% of our apprentices stay in employment after they complete their apprenticeship. You can even explore higher level Apprenticeships.

Read our full Frequently Asked Questions info sheet.

Useful Links & Resources

https://bpif.training/vacancies/ – All of our BPIF Training Apprenticeship Vacancies

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship – The Government Find an Apprenticeship portal

For Learners:

  1. GOV.UK: Find an Apprenticeship
    Search and apply for apprenticeships across England.
    🔗 https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

  2. UCAS: Apprenticeships
    Information on apprenticeship opportunities, applications, and guidance.
    🔗 https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships

  3. Apprenticeships.gov.uk
    Guidance for potential apprentices.
    🔗 https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/

  4. BPIF Training Vacancies
    Guides, tips, and resources to help young people navigate apprenticeships.
    🔗 https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-advice-help/choices/apprenticeships-and-training

  5. BPIF Training Careers Guide
    See what Print Careers are out there.
    🔗 https://bpif.training/vacancies/

For Employers:

  1. Apprenticeships.gov.uk: Employer Guides
    Covers everything employers need to know about hiring apprentices.
    🔗 https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/employer-guides

  2. Sign in to your apprenticeship Service account
    Covers everything employers need to know about hiring apprentices.
    🔗 https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/employer-guides

 

Contact Us

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 01676 526060

You can also contact us via form at https://bpif.training/contact/

How can we help you?

Get in touch with us – we look forward to working with you.

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