Find training and employment schemes for your business
A range of government programmes, are available for employers who are considering hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff, some of which offer financial incentives.
Apprenticeships
Paid employment for over 16s, combining work and study in a job allowing you to develop your workforce and business.
Cost
Apprentice minimum wage and 5% training contribution depending on business size
Benefits
You develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce
Time
Minimum of 12 months employment
T Levels: industry placements
Provide a 45-day (315 hours) industry placement for 16 to 19 year-olds, which gives you early access to the brightest young people entering the market and the opportunity to develop your workforce of the future.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Industry placements can save on many of the costs associated with recruitment
Time
Short term 45-day industry placement
Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
Up to 6-week placement for benefit claimants for those aged 18 and over designed to help you recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Helps you recruit or train staff through fully-funded pre-employment training
Time
Up to 6-weeks
Skills Bootcamps
Flexible work and training courses for aged 19 and over to fast-track specialist skill development, for existing or new talent for your business.
Cost
No cost unless self-employed
Benefits
Helps future-proof your business in a rapidly changing labour market and recruit staff with the right training and skills from the outset
Time
12 to 16-weeks
Traineeships
A 6-week to 12 months skills development programme that includes an unpaid work placement to help 16- to 24-year-olds prepare for an apprenticeship or employment.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Helps you increase your capacity and productivity whilst developing a loyal and talented workforce
Time
70 to 240 hours work placement
Supported Internships for learners with an education, health and care plan
An unpaid 6 to 12-month work placement for 16 to 24-year-olds with additional needs supported by a qualified job coach.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs.
Benefits
Allows you to shape a job role that suits your business and the needs of the supported intern and increases your confidence of employing individuals with additional needs
Time
6 to 12-months
Care-Leaver covenant
Help 16 to 25-year-olds who were in local authority care become independent through practical job-related support, in whatever way suits your business.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs related to the practical offer you make to care leavers
Benefits
Helping care-leavers to move to independent living and bring their life skills to enrich your business
Time
Length of time can vary
Employing prisoners and prison leavers
Employ prisoners and prison leavers aged 18 and over to help your business fill skills gaps and develop a loyal and talented workforce.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Helping prisoners and prison leavers find employment
Time
Variable depending on employer and prisoner and prison leaver
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Level 4 or 5 qualifications, for those 18 and over, with no work placement but flexible for employees to study while working.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Developed by employers to upskill existing employees, provide a different recruitment pool to hire new talent and help your company succeed
Time
1 to 2 years
Training outside of employment
Additional ways to train up existing employees through free qualifications, career advice and financial support.
Cost
Courses are fully funded for eligible adults but employees may need time to study and attend classes
Benefits
Help improve productivity, and develop a loyal and talented workforce in a rapidly changing labour market
Time
Length of time can vary