Employers · 6 min read
A checklist for Somerset employers hiring their first apprentice
Everything a Somerset employer needs to know before hiring their first apprentice in 2026 — funding, provider choice, contract and onboarding.
By Jack Frampton, Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 15 July 2026
Hiring your first apprentice in Somerset is genuinely straightforward — but the sequence matters. Here's the 2026 checklist.
1. Pick a standard
Search Institute for Apprenticeships for the right occupational standard.
2. Pick a provider
Bridgwater & Taunton College or University Centre Somerset (UCS) handle most Somerset apprenticeships.
3. Sort funding
Levy payer? Draw down. Non-levy? 95% government co-fund.
4. Advertise + interview
Post on Find an Apprenticeship (GOV.UK) — your provider will do it for you.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an apprentice in Somerset?
- Non-levy employers pay 5% of training costs; wage is separate and typically £14k–£18k.
- How long does the process take?
- 6–10 weeks from starting to having an apprentice in seat.
- Do I need my own HR team?
- No — providers handle most compliance.
- Related?
- See our <a href='/blog/hiring-a-marketing-apprentice-uk'>marketing apprentice hiring guide</a>.