Your browser is unsupported and may have security vulnerabilities! Upgrade to a newer browser to experience this site in all it's glory.
Skip to main content
Warrington & Vale Royal College Logo
  • 16-18 Year Olds
  • Adults
  • View all Courses
  • Subject Areas
  • Employers
  • Work with Us
  • About Us
  • Campus & Facilities
  • College Life
  • Events & News
  • Parents & Carers
  • Contact Us
Back

5 reasons to recruit an apprentice

Apprenticeships are a great way to bring fresh talent into your workforce, and if you’re a levy-paying employer, they can be completely FREE. Here are five great reasons why hiring an apprentice through Warrington & Vale Royal College could be the best decision you make for your business in 2025.

Top 5 Reasons to Recruit an Apprentice 2

1. Completely FREE if you’re a levy-paying employer

Employers who pay into the Apprenticeship Levy can access funding to cover the cost of an apprentice’s training. If you’re already paying into the levy, you're essentially paying for an apprentice anyway. So why not put that money to use by hiring one? It’s a fantastic opportunity to get the skills you need at no extra cost.

The Apprenticeship Levy is a tax on larger employers to fund apprenticeships and applies to both public and private sectors. If your business wage bill is over £3 million, your company will pay 0.5% of this amount towards the Apprenticeship Levy.

Levy funds expire 24 months after they enter your digital account unless you spend them on apprenticeship training - essentially, use it or lose it! Warrington & Vale Royal College’s experienced Apprenticeships Team can explain this to you in more detail, answer any questions you may have, and even help you with an application.

Top 5 Reasons to Recruit an Apprentice 3

2. Top 10 college nationally for apprenticeships!

Annual data released nationally by the Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) placed Warrington & Vale Royal College in England’s top ten further education colleges for apprenticeship achievement – a testament to the college's exceptional performance, and affirming its commitment to delivering high-quality technical education and training.

When you hire an apprentice through Warrington & Vale Royal College, you’re not just getting a new recruit—you also benefit from the support of its experienced Apprenticeships Team who will guide both you and your apprentice throughout the journey. This means you can feel confident, knowing there’s help available to ensure success.

Top 5 Reasons to Recruit an Apprentice 4

3. Praised by Ofsted

If you choose to recruit an apprentice through Warrington & Vale Royal College, you can be confident that they, and therefore you, will have a high-quality experience. The college was recently inspected by Ofsted and the recently published report says: “Students and apprentices have highly positive attitudes to their learning. They are well motivated and strive to do their best. They represent themselves, their college and their employers exceptionally well.”

The report continues: “Apprentices receive a challenging and demanding apprenticeship that enables them to acquire significant new knowledge and skills for work.”

Top 5 Reasons to Recruit an Apprentice 5

4. Shape the future of your workforce

By taking on an apprentice, you're not only gaining a valuable team member, but you're also shaping the future of your workforce. Apprenticeships allow you to train someone exactly how you want them to work, ensuring they align with your company culture and meet your specific needs.

Apprentices are eager to learn, motivated, and full of fresh ideas. Hiring an apprentice means you’re getting a dedicated individual who’s excited to grow and contribute to your business’s success. Their enthusiasm and new perspective can bring a fresh energy to your team.

Top 5 Reasons to Recruit an Apprentice 6

5. Boost employee retention and engagement

An apprentice doesn’t have to be a new member of staff! Offering apprenticeship opportunities to your existing employees demonstrates a commitment to investing in your team’s future. This can increase employee loyalty, as they’ll see that your business values skill development and career progression. Plus, it’s a great way to promote from within by nurturing talent from the ground up.

Ready to recruit?

Hiring an apprentice is a simple way to get fresh talent into your business at minimal cost, especially if you're a levy-paying employer. Take advantage of the funding available and get started today!

Warrington & Vale Royal College has a talent pool full of apprentices who are eager to start their careers in the following areas:

  • Accounting
  • Bricklaying
  • Carpentry & Joinery
  • Data & ICT
  • Engineering
  • Hairdressing
  • Human Resources
  • Lab Technician
  • Marketing
  • Plumbing
  • Team Leading

Interested? Contact Warrington & Vale Royal College’s Apprenticeships Team today to find out more! Email: apprenticeships@wvr.ac.uk or call: 01925 494271

Learn more about recruiting an apprentice
Contact our Apprenticeships Team