Destination Chesterfield

Hiring an apprentice

Looking to strengthen your future workforce?

Hiring an apprentice offers a powerful, flexible, cost-effective way to bring fresh talent into your business while developing the skills you need to grow. Chesterfield’s strong network of training providers, business support services, and local funding opportunities makes the process smooth.

Whether you’re hiring your first apprentice or expanding your team, support is available to help you every step of the way.

Short on time? Jump straight to the section you need:

• Overview
• Why hire an apprentice
• How the process works
• Costs & funding
• Training providers
• Local support in Chesterfield

Why hire an apprentice?

• Build a pipeline of skilled staff trained to your business needs
• Develop loyal employees with long-term potential
• Increase productivity through hands‑on learning
• Access financial support to help with training and wage costs
• Invest in the future workforce of Chesterfield

How the process works

Hiring an apprentice is straightforward and can be tailored to your business.

1. Choose the apprenticeship standard

Select the training programme that fits the role or skills you need. To help you get started, we recommend requesting a free appointment with a local skills advisor by calling 01246 959717 or emailing Destination Chesterfield for an email referral to the service: info@chesterfield.co.uk.

2. Find a training provider

Providers support you with curriculum, recruitment, assessment and administration.

3. Create your apprenticeship vacancy

Your provider will help advertise your role on the national Find an Apprenticeship service.

4. Recruit your apprentice

Review applications and interview candidates to find the right fit.

5. Sign the agreements

You’ll complete an apprenticeship agreement and a commitment statement with your provider and apprentice.

6. Welcome your apprentice on board

Time to start benefitting from fresh talent to support your business growth.

Costs and funding for hiring an apprentice

There is a wide range of funding to help Chesterfield employers hire or train an apprentice. You could be eligible for up to £6,000 in incentives. Below is a simple, employer‑friendly summary.

Local support for Chesterfield employers:

• Levy transfers from larger employers and Derbyshire County Council – Small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from fully-funded apprenticeship training, helping with both new apprentices and upskilling existing staff.
• Foundation apprenticeships (ages 16–25) – Work‑experience pathways supporting young people into sectors including construction, engineering, digital, hospitality, retail and health & social care.
• Foundation apprenticeship incentives – Employers may be eligible for up to £2,000 for offering an eligible 70+ hour work placement, plus up to £3,000 of additional support for some young people, depending on circumstances
• £1,000 Government payment for hiring a 16–18-year-old apprentice (or eligible 19–25-year-olds with an EHCP or care background).

New and upcoming support (during 2026)

• £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant – For eligible 18–24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for six months or more.
• £2,000 SME Apprenticeship Incentive – For apprentices aged 16–24.
• Complete exemption for NI contribution – For under 25s up to a maximum wage of £52,700.
• Some incentives may be combined, depending on eligibility.
• Jobs Guarantee – Provision for paid work for 18-21 year olds on universal credit for 18 months or more. Wages are subsidised for up to 25 hours per week for up to six months. Also for 22-24 year olds later in the year.

Training providers

A wide range of training providers offer apprenticeship programmes to benefit Chesterfield businesses. They can support you by:

• Helping select the right apprenticeship standard
• Advertising your vacancy
• Managing training delivery and assessments
• Supporting your apprentice throughout their programme

Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship framework or standard you’ve chosen. Chesterfield offers many quality providers including our college, university, independent training organisations and sector‑specific specialists.

Local support

Chesterfield is proud to be an Apprentice Town, committed to helping businesses develop talent and providing opportunities for residents to thrive.

Our local partners can offer support with:

• Business guidance and workforce planning
• Understanding funding options
• Training provider connections
• Apprenticeship recruitment
• Skills events, workshops and campaigns

If you’d like help getting started or want tailored advice for your business, we’re here to support you. Contact the Skills Brokerage team to discuss your business needs on 01246 959717 or email Destination Chesterfield for an email referral to the service: info@chesterfield.co.uk.