Apprenticeships for employers
Close skills gaps. Build future-ready teams.
Tackle your digital skills gaps and future-proof your organisation for the AI age. Our apprenticeship programmes help you to develop job-ready capabilities inside your business.
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Upskill existing employees or hire apprentices
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Funded through the UK growth and skills levy
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Develop skills programmes in AI, data and cyber security
How apprenticeships work for employers
How our apprenticeships work
QA Apprenticeships combine real work with structured learning.
- Your employee works in their role as normal
- They spend ~20% of time learning (off-the-job training)
- Training is delivered by QA through expert-led sessions and digital learning
- Skills are applied immediately to your business, delivering impact from day one
- Programmes typically last 12–24 months depending on level
Funding options
- Levy payers: If your organisation contributes to the Growth and Skills Levy, then you can use the levy to fund an apprenticeship.
- Non levy payers: still benefit from funding. 100% of the costs are covered for apprentices under-25s, and at least 95% for apprentices over the age of 25.
From 1 August 2026, all apprenticeships are fully funded for all eligible under-25s, and up to £8,000 in support for SMEs hiring young apprentices.
The QA difference
QA’s programmes are designed with employers, delivered by experts, and validated by Ofsted as ‘Good’ across all areas of provision. And our results speak for themselves:
- 98% learner success rate
- 80% increase in employee retention
- 92% increase in workforce motivation and satisfaction
Explore our apprenticeship programmes
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AI skills included in every programme
Microsoft Copilot training included at no extra cost
AI is for everyone, not just technical teams. Every QA apprenticeship includes Microsoft Copilot training for every learner, at no extra cost, delivering AI readiness that benefits your entire organisation.
Why QA Apprenticeships
Industry-leading training with AI integration, top partnerships, and expert support.
1. Training powered by partnerships
Apprenticeship training delivered in collaboration with Microsoft, AWS and Google Cloud.
2. Supporting Apprenticeships with Ela, our AI assistant
Our AI assistant available to support you, alongside our team of experts.
3. Built for digital transformation. Backed by Ofsted.
QA’s programmes are designed with employers, delivered by experts, and validated by Ofsted as ‘Good’ across all areas of provision.
4. Flexible programme durations
Our apprenticeship programme timelines are not set in stone – flexible options for Level 3-5 apprenticeships deliver the skills you need, when you need them.
Our customers say
“Our Data Academy apprenticeships have launched and I couldn't be prouder of the offering we have built for our colleagues. Data is not just for analysts and scientists; data is part of our everyday for everyone and we are excited to be utilising our levy pot to develop skills in this area.”
“The ROI on the programme has been huge – delivering £12 million of tangible business benefits and savings from staff retention, project efficiencies and training value through integrated commercial training.”
“We’re creating a level playing field with QA. We can bring employees in from stores and build up their foundations in data. We have amazing opportunities in our technology team, like consumer analytics.”
“We’ve been blown away with the quality of the candidates that have been put in front of us. If these candidates are representative of the level of the capabilities that are coming out of the schools in Scotland I think we are in an extremely good place as a nation and a tech nation for the future.”
Masters-level apprenticeship launched by Cognizant and QA to develop more women into tech leadership roles
Cognizant partnered with QA to develop a MSc level apprenticeship programme aimed at increasing the number of women in leadership positions within tech companies. Watch the video to hear their experience.
Costa Coffee: Building a Data Dream Team Through Apprenticeships
Hear first-hand how apprenticeships at Costa transformed careers, from overcoming challenges to discovering new career paths, and the impact of hands-on learning, mentorship, and dedication in unlocking new opportunities at Costa Coffee.
Apprentice impact in the workplace
Abdullah's Story
Data Technician Apprentice
Abdullah tried different paths in college before choosing a Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship also introduced him to the property industry, giving him valuable experience in a new field.
Check out more about our apprentice stories.
Frequently asked questions
How do I hire an apprentice?
Hiring an apprentice is simpler than many employers expect. QA can help you identify the right apprenticeship programme, advertise vacancies, attract candidates and manage the onboarding process.
Whether you're recruiting new talent or developing existing employees, our experts will guide you through every stage, from programme selection to enrolment.
Why should employers invest in apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships help organisations build the skills they need for the future while addressing current skills gaps. Employers can develop talent in areas such as AI, digital, technology, data, project management and leadership, improving productivity, retention and workforce capability.
With funding support available, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to upskill teams and strengthen long-term business performance. Learn more about the ROI impact of apprenticeships here.
How are apprenticeships funded?
Apprenticeship funding depends on the size of your organisation and whether you pay the Growth and Skills Levy. Levy-paying employers can use their contributions to fund apprenticeship training, while many non-levy employers can access government support towards training costs.
Our team can help you understand the funding available and how to maximise your investment.
What is the Growth and Skills Levy?
The Growth and Skills Levy is a UK government initiative that enables eligible employers to invest in workforce development through apprenticeships and approved training programmes.
Levy funds can be used to support apprenticeship training across a wide range of disciplines, helping organisations develop the skills needed to achieve their business goals.
Can existing employees complete an apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprenticeships are not just for new recruits. Many employers use apprenticeships to upskill existing employees, develop future leaders and create progression pathways within their organisation. Employees of all ages can undertake an apprenticeship if the programme supports them in developing new knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to their role.
What apprenticeship levels are available?
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels, from Level 3 programmes equivalent to A-levels through to Level 7 programmes that are comparable to postgraduate qualifications. This allows employers to develop talent at every stage, from entry-level employees to experienced professionals and senior leaders.
What support do employers receive during an apprenticeship?
QA provides dedicated support throughout the apprenticeship journey. Employers benefit from regular progress reviews, guidance from apprenticeship specialists and ongoing communication to ensure apprentices stay on track. We work closely with managers and learners to help deliver positive outcomes for both the individual and the organisation.
Which roles do QA train apprentices for?
QA delivers apprenticeships across some of the UK's most in-demand skill areas. These include AI and data, cyber security, software development, cloud and IT, digital marketing, project management, business services and leadership. Our programmes are designed to help organisations develop the capabilities needed to meet current and future workforce demands.
Contact us today or give us a call
Become an apprentice
If you're an individual interested in starting an apprenticeship, you can get in touch with us via our apprenticeship platform.