We invest in apprentices

The right apprenticeship is the right person, in the right place at the right time.

But it does not happen by accident. It’s about attracting that person, providing space and support for them to grow. Then you’re both unstoppable!

We’ve worked with the Department of Education, apprentices employers big and small as well as with apprentices and their families, training providers and policy makers to create our assessment framework.

With help from some of the most trusted brands in the UK, from Nestlé to Bentley, the Ministry of Defence to the NHS and Young Apprentice Ambassador Network, we’ve built this framework to help you create successful and powerful apprenticeship programmes.

For almost 30 years Investors in People have worked to make work better and our We invest in apprentices accreditation will help you to do just that for your apprentices by identifying your strengths as well as areas for improvement. We will evaluate your apprenticeships approach and help you attract the best talent and get the most out of them.

"Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn while you earn, opening up new and exciting career paths, from cyber security to accountancy. They will play a vital role in our Plan for Jobs, helping to create and protect jobs as we build back better after the pandemic. I encourage every organisation that offers apprenticeships to gain We invest in apprentices accreditation.”

“Delivering high quality apprenticeship schemes will play a big part in the economic recovery of the UK, and it was my pleasure to lead the group that developed We invest in apprentices; Investors in People’s latest accreditation supported by the Department for Education. Businesses can now leverage the full value of apprenticeships by delivering high quality schemes with the verification that comes with We invest in apprentices accreditation.”

"Investors in People has been and remains the gold-standard for employer training and investment in the workforce. Their new initiative, "We Invest in Apprentices" will be as transformative. By providing an Investors in People Award to companies that invest in training and reskilling their apprentices, I have no doubt that many other companies will be anxious to follow suit and gain recognition for the work they do on apprenticeships, boosting the quality and prestige of apprenticeships across the nation.

“Apprenticeships make a significant contribution to the lives of individuals, our businesses and the Welsh economy. The programmes apprentices embark upon are teaching them new skills, developing their knowledge and making a real difference to their future prospects, all whilst earning a wage. I am incredibly proud that the Welsh Government has already reached its target of creating 100,000 apprenticeships during this Senedd term. The ‘We Invest In Apprentices’ accreditation will encourage the delivery of high quality apprenticeships, helping individuals reach their potential and businesses gain the most from the apprenticeship programmes.“

“Apprenticeships should be an easier choice for more people wanting to get in and on in the workplace. Greater visibility of who’s providing them and an ability to see the quality of what’s on offer is a key part of that. I warmly welcome We invest in apprentices. It is a key part of levelling up apprenticeships across the UK.“

What the benefits are

Attract better talent. Good apprentices want to work for good employers.
Stand out from other apprentice employers. Raise your profile and reputation by showing you are ahead of other organisations.
Accreditation is valid for three years.
Online survey and interviews to gather valuable information from your apprentices.
Quantitative and qualitative insights help inform your strategy and implement it better.
Automatic entry in the Investors in People Awards where we celebrate the best and the boldest organisations, rewarding their great work.
An action plan designed to support the evolution of your strategy.
Silver, gold and platinum award levels, valid for three years.
12 and 24-month check-ins with your practitioner to ensure continuous development.

What we assess | Framework

Commitment

Development

Communication & Support

Commitment

Development

Communication & Support

How we assess you

1 | Apprentices Framework

We use our framework to assess how well you’re supporting your apprentices at work, including development, communication and support.

We’ve collaborated with apprentices, employers, parents, training providers and policy makers, hearing from companies with successful apprenticeship programmes.

2 | Your First Assessment

An assessment might sound daunting, but it isn’t. It’s a chance for our practitioner to get to know your company, your apprenticeship programme and your people.

We’ll survey your apprentices for their feedback. We’ll also talk to them, as well as the people that support their programme.

3 | Your Report

At the end of the assessment, we’ll take all of our findings and turn them into a report summing up what we found, and give you recommendations to help you improve.

You’ll also find out what level you’ve achieved : Silver, Gold or Platinum.

4 | Making Improvements

Becoming accredited is an achievement to celebrate! But it’s not the end of the journey. Your accreditation lasts for three years, and we’ll help you create an action plan for what changes your company’s going to make over that time.