Why Employ an Apprentice?

Hiring an apprentice is a practical and effective way to develop talent and strengthen your organisation. Apprentices bring motivation, fresh thinking and real potential – while gaining industry-specific skills tailored directly to your workplace.

Whether you’re looking to recruit new staff or develop existing employees, apprenticeships help expand and upskill your team while improving long-term workforce stability.

Marine apprenticeships typically take 1-2 years to complete and are open to a wide range of learners – from school leavers and new starters to experienced staff changing direction or progressing in their careers.

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How Apprenticeships Can Support Your Business

Apprenticeships are a practical, cost-effective way to strengthen your workforce and develop the skills your business needs — both now and for the future. By combining our structured training with real workplace experience, apprentices quickly become productive, confident members of your team.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced employment costs — no National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25

• Training costs covered — typically 95–100% government funded*

• Develop skills your way — shape training around your processes, standards, and business goals

• Address skills gaps efficiently — bring in motivated new talent without high recruitment costs

• Boost productivity — apprentices contribute while they learn, supporting day-to-day operations

• Build long-term loyalty — employees trained in your workplace are more likely to stay and grow with you

• Practical, on-the-job learning — real work experience in a structured and supported environment

• Strengthen your learning culture — encourage continuous development across your team

• Support diversity and inclusion — widen access to opportunities and attract varied talent

• Dedicated expert support — ongoing guidance from an Apprenticeship Advisor throughout the programme

• Flexible funding routes — options available for both levy and non-levy paying employers

• Financial incentives available — £1,000 for each apprentice aged 16–24 that you employ (profanely increasing to £2000 from 1 October 2026)

Apprenticeships allow you to invest in people while directly supporting your business performance — with structured training, recognised qualifications, and expert support throughout.

Speak to our team today to find the right apprenticeship pathway for your business.

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Support and Funding Available

Apprentice are highly cost-effective. Employers receive government funding covering 95-100% of training fees.

At Falmouth Training Solutions we want to make apprenticeships as accessible and cost-effective as possible for your business. There is a range of government support available to help fund apprenticeship training — and in many cases you may pay very little towards the cost. Support depends on the size of your organisation and the age of the apprentice you employ.

NEW changes to funding from 1 April 2026

Fully Funded Under-25s: Training for apprentices aged 24 or under is now fully funded by the government, removing the previous 5% co-investment fee for smaller employers.

Small and Medium-sized Employers
If your annual payroll is under £3 million, apprenticeship training is generally 95% funded by the government.
In addition, if you hire an apprentice aged 16–24 the training is now fully (100%) funded.

Example — Small Employer (Under £3m payroll)

A local business with an annual payroll below £3 million hires an 18-year-old apprentice.
The apprenticeship training is 100% government funded, and the employer also receives a £1,000 incentive payment.
The employer only pays the apprentice’s wages — no training fees apply.

Example — Small Employer Hiring an Adult Apprentice

A small employer hires a 24-year-old apprentice who is not eligible for additional support criteria.
As of the 1 April 2026 the government now funds 100% of the training cost, and the employer dose not need to contributes. (previously the employer had to pay a 5% fee for all apprentices aged 18-24)
This keeps the overall cost low while still providing high-quality training.

Example — Apprentice Aged 22–24 with EHCP or Care Leaver Status

An employer takes on a 23-year-old apprentice with an EHCP.
Training is fully funded (100%), and the employer may also receive the £1,000 incentive payment.
Additional learner support funding may also be available where needed.

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Larger Employers and the Apprenticeship Levy
If your payroll exceeds £3 million per year, you already contribute to the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy. The training costs for your apprentice are then paid from your levy account.

Example — Large Employer Paying the Levy
A larger organisation with a payroll over £3 million recruits an apprentice.
Training costs are paid from the employer’s Apprenticeship Levy account.
No additional training invoices are issued as long as levy funds are available.

Incentives and Additional Support
Employers of all sizes may be eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment with in the first year when you take on an apprentice aged 16–18 (or 19–24 with an EHCP or care leaver status).
This additional funding can be used for anything from uniform and materials to travel expenses.

There are also bursaries and additional funding options available to support apprentices with costs such as transport and accommodation throughout their training.

Example — Extra Support for the Apprentice
An apprentice who needs help with travel or accommodation costs may be able to access a bursary or learner support fund.
This helps remove barriers to starting and completing their apprenticeship.

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How the Apprenticeship Programme Works

You employ the apprentice. We deliver the training.

Your apprentice becomes a valued member of your team from day one, gaining real, hands-on experience within your organisation. Alongside their role in your business, we deliver the structured training, assessment and industry-recognised qualifications required to successfully complete their apprenticeship.

Designed Around Your Business — Not Ours

We understand that no two marine businesses operate in the same way. That’s why our apprenticeship programmes are built entirely around your needs.

Apprenticeships can start whenever you’re ready. There are no fixed intake dates and no rigid cohorts to wait for. We work to your timeline, not the other way around.

Every programme is individually designed — no two apprenticeships are the same. Once registered with Cornwall Marine Network, we work with you to create a tailored training plan that reflects:

• Your operational priorities

• Seasonal workloads and peak periods

• The apprentice’s specific job role

• The pace of development that suits your business

Training and assessment are scheduled to complement your operations, ensuring minimal disruption while maximising real workplace learning.

A True Partnership

We work collaboratively with you and your apprentice throughout the programme. Our approach includes:

• A clear, agreed training plan

• Regular progress reviews

• Ongoing communication and support

• The flexibility to adapt as your business evolves

If you need support with recruitment, we can also help you find the right apprentice for your organisation.

What Your Apprentice Achieves

On completion, apprentices gain:

• A nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification

• Relevant industry certifications suited to their role, such as:

  • MCA Certificates

  • Skipper’s qualification

  • Manual Handling

  • Slinger/Signaller

  • Other role-specific certifications

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Employers: Register Your Interest

Contact use or our partners at Cornwall Marine Network on 01326 211382.

Alternatively you can email Amie or Vicky at training@cornwallmarine.net