Apprenticeship training information
Apprenticeships are a great way to bridge the gap between education and employment, particularly for those leaving school or looking to learn an entirely new trade. Apprenticeships combine practical, hands-on work experience with training and study to gain qualifications in a range of industries in the energy sector. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff on the job site for 80% of their hours and spend the other 20% with teaching professionals like Lomax Training. Our courses are designed to help apprentices and businesses experience advanced training opportunities, with expert support.
Who do we support?
At Lomax, our training courses are designed to be beneficial to both the apprentice and the business, allowing all parties to benefit from enhanced training. We collaborate with a range of businesses across the UK, providing skilled professionals that ensure success and growth from the start. We have established a wide range of employer relationships that help our learners link up via their apprenticeship programme with local tradespeople.
Becoming an apprentice
To become an apprentice, you need a good standard of basic education, such as GCSEs in maths & English, along with an interest in practical work. Apprenticeships help you get hands-on experience and training while earning an hourly wage and demonstrating an understanding of health and safety, working with tools and customers. Apprenticeship courses last a minimum of 12 months, with higher qualifications lasting up to 3 years, ending with an End-Point Assessment at the end of the programme to confirm that the apprentice is fully competent. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old; however, there is no upper age limit. At Lomax, we not only deliver the training for your apprenticeship but also support you throughout, providing progression reviews and preparing you for End-Point Assessment.
Employing an apprentice
Hiring an apprentice is an effective way to invest in a learner who is motivated and skilled, developing their skills through training courses and hands-on experience, while benefiting from the extra support in your business. Employers can access funding, and in some instances grants (depending on eligibility), to pay for apprentice training for someone new or upskill an existing employee. As an employer, you have responsibilities to the apprentice, which include providing a safe working environment with meaningful work linked to the apprenticeship standard. You must also provide a workplace mentor, allow time and support for learning, keep training records and review progress with the provider and ensure the apprentice is paid correctly and on time.
The cost of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for both the apprentice and the employer; the apprentice is able to earn a wage while learning, and the employer can benefit from incentives and funding. Training funding depends on whether you pay the Apprenticeship Levy.
If your payroll is over £3 million, then training is funded through your digital levy account. If your payroll is under £3 million, you pay 5% of the training cost and the government pays the remaining 95%.
Employer incentive payment
You may receive £1,000 if the apprentice is:
- Aged 16 to 18
- Aged 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan
- Aged 19 to 24 and previously in local authority care
Payment schedule: £500 after 90 days, plus £500 after 365 days
Apprenticeship minimum wage (from April 2025)
Apprentices under 19, or 19+ in their first apprenticeship year: £7.55 per hour
After the first year (for apprentices aged 19+)
Apprentices must be paid the standard minimum wage for their age:
- Age 18 to 20: £10.00 per hour
- Age 21 and over: £12.21 per hour
Many employers choose to pay above the minimum to attract strong candidates and remain competitive.
Why partner with Lomax Training?
At Lomax we provide the facilities, training and skills that enhance apprenticeships for both the apprentice and the employer. Our goal is to provide an optimised learning environment, allowing the learner to thrive and apply their new knowledge to their practical work. Partnering with Lomax provides apprenticeships with;
Professional expertise: We work with over 1,000 satisfied employers to deliver high-quality apprenticeship training. With our enhanced courses, both parties benefit from our expert knowledge, advice and support, and gain the skills necessary to thrive.
Industry-standard facilities: When partnering with Lomax for apprenticeships, both the employer and the learner benefit from our world-class technical centres and specialist equipment. Our centres have been designed to mirror real-life conditions, to allow for superior training.
Dedicated support: Our team provides a full recruitment service, helping businesses find the right candidates and learners find the right professionals. Our team are here to guide you through the apprenticeship journey, covering everything from funding and apprenticeship standards to compliance and training questions.
Start your apprenticeship journey with Lomax
If you are a learner or business looking for a utility apprenticeship, Lomax Training is your partner in finding professional training excellence. With facilities throughout the UK and a range of courses to choose from, we can provide learners and businesses with exceptional, hands-on apprenticeship opportunities. Contact our team today to find out more about our courses, facilities and instructors, or if you have any questions.
Head Office: Old Gas Depot, Howdon Lane, Wallsend, NE28 0BD
Phone: 0191 262 3040
Email: enquiries@lomaxtraining.co.uk
What Our Learners Say About Us
TESTIMONIALS
“Throughout my time on the programme, I received outstanding support from staff. The encouragement and guidance provided by Stuart, Sharon, and Tracey were instrumental in helping me remain focused, motivated, and resilient. Their commitment went beyond academic support, offering reassurance, understanding, and belief in my potential when I struggled to see it myself.”
Lewis - Utility Apprenticeship
Jake - NCO2 Service Laying
Just finished a service laying course with Stewart and it was a pure pleasure being taught by such a knowledgeable bloke, not only was he easy going but someone you could relate too with alot about the industry, great bloke and great business. I will be using Lomax again in the future for my further training and be even better if I get Stewart again, thanks all!
Jake - NCO2 Service Laying