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7 Things to Look for When Finding an Apprenticeship Training Provider

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Are you Looking for an apprenticeship training provider?

New data shows that 30% of training providers are at risk due to declining apprenticeship achievement rates, with an additional 25% categorised as needing improvement according to the government's apprenticeship accountability framework, resulting in 54% of providers potentially requiring intervention.

This means it is becoming increasingly important to choose the right apprenticeship provider.

When choosing a provider, consider:

  • Accreditation
  • Track record
  • Training options
  • Industry relevance
  • Support services
  • Employer feedback
  • Overall cost

Read on to find out more.

1.    Accreditation

If you seek an apprenticeship provider for your business, it’s important to make sure they are accredited by governing bodies. Accreditation demonstrates quality assurance and ensures that the training provided aligns with recognised benchmarks.

So how can you make sure an apprenticeship provider is accredited?

Well, firstly, you can ask for documentation. However, if you want to be extra sure, take the following steps.

  • Visit the gov.uk website and find an apprenticeship course you want to pursue.
  • Click on the specific course.
  • Scroll down to find the section where you can enter the location of your business.
  • After entering your business location, the website will display a list of accredited training providers in your area.

2. Track record

Now that you have established if the training provider has the necessary accreditation, it’s time to establish if they have a positive track record. 

Here are some things to consider:

  • Success rate of apprentices completing the programme
  • Employment rates of apprentices after completing the course
  • Feedback from previous apprentices regarding the quality of training and support
  • Duration of the provider's involvement in delivering apprenticeship courses
  • Awards and certifications received by the provider within the industry
  • Partnerships with employers and industry organisations
  • Overall reputation and standing within the apprenticeship training sector

At Total People, we pride ourselves on our extensive track record in delivering apprenticeship training programmes. With over 30 years of experience in the field, we have established ourselves as trusted partners for employers seeking high-quality training solutions.

Total People made the apprenticeship process seamless for us - they provided excellent training, made everything easy to understand, and our apprentice exceeded expectations, leading us to offer them a permanent position.

3. Range of training options

Assess the variety of apprenticeship programmes offered by the provider. A diverse range of training options allows businesses to select programmes that best suit their industry and skill requirements.

Look out for:

  • Different industries like IT, healthcare, construction, etc
  • Various apprenticeship levels: basic, advanced, higher
  • Specialised pathways within industries
  • Flexible learning modes: classroom, online, blended
  • Customised programmes to meet specific needs
  • Additional qualifications alongside apprenticeship
  • Career progression opportunities.

4. Industry relevance

Consider the relevance of the provider's training programmes to your industry and specific business needs. Choose a provider with expertise and experience in delivering apprenticeships tailored to your sector, ensuring that the training is practical and applicable to real-world scenarios.

For example:

When selecting an engineering apprenticeship, opt for a provider offering specialised modules in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, ensuring that the training is relevant and up to date. 

5. Support services

Evaluate the support services offered to apprentices and employers throughout the programme. A good apprenticeship training provider should offer:

  • Dedicated mentorship and coaching for apprentices
  • Administrative assistance with paperwork and documentation
  • Regular progress reviews and feedback sessions
  • Access to online resources and learning materials
  • Guidance on funding and financial incentives
  • Assistance with apprentice recruitment and selection
  • Ongoing communication and support throughout the apprenticeship programme.

We were incredibly impressed with the level of support Total People provided throughout our apprenticeship programme. From helping us navigate the paperwork to offering valuable mentorship for our apprentices, their dedication made the entire process seamless and rewarding for both our business and our apprentices.

6. Employer feedback

Just like any service, customer feedback is always important. Seek feedback from other employers who have partnered with the apprenticeship provider. 

Insights from fellow industry peers can offer valuable perspectives on the provider's strengths, areas for improvement, and overall satisfaction with the apprenticeship programmes. Top apprenticeship providers should have strong feedback with minimal critique. 

7. Overall costs

When assessing the overall costs associated with apprenticeship programmes, it's essential to find a provider whose costs align with your business budget. However, it's equally important to recognise that cost is often a reflection of the quality of service provided. 

While opting for a provider with lower costs may seem appealing, it's important to consider whether they offer the necessary training quality and support services to meet your business needs effectively. 

Investing in a provider that offers a reasonable yet reflective cost for their services ensures that you receive the level of training and support required to maximise the long-term benefits for your business. 

Choose Total People as your apprenticeship provider

Choose Total People for over 30 years of experience, tailored programmes, industry-aligned curriculum, comprehensive support, positive employer feedback, and competitive costs, ensuring a seamless and rewarding apprenticeship experience. Check out our employers page and discover how we can help transform your workforce with apprenticeships.