Build Your Team,
Grow
Your
Business
Business
Develop your workforce from the inside out. With Quest, apprenticeships are tailored to your business, helping you shape capable, motivated teams who learn, thrive, and deliver results that matter. All of the information you need to get started can be found here.
A Trusted Partner In Apprenticeship Delivery
At Quest, we’re proud to be officially listed on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register, holding a DWP/DfE/Skills England contract for Apprenticeships and Advanced Learner Loans. Our most recent Ofsted inspection rated us ‘Good’ across all areas which reflects our dedication to delivering quality training and results.
We work with employers of all sizes, offering Apprenticeship Standards that are practical, effective, and flexible for you. Whether you’re a levy or non-levy organisation, we tailor our support to meet your individual business needs and help you to develop your own staff to build your ideal workforce.
Getting Started With The Apprenticeship Service
To take on an apprentice, every employer must create an Apprenticeship Service account. This is the Government’s online portal where you can manage your apprenticeships in one place, from connecting with training providers and recruiting apprentices, to viewing funding and managing payments. Below, you’ll find helpful resources that walk you through what the Apprenticeship Service is, how to register an account, and how to manage users and organisations.
Connecting with Quest is simple too. We’ve created a step-by-step Employer Guide to help you link your account with us which can be downloaded below.
Understanding The Apprenticeship Funding Basics
Apprenticeship funding doesn’t have to feel complicated. Whether you’re a levy or non-levy employer, there are clear, government-backed options to help you invest in skills and plan your growth with ease. Here’s a simple breakdown of how funding works and what it means for you.
Non-Levy Employers
If your organisation does not pay the Apprenticeship Levy, government funding covers the majority of training costs. Recent reforms have made apprenticeships even more accessible for smaller employers. As of 2025:
- Employers no longer pay the 5% co-investment for apprentices aged under 25 at the start of their programme
- A 5% contribution still applies for apprentices aged 25 and over, unless levy funding is available
- Employers receive a £1,000 incentive for apprentices aged 16–18, paid in two instalments at 5 and 14 months
- Quest supports you through eligibility, setup, and funding guidance from day one
Levy Employers
For larger organisations with a payroll up to and over £3 million, apprenticeship training is funded directly through your Apprenticeship Levy account. As of 2025:
- Training costs are paid from your Levy Pot via the Apprenticeship Service
- Funds can be used to upskill existing staff or recruit new apprentices
- Quest helps you plan, manage, and maximise your levy investment
- Clear guidance ensures your funding is used effectively and compliantly
For a full breakdown, download our latest employer funding guide or reach out to speak to the Quest team, we are always happy to help you navigate your options.
Measured by Outcomes, Guided by People
Quest’s success is built on listening, learning, and continually improving along with our clients. We actively gather feedback from learners and employers to shape how we deliver apprenticeships, ensuring every programme leads to meaningful outcomes. Our results reflect a proven approach that supports achievement, progression, and long-term success. See for yourself:
96% Gateway Pass Rate
Apprentices who reach Gateway successfully complete their assessments (As of 2024-2025)
98% Employer Satisfaction
Based on consistent stakeholder feedback through our own platforms (As of 2025)
97% Learner Satisfaction
Based on consistent apprentice feedback through our own platforms (As of 2025)
64% Retention Rate
Apprentices who stay with their training employer (Above the current national average as of 2024-2025)
62% Achievement Rate
Overall achievement rate across the board (Above the current national average as of 2024-2025)
100% Advanced Learner Loan Success
Overall success rate for all Advanced Learner Loans (As of 2025)
Safeguarding That Supports Everyone
Safeguarding practice is central to everything we do. We’re committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for learners and employers alike. Through clear guidance, practical support, and ongoing training, we help everyone recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns. By working together, we maintain a culture of awareness, responsibility, and trust across all our programmes and within all of our partnerships.
Everything Else Employers
Need to Know
We know apprenticeships can raise a lot of questions for employers. Here, we cover the things businesses ask us most, with clear, straightforward answers to help you feel informed and confident moving forward with your goals.
What are the benefits of employing an Apprentice?
Apprentices help grow your business from within by learning new skills, knowledge, and behaviours while supporting regulatory compliance, such as Ofsted or CQC requirements.
What are some of the main responsibilities as an employer?
Employers must provide a contract, employ Apprentices for at least the duration of their programme, meet the minimum wage, and allow paid off-the-job learning time. Full guidance here: Your Responsibilities as an Employer
Is an Apprenticeship suitable for older employees?
Yes! Apprenticeships are open to employees of any age who need training. Non-levy SMEs must contribute 5% for Apprentices aged 25+, while younger Apprentices may be fully funded.
How much does an Apprenticeship cost for a small to medium employer?
Apprentices under 25 start at no cost. Employers may receive a £1,000 incentive for Apprentices under 19. For example, a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner over 24 currently costs around £350.
How much do I need to pay my Apprentice?
Apprentices must receive at least the national minimum wage for their age during their first year. Existing employees keep their current pay; it does not decrease. More info: National Minimum Wage Rates
How do things differ for large employers?
Larger employers may be Levy Payers, meaning training costs are covered through their Levy pot. Your finance team will usually manage this process internally.
What rights does an Apprentice have?
Apprentices are employees with full employment rights and protections. Learn more here: Apprentices’ Rights