How do I employ an apprentice?
Elevated Knowledge helps employers recruit, assess and train apprentices who are matched to the needs of the business. From designing the right programme to supporting candidate selection, we help make the process clear from the start.
We help you find the right apprentice for your business.
- ✓ Design an apprenticeship training programme around your business needs.
- ✓ Interview and assess candidates before they are matched to an employer.
- ✓ Check core skills including Maths, English, ICT, Engineering and Health & Safety.
- ✓ Support recruitment into engineering and technical apprenticeship pathways.
A clearer route to hiring an apprentice
The process should not feel complicated. Elevated Knowledge works with employers from the first conversation through to selecting a suitable apprentice and setting up the training pathway.
Tell us what your business needs
We listen to your business needs, skills gaps and future workforce requirements so the apprenticeship pathway is aligned with the role.
Build the right programme
We help you design the right apprenticeship training programme for your workplace, role and engineering environment.
Assess suitable candidates
Candidates are interviewed and assessed to check they understand the commitment and have the ability to complete the programme.
Match the right person
We support the match between apprentice and employer, helping you recruit someone committed to their training and placement.
Practical help from an engineering training provider.
Recruiting an apprentice is not just about filling a vacancy. It is about finding someone with the right attitude, aptitude and commitment to develop into a skilled member of your workforce.
Programme planning
We help structure the apprenticeship training programme so it works for the employer and supports the apprentice’s development.
Candidate interviews
Each candidate is interviewed to ensure the apprenticeship pathway is right for them and that they understand the commitment involved.
Initial assessments
Initial assessments can cover Maths, English, ICT, specialist engineering areas and Health & Safety.
Employer matching
We aim to match the right person to your business, your working environment and the apprenticeship programme.
What happens next?
Once you are ready to explore hiring an apprentice, Elevated Knowledge can help you move from enquiry to candidate selection with a practical, employer-focused process.
What can I expect to pay an apprentice?
Apprentice pay varies depending on age and apprenticeship status. The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates change every April, so employers should always check the latest rates before publishing a vacancy.
Minimum hourly rates
From April 2026| Worker category | Minimum hourly rate | Typical apprentice relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice rate | £8.00 | Applies to apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship. |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | Relevant for younger apprentices who are not otherwise entitled to a higher rate. |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 | Relevant once an apprentice is no longer on the apprentice rate and is entitled to their age-related rate. |
| 21 and over | £12.71 | Relevant for apprentices aged 21+ who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship. |
Apprentice rate
Applies to apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship.
Under 18
Relevant for younger apprentices who are not otherwise entitled to a higher rate.
18 to 20
Relevant once an apprentice is no longer on the apprentice rate and is entitled to their age-related rate.
21 and over
Relevant for apprentices aged 21+ who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship.
Ready to recruit an apprentice?
Speak to Elevated Knowledge about your business needs, available apprenticeship pathways and the type of candidate you want to bring into your workforce.