Foundation Apprenticeships
EmployerWhat are they?
Foundation apprenticeships are paid jobs with training at Level 2 that provide a broad curriculum focusing on job-specific knowledge and skills, while also developing employability skills and behaviours to support the transition from education to work.
They offer entry-level occupational competence and support employers in key sectors to meet their current and future skills needs.
Foundation apprenticeships are available in:
- Catering and hospitality
- Construction and the built environment
- Digital
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Health and Social Care
- Retail service, supply and administration
All foundation apprenticeships can be found on the Skills England website.
Expansion into other occupations
We will continue to work with Skills England to identify sectors where there is employer demand for foundation apprenticeships and where they will be suitable with clear progression routes while ensuring affordability.
Funding
Foundation apprenticeships are funded in the same way as all other apprenticeships.
You can find more information in the funding rules.
Age and duration
Foundation apprenticeships are available for young people aged 16-21 and 22-24 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), are a care leaver or prisoner/prison leaver.
Foundation apprenticeships have a minimum duration of 8 months, in line with other apprenticeships. The minimum hours of study for each foundation apprenticeship are set out in each standard.
English and maths requirements
Young people aged 16-18 who do not hold a Level 1 or Level 2 English and maths qualification will be required to study towards the relevant qualification. More detail can be found within the funding rules.
Employer payment
Employers can receive up to £2,000 to help with the costs of taking on a young person for a foundation apprenticeship and supporting their progression.
We pay this in three equal instalments, at day 90, day 242 (8 months) and the final payment when an apprentice progresses onto their next apprenticeship.
Decisions on whether future foundation apprenticeships will have an incentive payment will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be set out on each published standard.
Additional funding, of up to £8,000, to support the hiring of young people is also available, depending on eligibility.
More detail can be found within the funding rules.
Progression
On achievement of a foundation apprenticeship, an apprentice can progress onto a more specific or higher-level apprenticeship.
The duration of that apprenticeship may be reduced to take into account the prior learning or experience obtained from the foundation apprenticeship. The next apprenticeship must still have a remaining duration of at least 8 months and comply with off-the-job training requirements.
Each new occupational standard outlines possible progression routes.
Find out more about the Growth and Skills Levy.
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