Employers

Take on an Apprentice

Oldham College has extensive experience working with employers across a wide range of industries. We understand the administrative and logistical challenges that apprenticeships can sometimes present and work closely with employers to make the process as simple and supportive as possible.

Hiring an apprentice is an effective way for businesses to develop future talent and build a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Employers with apprentices often report increased productivity, improved staff retention, lower recruitment costs and long-term workforce growth.

Businesses of all sizes can take on an apprentice and our Apprenticeships team will support you throughout the process.

Contact the Apprenticeships team today

100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days

Together, creating opportunities across Oldham

Oldham College and Oldham Council are working with employers across Oldham to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days for young people aged 16-24.

We have local young people ready for apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including business, construction, digital, care, education, horticulture and the creative industries, with more students preparing to progress into apprenticeships from September.

Whether you’re ready to recruit now or simply exploring future opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Make the Pledge

Could your organisation offer an apprenticeship opportunity?

Help us create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days.

Complete the short form below to register your interest in offering an apprenticeship opportunity and a member of the Apprenticeships team will be in touch to discuss the next steps and support available.

Whether you’re ready to recruit now or would like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

Pledge your support

Why take on apprentice?

Develop future talent

Apprenticeships help businesses build a skilled workforce for the future while creating career-building opportunities for local young people.

Bring new skills into your organisation

Apprentices can bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and new skills into the workplace while learning on the job.

Cost-effective recruitment

Taking on an apprentice can help reduce recruitment costs while supporting long-term workforce growth within your organisation.

Recruitment support

Our Apprenticeships team supports employers throughout the process, including:

Advertising apprenticeship vacancies
Matching employers with suitable candidates
Advice on funding and incentives
Support with onboarding and paperwork
Guidance with Apprenticeship Service accounts.

Funding and support available

Taking on an apprentice is a cost-effective way to grow your workforce, develop future talent and fill skills gaps within your organisation. The Government currently fully funds apprenticeship training in small businesses for apprentices aged 21 and under. Government support for SMEs recruiting younger apprentices is also planned to expand further from August 2026.

Eligible employers may also benefit from:

Reduced National Insurance contributions for eligible apprentices under 25
£1,000 support payments for eligible apprentices aged 16-18
Additional support for some apprentices aged 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or those who are care experienced
Apprenticeship Levy transfer opportunities
CITB incentives of up to £8,500 available for eligible construction employers.
Learn more about the CITB Grants Scheme >.

The Government has also announced new Youth Guarantee and apprenticeship incentives aimed at helping employers recruit young people aged 16-24, including:

A proposed £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for SMEs
A proposed Youth Jobs Grant of up to £3,000 for eligible employers recruiting young people aged 18-24.

Our Apprenticeships team can help explain the funding and support available to your organisation and guide you through the process.

Get in touch to find out more!

Foundation Apprenticeships

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full apprenticeship, Foundation Apprenticeships can offer a flexible starting point.

Foundation Apprenticeships help young people build confidence in the workplace, develop practical skills and prepare for a future apprenticeship or employment.

For employers, they can provide an opportunity to introduce young people into the workplace with additional support and lower commitment, while helping to develop future talent within your organisation.

Our Apprenticeships team can explain how Foundation Apprenticeships work and whether they may be suitable for your organisation.

Apprenticeship Service account

All employers must have an Apprenticeship Service account to reserve apprenticeship funding, manage apprenticeships and access levy transfers.

Need help? Our team can support you with setting up your Apprenticeship Service account, understanding funding and advice on taking on an apprentice.

For more information, see GOV.UK.