Support to hire an apprentice
Find out how we can support you with finding and training an apprentice.
Find an apprenticeOur courses
We offer the following apprenticeship training courses:
- Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating - with either a gas or renewables pathway. The renewables pathway covers heat pumps and solar hot water.
- Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (Installation)
- Level 3 courses take between 3.5 and 4 years to complete.
There is no requirement for a level 1 and level 2 qualification before they start the level 3 apprenticeship.
Finding an apprentice
We offer a completely free employer-apprentice matching service. We can match you to someone in the local area who is looking for an apprenticeship - we only ask that you send them to our fully equipped training academy.
At OEA your apprentice will benefit from expert tuition from tutors with in-the-trade experience, as well as faster qualification as we only close for six weeks each year.
We will advertise your vacancy for free on our Apprentice jobs board - it may be that we already have someone ready to jump into the role! Register your vacancy now.
Email: apprentices@oea.training or call Oxford: 01993 771 155 or East Anglia: 01480 702 555Upcoming enrolment windows
Our next apprenticeship programs in Electrical and Heating & Plumbing will begin in Spring 2025 and Autumn 2025, with spaces still available for enrolment.
Contact us and we'll send you an application form for your apprentice to complete.
Call: 01993 771155 (OEA - Oxford) or 01480 702555 (OEA - East Anglia)
Email: info@oea.training
Frequently asked questions
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How much will hiring an apprentice cost me?
If the apprentice is aged 16-21 at start then the apprenticeship is fully funded, except for any Apprenticeship Levy you already pay. If the apprentice is aged 22 or over at commencement, the employer pays 5% of the course fee (approximately £1,100) over the duration of the course, which works out at about £27 per month. This is in addition to any Apprenticeship Levy you already pay.
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Are there any incentives available to me?
If you employ an apprentice aged 16-18 at the start of the apprenticeship, you receive two incentive payments of £500 – one after 90 days, and one after 366 days.
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Are there any entry requirements for the course?
There is no age limit on apprenticeships. The minimum age for a learner is age 16. If the apprentice is aged 16-18 at the start of the course, they require Grade 4 English and Maths GCSE, or Level 2 Functional Skills. We may accept candidates with Grade 3 GCSE which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Apprentices aged 16-18 at start with Grade 3 GCSE will receive additional training to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills during their course. This may require extra attendance. Apprentices aged 19 and over at commencement of their apprenticeship do not require Grade 4 English and Maths GSCE or Level 2 Functional Skills for entry to the course. However, the course involves many written assignments and apprentices should have an understanding of English and Maths. There is no requirement for a Level 1 and Level 2 qualification before they start the Level 3 apprenticeship. The apprentice only needs the appropriate GCSE grades to go straight into a Level 3 apprenticeship.
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How often does the apprentice come to OEA?
One day a week, on day release. OEA does not work on school terms – apprentices attend all year round. We have six weeks of apprentice closures – two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Easter and two weeks at the end of the summer.
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Does it matter if they're related to me?
No, as long as you employ them properly!
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What are my obligations as an employer?
The apprentice needs to be employed by you in a genuine job with a contract of employment which lasts at least as long as the apprenticeship. They cannot be self-employed. You will need give your apprentice supervision and training and appropriate PPE. You need to pay them in line with current government minimum wage legislation, including the day they are on day-release at OEA. You need to provide them with a mentor who is certificated to the level the apprentice is learning at – e.g. Plumbing Level 3. Employers need to communicate with the training provider, be prepared set up initial paperwork and funding and engage with the ongoing apprenticeship process. For further details about your responsibilities as an employer of an apprentice—such as cost implications, appointing a mentor, and guidance for levy and non-levy businesses, please feel free to contact us at apprentices@oea.training or call us on 01480 702 555.
How much will hiring an apprentice cost me?
If the apprentice is aged 16-21 at start then the apprenticeship is fully funded, except for any Apprenticeship Levy you already pay. If the apprentice is aged 22 or over at commencement, the employer pays 5% of the course fee (approximately £1,100) over the duration of the course, which works out at about £27 per month. This is in addition to any Apprenticeship Levy you already pay.
Are there any incentives available to me?
If you employ an apprentice aged 16-18 at the start of the apprenticeship, you receive two incentive payments of £500 – one after 90 days, and one after 366 days.
Are there any entry requirements for the course?
There is no age limit on apprenticeships. The minimum age for a learner is age 16. If the apprentice is aged 16-18 at the start of the course, they require Grade 4 English and Maths GCSE, or Level 2 Functional Skills. We may accept candidates with Grade 3 GCSE which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Apprentices aged 16-18 at start with Grade 3 GCSE will receive additional training to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills during their course. This may require extra attendance. Apprentices aged 19 and over at commencement of their apprenticeship do not require Grade 4 English and Maths GSCE or Level 2 Functional Skills for entry to the course. However, the course involves many written assignments and apprentices should have an understanding of English and Maths. There is no requirement for a Level 1 and Level 2 qualification before they start the Level 3 apprenticeship. The apprentice only needs the appropriate GCSE grades to go straight into a Level 3 apprenticeship.
How often does the apprentice come to OEA?
One day a week, on day release. OEA does not work on school terms – apprentices attend all year round. We have six weeks of apprentice closures – two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Easter and two weeks at the end of the summer.
Does it matter if they're related to me?
No, as long as you employ them properly!
What are my obligations as an employer?
The apprentice needs to be employed by you in a genuine job with a contract of employment which lasts at least as long as the apprenticeship. They cannot be self-employed. You will need give your apprentice supervision and training and appropriate PPE. You need to pay them in line with current government minimum wage legislation, including the day they are on day-release at OEA. You need to provide them with a mentor who is certificated to the level the apprentice is learning at – e.g. Plumbing Level 3. Employers need to communicate with the training provider, be prepared set up initial paperwork and funding and engage with the ongoing apprenticeship process. For further details about your responsibilities as an employer of an apprentice—such as cost implications, appointing a mentor, and guidance for levy and non-levy businesses, please feel free to contact us at apprentices@oea.training or call us on 01480 702 555.
Promote an apprentice vacancy
Please fill in this short form to promote an apprentice vacancy. We’ll upload the vacancy on to our Apprentice Job Board and keep you updated with any interest.