An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training, enabling individuals to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a specific occupation.

An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training, enabling individuals to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a specific occupation.

No. Apprenticeships are available to people of different ages and career stages, including existing employees looking to develop new skills.

Yes. Apprenticeships are available to organisations of all sizes and can be a highly effective way for small businesses to develop talent and support growth.

Apprenticeships range from Level 2 through to higher and degree-level apprenticeships, covering a wide range of occupations and sectors.

That is exactly where EBAS can help. We can discuss your workforce needs, identify suitable apprenticeship pathways and connect you to appropriate training providers.

No. Both levy and non-levy employers can recruit apprentices and access apprenticeship funding support.

EBAS is an employer-facing support service. We help employers explore workforce needs, understand apprenticeship opportunities and connect with suitable providers. Training delivery remains the responsibility of approved training organisations.

EBAS can help promote apprenticeship opportunities through local employment networks and work with partners to identify potential candidates.

Yes. Apprenticeships can contribute to social value objectives by creating opportunities for local residents and supporting inclusive employment pathways.

Apprentices are employees and must be paid at least the applicable minimum wage. In addition to salary costs, apprenticeship training is funded separately through the apprenticeship funding system.

The overall cost to employers will depend on the apprenticeship programme and their individual circumstances.

Potentially, yes.

Eligible employers may be able to access support through the Ealing Council Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, which can cover apprenticeship training costs through transferred levy funds from larger employers.

The EBAS team can explain available funding options and help employers understand whether levy transfer funding may be suitable for their apprenticeship plans.

Large employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy can transfer some of their unused levy funds to other employers.

This funding can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment costs, helping employers develop skills while reducing financial barriers.

No. Levy transfer funding is subject to availability and eligibility criteria. Employers should discuss their requirements with EBAS to understand current opportunities and application processes.

Potentially, yes.

Government apprenticeship funding arrangements provide additional support for some younger apprentices, and funding rules can vary depending on the age of the apprentice and the size of the employer. EBAS can help employers understand the funding available and connect them with training providers who can advise on eligibility and funding arrangements. Apprenticeship funding rules: 2026 to 2027

In some circumstances, additional funding and support may be available for apprentices who have additional learning needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Training providers can access learning support funding to help apprentices successfully complete their programme, and employers may benefit from additional support arrangements depending on the individual’s circumstances. EBAS can help employers understand the options available. Apprenticeship funding rules: 2026 to 2027

Yes.

Care-experienced apprentices under the age of 25 may be eligible for a government-funded apprenticeship bursary. Additional payments may also be available within the apprenticeship funding system to support participation and progression. Employers interested in supporting care leavers can speak to EBAS to understand current arrangements and opportunities. Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary guidance – GOV.UK

EBAS can help employers explore a range of opportunities, including:

• Apprenticeships
• Work experience placements
• Supported employment opportunities
• Careers events and employer talks
• Workplace visits
• Mentoring and employability activities

We can also connect employers with specialist partners and support services to help create inclusive pathways into work for local residents.

Absolutely.

Many employers choose to engage through work experience placements, careers events, mentoring, mock interviews, workplace visits or employability workshops before recruiting apprentices or employees.

EBAS can help organisations find the right level of involvement while contributing to the development of Ealing’s future workforce.

Yes.

EBAS works with local employment, skills and community partners to help employers connect with a diverse talent pool, including young people, care leavers, residents with SEND, jobseekers and individuals looking to retrain or progress in their careers.

Our aim is to help employers access talent while supporting inclusive employment opportunities across the borough.

Start with a conversation.

EBAS can help you explore your workforce needs, identify suitable apprenticeship roles and connect you with trusted training providers who can guide you through the recruitment and training process.

No.

Many employers contact us before they have a specific role in mind. We can help identify where apprenticeships might add value to your business and support workforce planning discussions.

Timescales vary depending on the role, training requirements and recruitment process. EBAS and training providers can help you develop a realistic timeline and support you through each stage.

Yes.

Apprenticeships are not just for new recruits. Existing employees can undertake apprenticeships to develop new skills, progress into higher-level roles or support business growth.

Employers are often surprised by this one, and it can unlock opportunities they hadn’t considered.

Training is delivered by approved apprenticeship providers.

EBAS works with members of the Ealing Apprenticeship Partnership (EAP), including West London College and other trusted providers, to help match employers with suitable training organisations.

Yes.

EBAS can help promote apprenticeship opportunities through local employment and skills networks and, where appropriate, support employers in identifying potential candidates.

EBAS works with employers across the sectors identified within Ealing’s Jobs and Skills priorities, helping businesses address workforce needs and create opportunities for local residents.

Bronze Membership gives employers access to an introductory workforce and skills conversation, information on apprenticeships and training opportunities, updates on funding initiatives, connections to training providers and access to the wider EBAS employer network.

No.

Making an enquiry or apprenticeship pledge simply starts a conversation. The EBAS team will work with you to explore options and help you decide whether an apprenticeship is right for your organisation.

Absolutely.

Many small and medium-sized businesses successfully employ apprentices. EBAS and training providers can help guide employers through the process and provide practical support to make recruitment and onboarding as straightforward as possible.