Lunch and Learn Series: Apprenticeships for SMEs

The ssessions will help you understand how Apprenticeships can be used strategically, and how to identify the right opportunities within their own organisations. Although the core audience is SMEs, the sessions are open to any employer who wants to make better use of apprenticeships.

Running the sessions online means we can invite employers from across the country and repeat the series multiple times throughout the year. The content also supports our wider buddying and employer engagement targets by giving SMEs the foundation knowledge they need to participate confidently.

You can attend just 1 or all the sessions based on your need.

Session Overview

Session 1: Apprenticeships Unpacked - 9th December 12:00-13:00

Objective:
Provide a clear, jargon free introduction to apprenticeships as a national workforce development route.

What this session covers:
• What an apprenticeship actually is and who it is for
• How apprenticeship funding works and how SMEs can access support
• Range of apprenticeship levels, pathways and job roles
• How existing staff can be trained through apprenticeships
• Common myths and misunderstandings
• Employer responsibilities
• Examples of real apprenticeship journeys

Why this matters to senior leaders:
Many SMEs still see apprenticeships as complicated, risky or only relevant for young people. This session sets the foundation. Confident employers are more likely to take part in our programmes, engage in buddying activity and follow through on apprenticeship recruitment.

Session 2: When and Why Apprenticeships Make Business Sense - 11th December 12:00-13:00

Objective:
Shift thinking from viewing apprenticeships as a compliance task to seeing them as a strategic workforce tool.

What this session covers:
• When apprenticeships should be considered
• How they support recruitment, retention and succession planning
• Real return on investment for SMEs, beyond funding
• How apprenticeships can upskill existing staff at low cost
• Case studies from SMEs
• What successful apprenticeship use looks like
• How to avoid wasted time or poor quality delivery

Why this matters to senior leaders:
For SMEs, business relevance is everything. When employers understand the commercial value of apprenticeships, they are more likely to engage consistently, invest in quality training and contribute meaningfully to our regional targets.

Session 3: Deploying Apprenticeships Effectively - 16th December 12:00-13:00

Objective:
Give SMEs a simple and practical roadmap for identifying their needs and turning them into a clear apprenticeship plan.

What this session covers:
• How to identify roles, departments and skills gaps
• How to decide which standards fit their needs
• Engaging line managers and supporting learners
• What good provider selection looks like
• How to ensure quality and compliance
• How apprenticeships link into wider workforce strategy
• Tools and templates to help SMEs get started

Why this matters to senior leaders:
SMEs often want to engage but feel unsure where to start. This session removes that barrier by giving them a practical, step by step process. It strengthens employer readiness, increases apprenticeship uptake, and helps us meet buddying and engagement metrics.