How does it work?

Your apprentice is employed by you just like any other team member, on the same terms and conditions. They’ll spend four days a week working on the job as part of your team, either in your office or remotely. On the remaining day per week your apprentice will spend their time completing off the job training (an ‘apprenticeship day’) and every two or three weeks will join us at The Juice Academy in Manchester or log in remotely for a day of training (an ‘Academy day’). 

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Apprentices must evidence 20% off the job training. Tasks, assessments and projects are set by us to show they’re learning and to provide evidence for the course assessors. The final two to three months of each programme will be the assessment period and apprentices will be expected to produce a portfolio of work.

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What happens after the apprenticeship?

After gaining all those skills and experience, the end goal is you keeping your apprentice in your business and offering them a permanent position (and a pay increase!). Happily, 85% of our graduates stay with their employer upon completion. 

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What are the entry criteria for apprentices?

Apprentices need GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades A–C or 4–9 in English and Maths.

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What are the entry criteria for businesses?

You need at least two staff members and a plan for how the apprentice will be supported day-to-day, especially if they’re working remotely. These are early-career candidates and they’ll need regular guidance from your team. You’ll also need to provide a decent laptop they can bring to training sessions. A good smartphone is highly recommended too, especially for content roles where they’ll be posting on the go.

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What qualifications are apprentices working towards?

Standard programme lengths are detailed below, however they could be shorter or longer depending on learner progression. Assuming the apprentice is successful, at the end of their apprenticeship they will receive a pass, merit or distinction. 

• Level 3 Content Creator - 15 months 

• Level 3 Fundraiser - 15 months 

• Level 4 PR & Comms - 12-18 months 

• Level 4 Hospitality Marketer – 12-18 months

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What's the cost?

All Juice Academy apprentices are paid a minimum standard package across the programme. This consists of minimum £14,000 salary for the first 12 months, increasing to the National Minimum Wage for their age. Offering a higher starting salary often helps with recruitment and finding you a great fit.

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Apprenticeships are government funded if you are not a levy payer, however, depending on the size of the company and the age of the apprentice, there are some extra costs involved, or grants available. If you are a levy payer the training fee is paid out of your levy pot.

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We charge a recruitment fee of £1000 + VAT per apprentice.  

 

For full details please see our cost flow chart here.

 

​What are the working hours?

These are employees and therefore subject to the same terms, conditions and working practices as any other employee of your company, however apprentices must work a minimum of 30 hours and a maximum of 40 hours per week. Remember, as they are in training, they might need a little more support and flexibility. They have to complete 20% off the job training which includes the Academy sessions and tasks/assessments we set them. Further details can be found here.

 

How are apprentices recruited?

We look after all of the recruitment and send you our top candidates for interview and selection. 

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What if we don’t get an apprentice this time?

There are four intakes of 20 apprentices over the course of the year (January, April, July and October), so if we’re oversubscribed this time, we can speak with you about being involved next time.

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Will I need to pay a travel allowance?

IIf you're based in the North West, apprentices cover their own travel (just like college or uni students). If you're further afield and they need to come to Manchester occasionally, we’d expect you to cover that cost. 

 

​What if things don't work out with my apprentice?

Apprentices are employees just like anyone else in your company. Whilst we’d like you to do all you can to make the relationship work – remembering these people are possibly younger and far less experienced than other employees - ultimately your company’s standard HR rules, terms and conditions apply. The course leaders are also on hand to support you during selection and throughout the course. 

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How do we get started?