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- Apprenticeship & Employer Engagement
Apprenticeship & Employer Engagement
We support member colleges delivering apprenticeship training programmes by providing national and regional forums, policy papers and reports, resources, events and the latest updates on apprenticeships and colleges' work with employers.
An apprenticeship is a comprehensive training programme offered by further education colleges, independent providers, universities and institutes of technology in the UK. The programme consists of knowledge, skills and behaviour elements.
Students spend the majority of time in the workplace, learning on the job, but are required to spend 20% of their time studying more theoretical work.
It is the 20% off-the-job element that attracts funding.
The minimum duration of an apprenticeship is 8 months (previously one year: updated 1 August 2025) and up to six years to complete, depending on the apprenticeship standard studied, and learners’ previous experience. For those apprentices that started before 1 August 2025, the 12 month minimum duration still applies. Funding is mostly generated via a Growth and Skills Levy, which is paid by larger employers. Funding is distributed by the ESFA.
- Course catalogue: Education & Training Foundation
- Apprenticeship funding rules 2025 to 2026
- Apprenticeship funding rules 2024 to 2025
- What is a quality apprenticeship
- Apprenticeship training provider accountability framework
- Apprenticeships: off-the-job training
- Using the apprenticeship service as a training provider
- Find apprenticeship training: how to submit data
The latest templates for Apprenticeship Training Services Agreements, End-Point Assessment Organisations contracts, subcontracts for Apprenticeship Training Services and service agreements.
Template contracts
FE and skills must be reformed to meet the economic and social needs of the nation
This report sets out changes to empower colleges to fulfil their role in boosting our economy and society, by ensuring equitable access to education and improved outcomes for individuals and employers alike.
100% opportunity: the case for a tertiary education system
This policy paper focuses on enhancing the apprenticeship system and aligns with the Opportunity England recommendation: An apprenticeships system that works.
Opportunity England: Apprenticeships
AoC Apprenticeship Reference Group
The AoC Apprenticeship Reference Group provides an expert forum for discussion, good practice and networking for senior college staff to share intelligence and opportunities
Working with government departments, agencies and partner organisations on policy formation and implementation issues the group involves colleges from across England.
Beacon Awards 2025/26
The City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers
Finalists:
Barnsley College
Glasgow Clyde College
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC)
Beacon Winners will be announced on 3 March 2026 at the House of Commons
Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme
September 2022 – March 2026
The DfE-funded Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme provides continuous professional development (CPD) training and resources for all those involved in, or supporting, the delivery of apprenticeships.
By participating in the comprehensive training programme, you will have the opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge in the management, planning, and delivery of apprenticeships, which may be beneficial to your professional development and career advancement.
