There is a myth that apprenticeships are just for school leavers or people not in employment. Nothing could be further from the truth… and apprenticeships for existing members of staff are a proven way to bring new skills into your workplace.
In this guide, we’ll uncover how you can use apprenticeships to upskill your existing staff and how to get the most from your apprenticeship levy.
“Apprenticeships are for school leavers” – Old thinking
Many years ago, apprenticeships were for school leavers to learn trades so they could become a member of the relevant guild or professional body, become time-served, and move on to full time employment.
In some current organisations, with senior management of a certain generation, that is still the belief.
The knowledge of degree apprenticeships is gradually increasing, but many do not realise that existing members of staff can enrol on an apprenticeship – from Level 3, right up to Level 7 (Senior Manager/Director level).
What apprenticeships are now
Whilst some apprenticeships are still aimed at school leavers, there are a huge variety of apprenticeships for existing members of staff.
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to upskill your workforce and securing effective and long-term succession planning.
Whatever area of business your team member is in, you can be almost guaranteed that there will be an apprenticeship that will enhance their skills.
At Whyy? Change we specialise in accredited apprenticeships in the following areas:
- Quality and HSE
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Lean & Six Sigma
- HR and People Management
From Level 3 all the way up to Level 7.
All our apprentices are already employed and are either being prepared for their next career step or have already taken one and need formal training to ensure they can perform to the best of their abilities.
For example, we have HR Assistants who want to become CIPD qualified to become HR Business Partners. We have new Team Leaders and Operation Managers who have been promoted because their employer can see their potential, but they have had no management training.
Apprenticeships for existing staff – Time commitment
At Whyy? Change, our accredited apprenticeships are delivered in half day blocks.
The apprentice attends our training centre at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham, half a day per week and so they are out of the office for that time.
They will then spend approximately another half-day equivalent per week, implementing their learning through something called ‘off the job’ hours.
Now that term is slightly misleading.
What it actually means is that they are either implementing their learning into the workplace by doing something new or are doing something differently because of their learning.
So, whilst they have roughly one working day’s equivalent per week of apprenticeship time, only half a day of that is away from the workplace… the other half you are directly gaining the benefit of what they have learned.
Apprenticeship Levy – Funding available for apprenticeships
How funding can be accessed depends on whether you are a levy paying company or not…
Either way, apprenticeships are an incredibly economical way to upskill your workforce.
Smaller employers (Non-Levy Payers) can tap into government funding which will pay up to 95% of the apprenticeship fees.
For example, a new Team Leader undertaking a Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship would work out at between £540-790 for the whole apprenticeship. That’s a 14-month course plus the assessment at the end. (and with Whyy? Change they also get a CMI Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership.)
Larger employers (Levy-Payers) who have a £3 million payroll, can tap into their levy funding to pay for the training.
Funding really is no reason why apprenticeships for existing members of staff shouldn’t be used to benefit your organisation.
We use apprenticeships for existing staff ourselves!
You may well expect a company like Whyy? Change to train their staff.
However, we go one step further.
We firmly believe no one should ever stop learning and growing.
Here are just a few examples of how we use apprenticeships for our existing staff:
Emma
Our Managing Director, Emma Harrison, has already completed a Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship, becoming the world’s first Quality Practitioner apprentice to complete the apprenticeship, achieving a distinction in the process.
In 2025 she is starting a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, which includes the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice.
Matt
Our Head of Communications, Matt Trueman, has completed his Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship, which included the CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing. Matt also achieved a distinction on his Marketing Manager Apprenticeship and later won Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship awards.
Lynda
Head of Quality HSE, Lynda Holbrey, is currently undertaking the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship, which includes the CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership.
Would you like to know more about apprenticeships for training existing staff?
If you are considering the different options to develop your team in any of the areas we cover:
…then get in touch.
We can undertake a full training needs analysis with you and make recommendations.
We would only suggest our training (whether that be apprenticeships, accredited short courses, or bespoke courses) for you if they would be of genuine benefit.
We do not operate on a transactional basis.
We put bums on seats for transformational reasons only.
So, if you’d like to know more about apprenticeships for existing members of staff just drop us a line at info@whyychange.com or give us a call today on 0114 400 0077.
Apprenticeship FAQ’s
Can you put an existing employee on an apprenticeship?
Yes, you can enrol current employees in apprenticeships to upskill or reskill them, it’s common practice in many organisations.
Can you do an apprenticeship if you have already done one?
Yes, you can undertake another apprenticeship after completing one, even at the same or a higher level. However, you cannot claim funding for an apprenticeship you have already completed.
Can I do an apprenticeship with my current employer?
Yes, you can do an apprenticeship with your current employer. Apprenticeships help upskill or retrain existing staff, offering the chance to gain new qualifications while staying in your current job. This supports career growth without changing employers.
How do you use the apprenticeship levy for existing staff?
To use the apprenticeship levy to train existing staff, firstly you need to register your Apprenticeship Service account, next choose a training provider, and ensure the course matches an approved standard. Both an Apprenticeship Agreement and a Commitment Statement must also be signed.
Who pays for an apprenticeship?
Generally, both the employer and the government contribute to apprenticeship costs. Smaller employers usually pay 5%, with the government covering 95%. Larger employers pay through the Apprenticeship Levy, using those funds for training. This shared funding model helps make apprenticeships more accessible to all businesses.
Are apprenticeships for existing members of staff?
Yes, apprenticeships are available for both new and existing staff. Employers can upskill current employees through apprenticeships, helping them gain qualifications and progress in their careers. This also allows businesses to make use of their apprenticeship levy effectively.
Are you allowed to do 2 apprenticeships?
No, you aren’t allowed to do two apprenticeships at the same time. However, you can do another apprenticeship after you complete the first apprenticeship, this isn’t uncommon and can provide a professional development pathway, helping to retain staff, improve morale whilst gaining new skills and knowledge.
At Whyy? Change we’ll work with you to design a professional development plan to support your team’s succession planning, not just for the “now”, but for the next 5+ years, to help you to achieve business goals and future proof your business.
Can I do an apprenticeship at 40?
Yes, you can do an apprenticeship at 40. There’s no upper age limit for apprenticeships in the UK. Many adults in their 30s and 40s start apprenticeships to change careers or gain new skills. It’s a flexible option designed for people of all ages, including those looking to upskill later in life.
Who is exempt from apprenticeship levy?
Employers with an annual pay bill of less than £3 million are exempt from paying the Apprenticeship Levy.
Still have questions about apprenticeships? Our team of apprenticeship experts will be happy to help, get in touch by filling out the form below!
