How do apprenticeships work?
Learn more about the practical aspects of joining an apprenticeship scheme
Apprenticeships are a powerful way to build talent in the construction industry. They provide a structured training programme combining employment and off-the-job learning, allowing businesses to develop skilled, committed team members from within or through new hires. Our apprenticeships typically take 14-18 months to complete and involve periods of intensive training at one of our hubs (for trade apprenticeships) or online learning (for our Construction Site Supervisor programme).
Our apprenticeship programmes are structured to give both employers and apprentices everything they need to succeed.
Apprenticeships should include:
- on-the-job coaching
- off-the-job learning
- employer induction and training
- online learning and support
- workbooks
- mentoring and line management support
- regular workplace reviews.
Your responsibilities as an employer
Taking on an apprentice is a rewarding investment but it does come with responsibilities. During an apprenticeship, you as the employer will provide tasks for apprentices to perform and our tutors will teach the skills to perform those tasks. You're expected to provide a supportive environment where apprentices can develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to complete their programme successfully.
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Apprentices must be employed full-time (typically 30–40 hours per week), including a minimum of 6 hours per week dedicated to off-the-job training. You'll need to provide a contract of employment that lasts the full duration of the apprenticeship.
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You must pay your apprentice at least the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their age and ensure all employment policies are compliant with current legislation.
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The role must help the apprentice gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to achieve the apprenticeship with your support.
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To meet the requirements of the apprenticeship programme, employers must ensure the following are in place:
- an apprenticeship agreement with the apprentice covering the full duration of their training
- a written agreement with NHBC for employers who pay the apprenticeship levy
- a commitment to have an apprenticeship in place for at least one year
- compliance with all relevant employment policies and wage legislation
- updates on the apprentice’s hours, progress and working patterns
- a commitment statement signed by the apprentice, employer and NHBC.
How do we support your apprentice journey?
Identify your apprentice
Select an existing employee for career development or recruit a new apprentice. Need help? We can assist with recruitment.
Secure funding
We can guide you through Apprenticeship Levy funding, CITB grants and employer incentives.
Enrol and train
Apprentices start their training virtually or at a training hub, applying skills on-site from day one. Tutors will provide ongoing support, ensuring apprentices successfully complete the programme.
Graduate and progress
Your apprentice earns a recognised qualification, which you can celebrate at our graduation event.
Apprenticeship case studies
More information
Apprenticeship funding
Grants are available to recognise the extra cost, resource and time involved in recruiting and training apprentices.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about our apprenticeship programmes.
Information for apprentices
Thinking about a construction apprenticeship? To join one of our programmes, you need to be employed by a house builder or subcontractor.
Enquire about our apprenticeship programmes
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss hiring an apprentice and working with us as your training provider. We will respond to you within three working days.
Contact us for more information
If you would like more information, please use the contact form or call our training team.
Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
Ready to apply?
If you're an employer ready to enrol a team member, or a prospective apprentice already employed, complete our application form and send it to qualifications@nhbc.co.uk.
A member of our apprenticeships team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.