020 7247 5497
Get in touch

Good people. A stronger business.

Courses and apprenticeships help you build a workforce that’s skilled, motivated, and ready to grow with your business.

Talk to our team
Two people meeting at a desk beside a screen showing NextStep’s collaboration with DWP and Jobcentre Plus.

How we support employers

Who we work with

We support small and medium-sized businesses recruiting new apprentices or upskilling existing staff.

A free recruitment service

Our learner pool includes motivated, semi-skilled candidates. We learn which qualities and qualifications you need, shortlist against your job description and person specification, and send the final candidates to interview at your company. This service is free of charge as part of our apprenticeship service.

Your enrolment journey

For non-levy employers and employers receiving a levy transfer, both employer and learner onboarding must be completed.

  • Stage 1: enquiry and discovery call. Talk with our team about your needs and the right programme.
  • Stage 2: account and suitability. Set up an apprenticeship service account. Employer suitability forms take about 60 minutes; allow extra time for a placement agreement if the apprentice needs a placement.
  • Stage 3: review. We review submissions within 3 working days, then move to the next stage or ask for more information.
  • Stage 4: recruitment, if needed. Recruitment uses the government’s Find an apprenticeship / Recruit an apprentice service. Adverts must be live for at least 16 days; including interviews, this stage can take about 4 weeks.
  • Stage 5: agreement. Read and sign the written agreement for services.

Documents we need

  • Your employer’s liability insurance certificate.
  • A screenshot of your apprenticeship service account showing a funding reservation or permissions.
  • Learner proof of identity and right to work, such as a passport.
  • Proof of address, such as a driving licence or recent utility bill.
  • Evidence of prior maths, English, science and sector qualifications, such as GCSE certificates.
  • Proof of name change, if applicable.
Working with NextStep

Support that fits your business.

Recruit new talent

Explore apprenticeships that bring fresh perspectives and practical capability into your business.

Develop existing staff

Help your team build skills, knowledge and confidence connected to their everyday work.

A personal partnership

Discuss your priorities with our team and understand the programme arrangements before you begin.

Two people meeting at a desk beside a screen showing NextStep’s collaboration with DWP and Jobcentre Plus.

Start with what your people need.

We work with employers and individual learners to connect training with practical workplace needs. Tell us about your ambitions, your existing team and the skills you want to develop.

Discuss your training needs

How are apprenticeships funded?

Employers fall into two groups, depending on the size of the annual pay bill. Our team will confirm which applies to you.

Pay bill over £3m

Levy payers

If your annual pay bill is over £3 million you pay the Apprenticeship Levy, charged at 0.5% of the pay bill. Levy funds can be spent on training and assessment, and the government adds a 10% top-up.

See what’s covered
You pay 5%

Non-levy employers

You pay 5% towards the cost of training and assessment and the government pays the remaining 95%, up to the funding band maximum. Extra support may apply depending on your circumstances and your apprentice’s.

See what’s covered

Employer funding estimate

An indicative starting point for your training budget.

ESTIMATED PROGRAMME VALUE£7,000
Estimated employer contribution
£350
Estimated government contribution
£6,650

Estimate only. These sample funding bands and contribution rates are not a funding quotation or eligibility decision. Levy funds may include government top-ups; confirm current arrangements with Nextstep.

Discuss your options
Why employers choose apprenticeships

Five good reasons to take on an apprentice

  1. Upskill and save on recruitment

    Hiring is expensive. Apprenticeships let you grow skills inside your business while you see a return on the investment.

  2. Keep people motivated

    A route to progression gives employees a reason to commit to your future and build their careers with you.

  3. Open a door to work

    Apprenticeships give people a way into full-time employment, including those starting out or changing direction.

  4. Grow talent in-house

    Offering an apprenticeship attracts motivated applicants and lets you develop the skills your team needs.

  5. Train for the role

    Programmes can be shaped around your business so staff gain the knowledge and skills their job actually needs.

Employer questions

How can Nextstep help me recruit and train staff?

We can help you explore apprenticeship programmes for new recruits or existing employees, and explain the training, support and funding arrangements before you commit. Tell us your priorities and we will suggest sensible next steps.

How much does it cost to take on an apprentice?

It depends on your organisation and the programme. Levy-paying employers use levy funds. Other employers usually contribute 5% of the training cost, with the government paying the rest up to the funding band maximum. You also pay the apprentice’s wages. We will confirm the figures for your programme.

Can I use an apprenticeship to upskill existing staff?

Yes. Apprenticeships are not only for new hires. Where the role and the programme are a good fit, current employees can work towards a recognised qualification while they keep doing their job.

Which sectors do your apprenticeships cover?

Business and management, health and social care, early years and education, digital and technology, creative and marketing, and housing and property. Browse the full list on our apprenticeships page.

Interested in recruiting an apprentice?

Tell us about your team and what you need. We will talk through programmes, funding and next steps.

Talk to our team 020 7247 5497
The map loads automatically when this section comes into view.
CallEnquire