Employer FAQs

Northern Skills has always been part of Middlesbrough College and has now re-branded as MC Apprenticeships & Training. New name, new logo, same outstanding service.

Our team provide expert tuition and dedicated support to help you find the right apprentice and training programme for your business. We offer fantastic facilities to train in, and have found 88% employer were satisfied with the relevance of the training provided.

The time it takes your employee to complete their apprenticeship does vary depending on the apprenticeship standard, industry and level chosen. Apprenticeships can last from 12 months up to 39 months, with 3 months focused on the End Point Assessment if required.

As of April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices under 19 (or 19+ and in their first year of their apprenticeship) is £8.00 per hour.

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they are aged 19 or over, and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship.

More information about the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices can be found here.

Funding may be available to support the cost of your apprentice’s training and their salary. The Business  Development Team team are on hand to discuss funding options and support you with eligibility criteria and how you can apply. We also offer free advice and guidance on The Apprenticeship Levy.

In terms of eligibility, individuals are able to undertake an apprenticeship at a higher level than a qualification they currently hold, including any previously completed apprenticeships. They can also undertake an apprenticeship at the same level, or lower level than a qualification they already hold as long as the new apprenticeship allows for new skills to be acquired and the content of the training is materially different from any previous qualification or apprenticeship.

Find out more about the employer funding that is available.

20% off-the-job training is when an apprentice undertakes learning outside of the workplace which leads towards the achievement of their apprenticeship. As an employer, you will support the off the job learning hours by allowing the apprentice time in their contracted working hours to complete guided learning, directed online learning and completion of assignments. All employers must permit 20% of each apprentice’s employed hours to be used for off-the-job training.

Yes, all apprentices must be employed to proceed with the apprenticeship. A contract of employment ensures the apprentice and the employer have a clear understanding of what is expected during the term of employment.

Employment: Apprentices are expected to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in paid employment, though many employers offer a 37-hour work week.

20% Off-the-Job Training: At least 20% of the paid learning time must occur outside of the apprentice’s regular daily tasks.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours: These are outlined in the apprenticeship standard and may include a technical certificate or diploma.

Employability: This encompasses work skills, employability skills and personal development, including knowledge, confidence, resilience, mental health, punctuality and attendance.

Transferable and Functional Skills: These practical, applied skills are relevant to both young people and adult learners, aiding in the development of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation abilities. They may include English and maths.

End-Point Assessment: This involves various assessment methods that the apprentice must complete to demonstrate their competence in the job they have been training for.

If you have a vacancy to fill, our dedicated recruitment team can help your business find the perfect candidate. We will match applicants’ qualifications, skills, and experience to your requirements, ensuring you have top-quality candidates to interview. Our team will do everything they can to ensure the candidates put forward are suitable and ready to step into your advertised roles.

We will provide you with a dedicated training adviser to support and guide you through the apprenticeship program. They will work closely with you to agree on a clear delivery plan, manage training, keep the training plan updated, and provide you with regular reports on your apprentice’s progress.