How to choose the right apprenticeship training provider

Unlike new recruits who have been trained elsewhere, those who complete an apprenticeship with you already understand how you operate, and can apply their technical knowledge to tasks that are specific to your business.

But while apprenticeships can transform both your talent acquisition and employee development strategies, the key to success lies in choosing the right training provider. A good provider will go to great lengths to support your learners and adapt to the needs of your business. The wrong choice, on the other hand, can waste precious time and money, leaving you without the results you expected.

Here are the top seven things to consider when making crucial decisions about apprenticeship training providers.

1. Overall reputation

Before committing to training, do some research into the provider’s reputation. Firstly, how long has it been operating? Is it well-established or a recent start-up? Be especially cautious if it’s the latter, as you probably don’t want to be a guinea pig for programmes that haven’t been tried and tested with other employers.

Browse the company’s website, read customer reviews on independent sites, and find out about recent awards and certifications. Together, these things can give you a sense of how trusted and reliable the provider is.

2. Programme offering

Once you’re satisfied with your research into the provider’s general reputation, delve into the kinds of programmes on offer. You want to be sure your provider’s offering is a good match for your needs.

Some training providers cover a huge variety of apprenticeships and other programmes. Larger providers might be well-equipped to do this, and it could be ideal if you’re looking to train employees for a wide range of roles.

However, if you’re looking to offer apprenticeships in a specific area, it’s often better to choose a provider that specialises in this and has extensive expertise in your industry. Specialist training providers are more likely to know your subject area thoroughly and have the right tutors available straight away.

See if you can find evidence of successful relationships between the provider and others in your industry, as this can be a good sign it’s already set up to deliver what you need.

3. Quality of training

Quality is an extremely important factor when choosing a provider, as it could mean the difference between a pass and a fail for your apprenticeship candidates. But how do you judge the quality of training before you’ve experienced it? Here’s what to look for:

Ofsted reports and ratings: Look up the provider’s recent Ofsted reports to find out what inspectors make of the provision. You can search for your prospective provider here.

Training materials: Ask to see some training materials for your programme. Do they look high quality and easy to use? Does the curriculum cover everything you need your apprentices to learn? Also check that they produce resources in-house rather than outsourcing this or buying generic materials.

Tutor experience: Use the provider’s website or LinkedIn to explore the background of some of the tutors delivering the programme you’re interested in. Do they have plenty of experience in their field of expertise? And are they qualified and experienced as apprenticeship tutors too?

Pass rates: Compare different providers’ pass rates for the same programme. A high-quality provider will help learners achieve good pass rates by supporting them every step of the way.

Reviews: Search online for customer reviews that are specific to your programme. Have previous learners had good experiences and positive outcomes? And do employers feel their investment has paid off?

4. Flexibility

A good training provider recognises that one size doesn’t fit all. So how willing is your prospective provider to adapt their programme to your needs?

For example, if you’re training employees who live all over the country, there’s no use in signing up for classroom-based training in a single location. Instead, you’ll need someone who can deliver high-quality training online or in multiple locations. Either way, your provider will need to visit each apprentice in the workplace, so check they have the infrastructure to do this.

Find out whether your provider will tailor support to each apprentice, especially if they have different working patterns or learning needs. Most providers use a range of training delivery methods, from in-person visits to online resources, so make sure yours can offer a combination that works for you.

5. Communication

The ideal provider will make sure that both you and your learners understand your responsibilities and what to expect at each stage of the programme. The world of apprenticeships can be complex and full of jargon, so your provider should spend time explaining what key terminology means to prevent confusion.

They should also listen to you and make an effort to understand your business and your goals. After your apprenticeship has begun, you should expect regular communication from your provider so that you always know what’s coming next.

6. Costs

The cost of training isn’t everything, but make sure your chosen option is affordable. A good provider will be upfront about pricing and won’t surprise you with hidden fees.

If you’re enrolling multiple employees, make sure you ask about discounts.

7. Extra support

Getting the training itself right is the most important thing. But if you’re looking at a few similar providers, certain things can help sway your decision.

If you’re taking on new apprentices but you lack the time or expertise to source them yourself, many providers will handle recruitment for you.

Also ask about other benefits, such as support with managing your apprentices and meeting your broader training goals. Just check that these are included within the costs of training so you don’t have any nasty surprises later on.

Getting the right advice

When it comes to choosing a training provider, much of the advice you’ll come across is from providers themselves. This means that the information is often biased towards a particular provider’s strengths, while ignoring potentially important weaknesses.

At Roemer Barnes, we’ve worked with a great variety of training providers and employers, and we understand the common pitfalls as well as the things that can benefit you the most. We’re here to help you make an informed decision about your Apprenticeship Levy spend, offering independent and objective advice while assessing the whole market on your behalf. Get in touch with us now, or learn more about our tailored apprenticeship support service.