Apprenticeships are work-based training (earning whilst they learn) programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific job roles.

An apprenticeship gets the best of both worlds.

The apprentices gets a paying job with valuable training, with employee’s rights, wages, and holiday entitlements. Whilst at work, they towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard and on completion they have solid industry experience, a qualification and valuable references on their CV.

Each hospitality apprenticeship programme has been designed so an apprentice can meet the employer business needs and make sure they are highly skilled and productive in their role.

There are a huge range of apprenticeships available for every job role in the hospitality industry, with funding options available to employers of all sizes.

Looking for more info on how apprenticeships work for employers?

Anyone in England aged 16 years old and above, whether employed, unemployed or leaving school and in the UK.

There is no upper age limit.

There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship, however some employers may ask for GCSEs (A-C) in English, Maths and Science.

If you do not have Math and English GCSEs at C and above you will have to take Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry, we have a specialised ‘Functional Skills Academy’ designed to help you pass!

Anytime!

An apprenticeship is a job and is not related to the academic calendar. You can apply for an apprenticeship at any time of the year!

Starting your training depends upon the availability of a suitable position being offered by an employer and your success in being accepted by that employer to undertake that role.

Your start date will need to coincide with your apprenticeship enrolment date. Your learning Consultant will visit you and your employer at your new place of work on your first day.

During your apprenticeship programme you will be working towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard.

This is accredited by relevant industry regulatory bodies and will help further you in your chosen career.

Depending on the type of programme you enrol onto you may also have the chance to work towards Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) accredited diplomas and Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English.

Off The Job Hours are a must in any apprenticeship. The training is equivalent to 6 hours per week (or 20% of 40 hours).

This gives learners the time to undertake studies, activities, master-classes etc. during working hours.

These include, training activity relevant to the apprenticeship standard, learning a new skill or enhancing knowledge or behaviours, and that these taking place within your normal (contracted) hours.

No. As an apprentice, you do not pay for your apprenticeship training. Your employer pays your wages, and apprenticeship training is funded through the Government's apprenticeship funding system, either via the employer's Apprenticeship Levy funds or through government co-investment.

For employers that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy, the Government currently funds the majority of apprenticeship training costs, with employers contributing a small co-investment amount where applicable. Funding arrangements can vary depending on the size of the employer, the age of the apprentice, and eligibility for additional government support.

If you or your employer have any questions about apprenticeship funding, eligibility, or employer contributions, please contact Umbrella Training on 0333 577 2557, and our team will be happy to help.

How much can I earn as an apprentice?

From 1 April 2026, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates increased. Apprentices are entitled to a minimum of £8.00 per hour, provided they are either under 19, or aged 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship. [gov.uk]

The current minimum hourly rates are:

• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour

• Under 18: £8.00 per hour

• 18 to 20 years old: £10.85 per hour

• 21 years old and over (National Living Wage): £12.71 per hour

Important: Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age group, rather than the apprentice rate.

All apprentices are employed and have a contract of employment. This means you are treated as an employee and are entitled to workplace benefits such as paid holiday, statutory sick pay (where eligible), and other employment rights.

An apprenticeship can take between 8 months and six years to complete depending on the level of the apprenticeship, your ability and where you’re working.

As a guide, a Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 8-12 months and a Level 3 apprenticeship around 12 months.

Applying for an apprenticeship is like applying for a job so you will have to go through an application process.

You will need to be in a job role that supports your apprenticeship. For example: You are a Kitchen Porter and wish to train to be a Commis Chef with support from your employer.

If you are applying for a new job and your application is successful, you will be put forward for interview. If you’re already employed, it’s unlikely you’ll need to have an interview, It is important to be prepared for your interview and we can help you prepare for this, like helping you create a CV.

For more details, please contact our Careers and Talent Director at zakaria.bentaleb@umbrellatraining.co.uk or call on 07852 937 598 for more information.

Yes! Apprentices are entitled to a NUS Card through the National Union of Students. For just £12 this card entitles you to discounts at many of your favourite high street and online retailers.