How to Choose an Apprenticeship Training Provider

Every business has different needs when it comes to apprenticeships. No matter which sector you work in or the size of your organisation, you will have your own goals, your own skills gaps, and a specific type of programme in mind.

Choosing the right training provider is one of the most important decisions you will make in the process. Get it right and you will have a partner who supports you every step of the way. Get it wrong and you could be left managing a programme that does not deliver what your business actually needs, with limited recourse once you are committed.

The good news is that knowing what to look for makes the decision much more straightforward. Here are our top tips on what to consider when selecting an apprenticeship training provider.

Research what qualifications are available

Whether you want to bring in new apprentices or upskill your current employees through apprenticeships, start by being clear on what qualifications and levels you are looking for.

You need to know that your chosen provider offers nationally recognised qualifications, and that the investment you make in your people will benefit both them and your business in the long run. With apprenticeships now available from Level 2 all the way through to Level 7 degree apprenticeships, the range of options is broader than many employers realise.

It is also worth thinking about progression. A provider that offers programmes across multiple levels means your apprentices can continue developing within the same organisation rather than starting fresh elsewhere. That continuity of relationship benefits the learner, and it benefits you as the employer too.

At Total People, we offer apprenticeships across various sectors, as well as short courses and training programmes designed to suit businesses of all sizes.

Find out if they offer a good all-round experience

A good training provider should deliver an excellent experience for both the learner and the employer. These are not always the same thing, and it is worth asking about both before you commit.

From the learner’s perspective: are programmes well structured? Is off-the-job training delivered to a high standard? Do apprentices feel supported throughout, including at the more challenging stages such as end-point assessment?

From the employer’s perspective: is the provider responsive? Do they communicate proactively rather than waiting for you to chase them? And critically, do they understand your business well enough to tailor the programme to your actual needs?

Achievement rates are a useful starting point when assessing quality. They tell you what proportion of apprentices successfully complete their programme with a given provider. Employer and learner testimonials are equally valuable. Our News and Blogs page includes a wide range of case studies from employers and apprentices across our programmes, covering everything from engineering and construction to healthcare and business administration.

Check their Ofsted rating

If you think Ofsted only applies to schools and colleges, think again. All apprenticeship training providers must be registered on the Apprenticeship Providers and Assessment Register (APAR), which replaced the previous Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers in August 2023. From the point a provider starts delivering funded apprenticeship training, they are subject to Ofsted inspection, with new providers typically inspected within 18 months of their monitoring visit report being published.

Ofsted assesses providers across key areas including quality of education, leadership and management, personal development, and behaviours and attitudes. The four possible grades are Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, and Inadequate. A Good or Outstanding rating means the provider has been independently assessed as delivering high-quality provision. Anything below Good is a warning sign worth taking seriously.

At Total People, we are proud to hold an Ofsted rating of Good across all provision types, following our most recent inspection in September 2024. You can check any provider’s current rating on the Ofsted website before making your decision.

Understand what employer support is on offer

The quality of employer support a training provider offers can make the difference between a programme that runs smoothly and one that creates more administrative work than it is worth.

At the very minimum, a good provider should assign you a dedicated point of contact who knows your account and can answer questions without you having to repeat yourself every time. Beyond that, look for providers who take time to understand your business before designing a training plan. Generic programmes delivered the same way regardless of context rarely deliver the outcomes businesses are looking for.

At Total People, our dedicated Recruitment and Engagement team is available to support you at every stage, from your very first conversation through to your apprentice completing their end-point assessment. We help you navigate funding, manage enrolment, and stay on top of your apprentice’s progress throughout.

Consider the practical aspects

Beyond the quality of training and employer support, there are a few practical considerations worth factoring in.

Location matters, particularly for programmes that involve regular time at a training facility. Check where your apprentices would be attending and whether that is realistic alongside their working pattern. For employers in the North West, a regional provider with local facilities can offer a genuine advantage over a national provider based elsewhere.

Sector specialisation is another factor. Some providers cover a wide range of programmes but lack deep expertise in specific areas. Others have genuine specialisms built on years of delivery in particular industries. If your needs are sector-specific, a provider with a demonstrable track record in that area is likely to deliver a better outcome.

Finally, think about the relationship itself. Apprenticeships typically run for one to four years. You will be working closely with your training provider throughout that time, and the quality of that relationship matters as much as any other factor on this list.

Ready to find out more?

With over two decades of apprenticeship experience and provision across more than 30 sectors, Total People has the expertise to help you find the right programme and make it work for your business.

Whether you are new to apprenticeships or looking to switch providers, our team is here to help. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.