If you're looking to bring in new talent, both traineeships and apprenticeships offer valuable routes - but they serve different purposes. Traineeships provide short-term work experience and employability skills, while apprenticeships combine hands-on training with formal qualifications.
For long-term workforce growth, apprenticeships stand out. Over 85% of apprentices stay with their employer after completing their programme - a clear sign they’re a smart investment.
This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the right path for your business.
What is an apprenticeship?
Just like any other job, an apprenticeship is a paid role, however the difference is, it combines practical training with study. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff, gain skills on the job, and study towards a formal qualification that’s nationally recognised.
Apprenticeships can take one to five years to complete depending on the qualification level, and are available in a wide range of industries.
The benefits of an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are designed to build skilled, capable employees who are ready to contribute from the start and grow with your company. Here’s why they stand out as a long-term investment:
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Real qualifications: Apprentices gain industry-recognised qualifications that improve both their capability and your company’s credibility.
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Higher retention: Apprentices who are trained and developed in-house are more likely to stay, reducing recruitment costs and turnover.
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Immediate impact: Unlike a trainee, an apprentice is an employee, contributing to daily operations while learning and upskilling on the job.
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Tailored training: You can shape their development to match your tools, systems, and values, meaning less unlearning, more growth.
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Funding support: With government funding available, especially for SMEs, the financial barrier to hiring an apprentice is low.
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Futureproofing: Apprenticeships help plug long-term skills gaps, building a pipeline of talent aligned to your future workforce needs.
Learn more: 5 Easy Ways to Successfully Upskill Employees
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship gives young people the chance to gain valuable work experience in the sector they’re interested in, while also improving their employability, their English skills, and their Maths skills. It’s designed to help individuals progress into a full-time job, apprenticeship, or further education.
The benefits of a traineeship
Traineeships can also be a successful way of developing talent and supporting young people into employment. Some of the benefits include:
Work-ready candidates: Help shape someone's understanding of your industry.
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Pathway to apprenticeships: A strong route into longer-term training.
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Corporate social responsibility: Support local youth employment.
Apprentice and trainee difference
|
Feature |
Apprenticeship |
Traineeship |
|
Duration |
1 to 5 years |
6 weeks to 6 months |
|
Salary |
Paid (at least apprentice wage) Employer funding options available |
Unpaid (optional support for costs) |
|
Entry Requirements |
Vary by level |
Little to no formal requirements |
|
Qualification |
Yes - formal qualification |
No formal qualification |
|
UCAS Points |
Yes (higher levels) |
No |
|
Outcome |
Job or further training |
Often leads to apprenticeship or job |
Why are traineeships and apprenticeships important for your business?
If you’re running a business and trying to build a stronger, more capable team, both traineeships and apprenticeships can help you tap into fresh talent. But it's important to understand what each option really offers - and which one will deliver the best return.
Traineeships are a great starting point for young people who aren’t quite work-ready. They give candidates basic skills, confidence, and initial exposure to the workplace. For employers, offering a traineeship is low risk, it’s usually unpaid, short-term, and you’re helping someone build a foundation.
But if you're serious about building your workforce, apprenticeships offer much more.
With apprenticeships, you’re investing in a team member who’s learning on the job, gaining qualifications, and contributing real value from day one. Apprenticeships are longer-term, structured, and tailored to your business needs.
Traineeships help young people prepare. Apprenticeships help your business grow.
If you're looking for a talent pipeline that pays off, apprenticeships are the smart choice.
At Total People, we’ve seen firsthand how apprenticeships can transform businesses. They’re not just about training, they’re about building a stronger, more capable workforce from the ground up. When you invest in an apprentice, you’re shaping someone to fit your business, your values, and your future. It’s one of the smartest moves an employer - can you get Gina to approive it from her pls can make for business growth. - Gina Steele, Deputy Managing Director, Total People
What industries offer an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, including:
What industries can do a traineeship?
Traineeships are available across a wide range of industries, making them a flexible option for employers looking to support entry-level talent. Common sectors include retail, hospitality, construction, business administration, customer service, health and social care, and logistics.
Because traineeships focus on developing basic workplace skills, they can be adapted to suit most environments where hands-on experience and employability training are valuable.
Apprenticeships offer a long term solution
Traineeships have their place, as they’re a good stepping stone for young people just starting out, especially those who need a bit more support to become job ready. They give employers a low-risk way to test out potential talent and contribute to the wider goal of youth employability.
But when it comes to real business growth, apprenticeships deliver far more value.
In short, apprenticeships are not a short-term fix, in fact, they're a long-term strategy! They help build a team that’s not just trained, but loyal, invested, and ready to take your business forward.
If you're serious about developing talent and staying competitive, apprenticeships should be your first choice.
Our experience with Total People is it's been brilliant. One of the learning coaches in particular, Amy, she's been amazing throughout. I just think apprentices are the way forward. They’re learning through doing the job. Having them here supports the whole team, it takes the pressure off them. They also get to support the children and build bonds with the children. And that’s something that’s really invaluable. - Vicki Foy, Dunky’s Day Nursery
Learn more: Apprenticeship vs Internship: Which Is Best for Your Business?
Choose Total People as your apprenticeship provider
If you're looking to upskill your team, bring in fresh talent, or grow your workforce from the ground up, an apprenticeship with Total People is the smart choice. We offer programmes across a wide range of industries and help employers access available funding to support their training goals.
As experts in delivering successful apprenticeships, we work closely with you to tailor each programme to fit your business needs. Get in touch with us today and start building a stronger future for your team.
