A guest blog from SEATS, funded by Thames Freeport
Supporting Local Skills, Stronger Businesses and Inclusive Growth
Thames Freeport is committed to making sure the region’s growth translates into real opportunities for local people and employers. A core part of this mission is helping businesses access the skills they need today, including apprenticeships, and for the future while creating clear, supported pathways into good jobs for residents across Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock.
That’s why we fund innovative partners like SEATS, a local apprenticeship, skills and training brokerage dedicated to simplifying apprenticeships, supporting employers and connecting people to high-quality training in apprenticeships. SEATS works directly with businesses of all sizes to understand their needs, match them with the right training, access levy funding, and build resilient, future-ready teams.
This work directly supports Thames Freeport’s community priorities — job creation, access to training, and opportunities for young people — and helps to ensure that the benefits of Freeport-enabled investment reach local residents and employers in a meaningful, lasting way.
We’re pleased to share this guest blog from SEATS, exploring some of the most common apprenticeship myths and highlighting the practical benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses across our region.
Understanding the various aspects of apprenticeships can help demystify their importance in the workforce.
Apprenticeships Made Easy
At SEATS, we make apprenticeships simple.
SEATS is a skills, training and apprenticeship brokerage, funded by Thames Freeport, with one clear goal — to help employers boost local apprenticeships and fill the skills gaps of today and tomorrow. We connect employers with carefully selected training providers, helping businesses of every size grow stronger, more capable teams.
This blog aims to clear up a few common myths and highlight the real benefits apprenticeships can bring to your business — whether you employ five people or five hundred.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for young people or new starters
Absolutely not!
Apprenticeships are structured learning programmes leading to nationally recognised qualifications, blending work and study.
They’re not just for school leavers. Apprenticeships are open to anyone, at any age. Many businesses use apprenticeships to upskill existing staff, support career progression, improve retention and plan for future leadership.
There are over 700 apprenticeship standards available — from Floristry to AI Champion to Senior Leader. They range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) through to Level 7 (Master’s Degree equivalent).
What to Expect from an Apprenticeship
Starting an apprenticeship is a commitment — for both the learner and their manager.
Typical programme features:
- Duration: 18 months to 4 years, depending on the standard
- In-person, online or blended learning
- A requirement for Off-The-Job (OTJ) learning
- A final End-Point Assessment to test knowledge, skills and behaviours
- Some apprenticeships offer additional professional qualifications (e.g., CMI, CIPD, ILM, Sigma)
The manager or mentor plays a vital role:
- Allowing time during the work week for study
- Offering opportunities to apply learning through relevant projects
- Providing ongoing guidance and support
Understanding the Apprenticeship Levy
If your business has an annual payroll of £3 million or more, you’ll automatically pay into the Apprenticeship Levy. Funds go into your Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account and expire after 24 months if unused.
Training costs vary by standard — usually between £3,500 and £27,000.
How funding works:
- Levy-paying employers use funds directly from their DAS account
- Non-levy employers only pay 5% of the training cost (95% is government-funded)
- The 5% can be covered by levy transfers — SEATS can help you secure this
- Apprentices aged 21 or under are fully funded
- £1,000 employer incentive for apprentices under 19, or 19–24 with an EHCP or care-leaver status
- No National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 (salary cap applies)
Even better — SEATS has a 100% success rate helping local employers secure fully funded apprenticeship training through levy-share partnerships.
Updates for 2025
From April 2025:
- The apprentice minimum wage increased by 18% to £7.55 per hour
- Applies to apprentices of any age in their first year
All apprentices must:
- Be on an employment contract long enough to complete the programme and EPA
- Be employed for 52 weeks per year
- Be in a role that enables them to develop required knowledge, skills and behaviours
NI exemptions continue for apprentices under 25 earning below £50,270.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Levy will evolve into the Skills and Apprenticeship Levy, which will also fund shorter, flexible training units. More information will be shared as the government confirms the details.
SEATS — Here to Help
If you’d like to explore apprenticeship options or check which standards best fit your workforce, the SEATS team is here to help.
We will:
- Listen to your business needs
- Match you with quality training providers
- Navigate levy funding and transfers
- Support both you and your apprentice throughout the journey
All at no cost to your organisation.
Stay updated:
- Follow SEATS on LinkedIn
- Sign up to their newsletter
- hello@seats.org.uk
Let’s make apprenticeships work for your business and for local communities.
