The apprentice must be employed in a genuine role that gives them the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by their apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships aren’t only for school leavers. Existing employees can also complete an apprenticeship where the programme provides them with substantial new learning and is relevant to their role.

As the employer, you’ll work alongside Knights Training Academy to provide the apprentice with the support, workplace experience and development opportunities they need to successfully complete their programme.

Knights Training Academy offers employers a FREE apprenticeship recruitment service.

We can support you with:

* Understanding the role you’re looking to fill

* Identifying the appropriate apprenticeship

* Reviewing the job description

* Advertising the apprenticeship vacancy

* Promoting the opportunity

* Supporting candidate attraction

* Initial applicant screening

* Arranging interviews

* Supporting the successful candidate through apprenticeship onboarding

There is no recruitment fee for this service.

You may also hear this referred to as the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS).

Your account allows you to:

* Reserve apprenticeship funding where applicable

* Add and manage apprentices

* Add Knights Training Academy as your training provider

* Approve apprenticeship details

* Manage apprenticeship funding

* View your apprentices

* Stop or pause an apprenticeship where required

* Manage levy funds if you’re a levy-paying employer

Don’t Have an Account?

Don’t worry.

Our team can guide you through setting up your Apprenticeship Service account and the steps required to get your apprentice ready to start.

* Employ them in a genuine role relevant to their apprenticeship

* Provide a contract of employment

* Pay at least the applicable National Minimum Wage

* Provide sufficient working hours to complete the apprenticeship

* Allow and support off-the-job training

* Provide opportunities to practise and develop new skills in the workplace

* Provide appropriate supervision and support

* Attend regular progress reviews

* Work with Knights Training Academy throughout the programme

* Maintain a safe working environment

* Meet relevant safeguarding, health and safety and employment requirements

* Support the apprentice through their End-Point Assessment

We’ll explain these requirements before the apprenticeship begins.

Before an apprenticeship can begin, we need to complete a number of checks with both the learner and employer. These ensure the apprentice is eligible, the programme is right for them, their job role provides the opportunities needed to develop, and all apprenticeship funding and compliance requirements are in place.

Our team will guide you through each stage.

1. Submit the Learner’s Details

Once you’ve identified an employee you’d like to enrol, we’ll provide a secure registration link.

The learner will complete their own link, providing the personal information and details we need to begin the eligibility and enrolment process.

This allows us to start checking:

* Personal and contact details

* Employment information

* Previous qualifications

* Previous learning and experience

* English and maths information

* Apprenticeship eligibility

* Learning support requirements

* The apprenticeship they are interested in

For data protection and compliance purposes, learners should complete their own information wherever possible.

2. Employer Compliance Form

The employer will also receive a separate employer link to complete.

This is an important part of our compliance process and ensures Knights Training Academy has the information required to confirm that the organisation and workplace are suitable to support an apprentice.

We may ask you to provide or confirm information including:

* Company details

* Workplace address

* PAYE information

* Employer Liability Insurance

* Health & Safety arrangements

* Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

* Safeguarding arrangements where applicable

* Apprentice’s job role

* Working hours

* Line manager or workplace mentor

* Workplace responsibilities

* Opportunities for Off-the-Job Training

* Relevant company policies

Depending on the organisation and apprentice, we may request additional information or supporting documentation.

Both the learner and employer sections must be completed before we can progress to full enrolment.

3. Right Learner, Right Programme

Before enrolling anybody onto an apprenticeship, we need to make sure it is the right programme for the individual and their job role.

The learner will complete our Right Learner, Right Programme checks.

This helps us establish whether their workplace responsibilities will give them sufficient opportunity to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship.

If there are areas they don’t currently undertake, we’ll discuss these with the employer.

In many cases, the employer may be able to provide additional responsibilities or development opportunities during the apprenticeship.

If the role cannot provide the opportunities required by the apprenticeship standard, we may recommend a different programme.

4. Initial Assessment & Prior Learning

Every apprentice completes an initial assessment.

This isn’t an exam to decide whether they are ‘good enough’ for an apprenticeship.

It helps us understand what they already know and, importantly, what new learning the apprenticeship will provide.

We’ll consider:

* Previous employment

* Existing qualifications

* Previous training

* Current knowledge

* Existing skills

* Current responsibilities

* Relevant industry experience

The learner will also complete a SkillScan against the apprenticeship standard.

This allows us to identify their starting point and develop an appropriate training plan.

Where significant prior learning exists, the content, duration and funding of the apprenticeship may need to be adjusted.

5. English & Maths

We’ll check the learner’s existing English and maths qualifications and establish whether any additional development is required.

Where appropriate, learners may complete initial English and maths assessments to help us understand their current working level.

We’ll explain any requirements that apply to the individual learner before their apprenticeship begins.

6. Agreeing the Training Plan

Once the initial assessments have been completed, we’ll agree how the apprenticeship will be delivered.

The training plan brings together:

The Learner + Employer + Knights Training Academy

It will set out areas including:

* Planned apprenticeship training

* Starting point

* Learning objectives

* Off-the-Job Training

* Employer support

* Workplace development opportunities

* Progress reviews

* Programme duration

* Responsibilities of each party

This ensures everybody understands how the apprentice will be supported throughout their programme.

7. Apprenticeship Service - DAS

The employer will need an Apprenticeship Service account to manage the apprenticeship and its funding.

Knights Training Academy will support you with the process where required.

Once everything is ready, the apprentice’s details will be added to the employer’s Apprenticeship Service account.

The employer will then need to review and approve the apprenticeship details and associated funding.

Your apprenticeship cannot be fully processed through the Apprenticeship Service until the required employer approvals have been completed.

[View Our DAS Guide]

8. Final Compliance Checks

Before confirming the apprenticeship start, our team will complete the required final checks.

This includes making sure the necessary learner and employer information has been received and that the apprenticeship is appropriate.

If anything is missing, we’ll contact the relevant person directly.

Completing the learner and employer forms promptly helps prevent delays to the planned start date.

9. Meet Your Tutor

Once the enrolment and compliance process is complete, the learner will be introduced to their dedicated tutor.

The tutor will explain:

* How the apprenticeship will work

* How learning will be delivered

* How to access learning resources

* How work will be submitted

* Off-the-Job Training

* Progress reviews

* Employer involvement

* What is expected throughout the programme

* How to access support

The apprentice can then begin their learning journey with Knights Training Academy.

What Does the Employer Need to Do?

To help us get your apprentice started as quickly as possible:

* Complete the Employer Compliance Form

* Make sure the learner completes their Learner Registration Form

* Provide any requested policies or documentation

* Make sure the apprentice has an appropriate job role

* Identify a line manager or workplace mentor

* Support the learner with their initial assessments

* Complete the required Apprenticeship Service (DAS) actions

* Review and approve apprenticeship information when requested

* Allow the apprentice time during their normal working hours for apprenticeship training

We’ll guide you through each step.

The timescale will depend on how quickly the learner and employer complete the required information and whether we need any additional documentation or clarification.

I

Levy-Paying Employers

Larger employers paying the Apprenticeship Levy can use available funds within their Apprenticeship Service account towards eligible apprenticeship training and assessment.

Non-Levy Employers

Government funding is available to support apprenticeship training for non-levy employers.

Depending on the size of your organisation and the apprentice’s circumstances, the government may fund some or all of the eligible apprenticeship training costs.

We’ll confirm the funding position with you before enrolment, so you understand whether any employer contribution applies.

Eligibility depends on the apprentice’s individual circumstances and current government funding rules.

Where an incentive is available, we’ll explain:

* Whether you may be eligible

* What information is required

* How the payment process works

* What you need to do through your Apprenticeship Service account

There is no upper age limit for becoming an apprentice.

An apprenticeship may be suitable where an employee is moving into a new role, taking on additional responsibilities or requires substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours to develop within their occupation.

Before enrolment, Knights Training Academy will complete an initial assessment to ensure the apprenticeship is appropriate and provides sufficient new learning.

This helps us understand what they already know and ensures that the apprenticeship provides meaningful new learning.

We will consider:

* Previous employment and experience

* Existing qualifications

* Previous training

* Current knowledge and skills

* Current job role and responsibilities

* English and maths

* Learning support requirements

* Career objectives

Where significant prior learning exists, the apprenticeship may need to be adapted or another programme may be more appropriate.

It is training that takes place during the apprentice’s normal working hours and teaches new knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to their apprenticeship.

The amount required is determined by the apprenticeship funding rules and the apprentice’s individual training plan.

What Can Count?

Depending on the apprenticeship, off-the-job training could include:

* Tutor-led training

* Online learning

* Workshops and webinars

* Coaching

* Mentoring focused on new learning

* Shadowing experienced colleagues

* Industry research

* Practical training

* Learning new systems or processes

* Project work

* Attendance at relevant industry events

* Training towards relevant qualifications

What Doesn’t Count?

Normal productive work on its own does not count as off-the-job training.

Training must provide new learning relevant to the apprenticeship.

We’ll work with you and the apprentice to plan suitable activities and ensure off-the-job training is properly recorded.

This could be their:

* Line manager

* Supervisor

* Branch manager

* Team leader

* Workplace mentor

They don’t need to teach the apprenticeship — that’s our job.

Their role is to give the apprentice opportunities to practise their skills, provide workplace feedback and support their development.

These bring together:

The apprentice + Employer + Knights Training Academy

Reviews allow us to discuss:

* Progress against the apprenticeship

* Knowledge, skills and behaviours

* Workplace performance

* Off-the-job training

* English and maths where applicable

* Additional support

* Personal development

* Targets for the next review period

* Any concerns or changes in circumstances

Employer participation is important because apprenticeship development happens both through formal training and within the workplace.

The apprentice + Employer + Knights Training Academy

It sets out how the apprenticeship will be delivered and supported, including:

* Training content

* Planned learning

* Off-the-job training

* Responsibilities of each party

* Support arrangements

* Progress review arrangements

* Expected programme duration

All parties must understand and agree to their responsibilities.

EPA is designed to confirm that the apprentice has developed the required occupational competence.

The exact assessment method varies by apprenticeship and may include activities such as:

* Professional discussions

* Projects

* Presentations

* Practical observations

* Portfolio-based discussions

* Written or knowledge assessments

We’ll prepare the apprentice throughout their programme so they understand what to expect.

Knights Training Academy will work with the employer and apprentice to determine when they are ready to progress.

The employer plays an important role in confirming that the apprentice is occupationally competent and ready for assessment.

Please tell us as soon as possible if:

* The apprentice changes role

* Their working hours change

* Their line manager changes

* They take extended leave

* They are made redundant

* They leave the organisation

* Their employment ends

* They need additional support

* There are concerns about progress

* There are safeguarding concerns

We can then advise you on the appropriate next steps.

Knights Training Academy has designated safeguarding arrangements in place and provides apprentices with information about how to report a concern.

Employers are expected to provide a safe working environment and work with us where safeguarding or welfare concerns arise.

Whether you have one apprentice or a large apprenticeship programme, we’ll work with you throughout the relationship.

Your Dedicated Point of Contact

Your KTA Account Manager is there to support you with the wider apprenticeship programme and employer relationship.

They can help with:

* New apprentice enrolments

* Apprenticeship Service (DAS) queries

* Funding and employer contributions

* Employer incentives

* Recruiting new apprentices

* Learner progress and engagement

* Off-the-Job Training (OTJT)

* Programme or staffing changes

* Additional apprenticeship opportunities

* Workforce development and future training needs

* Escalating any concerns quickly

Your apprentice will also have their own dedicated tutor who will support them throughout their learning programme.

Getting Started

When your first apprentice joins us, we’ll make sure everyone understands what is expected from the start.

As part of onboarding, we’ll work with the employer, apprentice and tutor to:

* Confirm the apprentice’s role

* Discuss the training programme

* Explain employer responsibilities

* Confirm workplace support

* Identify the apprentice’s manager or mentor

* Explain Off-the-Job Training

* Discuss how learning will be supported during working hours

* Confirm progress review arrangements

* Answer any questions before training begins

Having the employer involved from the beginning helps create the right support around the apprentice.

Regular Employer Meetings

For employers with multiple apprentices or ongoing recruitment plans, we’ll arrange regular account management meetings.

These meetings give us an opportunity to look beyond individual learners and review your apprenticeship programme as a whole.

Depending on the size and needs of your organisation, meetings may be held monthly, quarterly or at agreed key points throughout the programme.

Meetings are normally held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

What We’ll Review

Apprentice Progress

We’ll give you visibility of how your apprentices are progressing, including:

* Engagement with learning

* Progress towards apprenticeship requirements

* Attendance

* Off-the-Job Training

* Upcoming milestones

* Any apprentices requiring additional support

Where concerns arise, we’ll work with you and the apprentice to put appropriate support in place.

Employer Feedback

We want to know how the programme is working for you.

We’ll regularly discuss:

* Apprentice development

* Tutor communication

* Quality of training

* Support from KTA

* Relevance of the programme to the employee’s role

* Impact within your organisation

Your feedback helps us continually improve our apprenticeship delivery.

Compliance & Funding

We’ll help make sure the employer side of the apprenticeship remains on track.

This can include support with:

* Apprenticeship Service (DAS)

* Apprentice records

* Employer documentation

* Training plans

* Changes in employment or working hours

* Breaks in learning

* Funding queries

* Eligible employer incentive payments

If something changes, please tell us as early as possible so we can advise you on the correct next steps.

Planning for Future Growth

Account management isn’t just about your current apprentices.

We’ll also work with you to understand your future workforce requirements and identify where apprenticeships could support your organisation.

This could include:

* Recruiting additional apprentices

* Upskilling existing employees

* Progressing apprentices onto higher-level programmes

* Leadership and management development

* Developing new teams or departments

* Identifying relevant new apprenticeship standards

* Wider workforce training

Planning ahead also allows us to make sure we have the right tutor capacity available to support your organisation.

FREE Apprentice Recruitment

If you’re looking to bring somebody new into the business, Knights Training Academy provides a FREE apprenticeship recruitment service.

We can support you with:

* Identifying the right apprenticeship

* Reviewing the vacancy and job description

* Advertising the opportunity

* Candidate attraction

* Initial applicant screening

* Interview coordination

* Onboarding the successful apprentice

Speak to your Account Manager if you’d like to recruit.

Additional Support

As part of the wider Knights Group, we can also discuss additional workforce solutions where appropriate, including:

* Commercial and CPD training

* Online learning

* Leadership and management development

* Workforce development

* Recruitment support for more senior or specialist vacancies

If You Have a Concern

You don’t need to wait until your next scheduled meeting if something isn’t right.

Contact your KTA Account Manager as soon as possible if you have concerns 

We’ll make sure your query reaches the appropriate member of the KTA team and is dealt with as quickly as possible.

Our aim is to make managing apprenticeships as straightforward as possible for your organisation.

1. Speak to us

Tell us about the employee or vacancy and what you’re looking to achieve.

2. Select the apprenticeship

We’ll help make sure the programme matches the role.

3. Employer checks

We’ll complete the required employer and workplace checks.

4. Apprenticeship Service

We’ll support you with the required Apprenticeship Service steps.

5. Apprentice assessment

We’ll complete eligibility, prior learning and initial assessments.

6. Agree the programme

The training plan and required apprenticeship documentation are completed.

7. Start learning

The apprentice begins their programme with their dedicated Knights Training Academy team.