National Apprenticeship Week 2025
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
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Leading Early Years Apprenticeship Training Provider
At Showcase Training, we pride ourselves on delivering quality apprenticeships and courses that engage, challenge, and excite learners by creating opportunities for individuals regardless of barriers or background. Our reputation is built on performance and the amazing outcomes for our learners, and all who work with us remain as passionate about this today as we were when we started.

What do we offer at Showcase Training?
Our Apprenticeships
Course Overview: Work and interact directly with children on a day to day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities
Course Duration: 12 months + EPA
Course Cost: £4000 (up to 100% government-funded)

Course Overview: Highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that children learn and develop and are kept healthy and safe
Course Duration: 18 months + EPA
Course Cost: £7000 (up to 100% government-funded)

Course Overview: Working directly with young children, skilfully leading and managing day to day practice in the setting.
Course Duration: 24 months + EPA
Course Cost: £8000 (up to 100% government-funded)

Apprenticeships: The Basics
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a training programme that combines hands-on work experience with formal education, allowing you to learn a profession while earning a wage. Apprentices gain practical skills and knowledge, leading to an industry recognised qualification.
Training Costs
The government and the employer will cover all of the costs of apprenticeship training for apprentices. Additional course materials can be purchased yourself, but this is not necessary in order to achieve the full programme.
Off-the-Job Training
Off-the-Job training is a statutory requirement whereby time is set aside on a weekly basis for you to learn and develop new knowledge, skills, and behaviours linked to the programme. This includes completing all coursework set.
Tutor and Visits
All apprentices will be assigned a tutor from Showcase Training whose role is to guide you through the course. The tutor’s will conduct 1-1 visits every 4-6 weeks, set coursework to complete, observe practice, and conduct assessments.
Functional Skills
Functional Skills provide an equivalent alternative to the GCSE route, offering you a vocational pathway to develop your English and Maths skills. These assessments can be taken throughout the year, providing greater flexibility.
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
End-point assessment is an assessment that takes place at the end of the apprenticeship programme. As a learner it is a requirement that your employer endorses you as being ‘EPA ready’ before you are able to be assessed as competent in your occupation.
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Our Apprenticeship Achievement Rate
Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice
Develop a Skilled Workforce Tailored to Your Needs:
Apprenticeships provide a structured training programme that allows you to mould a workforce with the specific skillsets you require. You have a direct influence on shaping their knowledge and experience.
Increased Staff Retention: Apprentices often develop a strong sense of loyalty to the organisation that invested in their training, leading to higher retention rates. Offering apprenticeships can create clear career progression pathways within your organisation, helping to retain talent.
Cost-Effective: Hiring an apprentice is a cost-effective way to support the development of new skills. Depending on your business size and eligibility, most apprenticeship training costs are either fully or partially (95%) funded by the government. Additionally, Employers could be eligible for £1,000 if they hire an apprentice.
Qualified Workforce: As apprentices work towards gaining an industry-recognised qualification, they contribute to ensuring that your staff meets the necessary regulatory requirements for early years education and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Employers
What are the training costs?
Companies with an annual payroll exceeding £3 million pay an apprenticeship levy. These funds can be used to cover the cost of apprenticeship training, up to a pre-defined funding band for each programme. In some cases, you may still need to contribute a small percentage.
For companies under the £3 million payroll threshold, the government typically covers 95% of the training costs, again up to a funding band. You may need to contribute the remaining 5%. However, if you hire a 16-21 year old apprentice, the government cover 100% of the training costs.
What is the employer incentive?
There is a £1,000 payment available to employers for apprentices who, at the start of their apprenticeship, are: between 16 and 18 years old or between 19 and 24 years old and have an Education, Health and Care plan
How do I find an apprentice?
The “Find an Apprenticeship” service is a UK government website that assists individuals in discovering apprenticeship opportunities and enables employers to list their apprenticeship vacancies. This platform serves as a central hub for apprenticeships, offering a range of vacancies across various sectors and locations. Showcase Training can advertise and manage the recruitment process on your behalf.
We can also advertise on social media and on our website.
What are my responsibilities when employing an apprentice?
All apprentices:
- Are entitled to the minimum apprenticeship wage
- Are expected to hold or achieve Maths and English qualifications (delivered by Showcase Training)
- Are entitled to the same benefits as other employees
- Are covered under policies and procedures
- Are entitled to statutory sick leave and annual leave
- Require off the job training each week
Frequently Asked Questions for Learners
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
If you’re interested in applying for an apprenticeship, you have a couple of options:
- Government’s Apprenticeship Website: You can search and apply for apprenticeships through the government’s “Find an Apprenticeship” website.
- Apply Directly Through Us: Alternatively, you can reach out to us directly for opportunities. You can contact us to learn more or explore current nursery vacancies listed on our apprenticeship vacancies page.
What is the National Apprenticeship Wage?
As of April 1, 2024, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices in the UK is £6.40 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices under 19, or those aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age group.
Will I gain an industry-recognised qualification?
Yes, as an apprentice, you will gain an industry-recognised qualification. Apprenticeships are designed to provide practical experience alongside formal training, and at the end of your apprenticeship, you will achieve a certificate.
What can I do to support my apprenticeship application?
Check out our blog where we’ll walk you through the essential steps to start your apprenticeship application journey. From identifying the right programme to polishing your application, we’ll cover actionable tips and resources that can give you the confidence to take the leap.
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Unit 77 Merlin House,
4 Meteor Way,
Daedalus Drive,
Fareham,
Hampshire,
PO13 9FU
Telephone
0330 320 9230
Email
hello@showcasetraining.co.uk
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