How to talk to your employer about starting an apprenticeship

Developing your skills and qualifications is one of the best ways to grow your career, but finding the right route can be challenging, especially when you are already working. The good news is that you can study for an apprenticeship while staying with your current employer.

Whether you work in data, technology, business or healthcare, apprenticeships offer a powerful way to combine learning and work. Starting a conversation about training might feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can open opportunities for yourself, your team and your organisation.

At The Open University (OU), we believe the future is open. That begins with confident, curious conversations about learning. Here’s how to prepare, approach your employer and make a strong case for your professional development.

---

Step 1: Gather the facts before you start the conversation

Preparation shows initiative. Before speaking with your employer about apprenticeship opportunities, take time to understand what’s available and how it can benefit everyone involved.

Ask yourself:

• What apprenticeship standard fits my current role or career goals?
• What skills, knowledge, and qualifications will I gain?
• How will this apprenticeship add value to my team and organisation?

Having clear answers to these questions makes it easier to explain why this investment benefits not just you but also your employer’s goals, from productivity and performance to engagement and retention.

---

Step 2: Choose the right moment to talk about apprenticeships

A direct approach

If you are ready to have a focused conversation, schedule time with your line manager or add it to your next 1:1 or performance review. Bring information about:

• The apprenticeship you’d like to take
• The outcomes for your role and for the business
• How the OU’s flexible, high-quality distance learning can fit around work schedules

Frame the discussion as a collaborative proposal that benefits you, your manager and your organisation. This shows confidence, initiative and a commitment to contributing more through continued learning.

A more informal approach

If a formal meeting feels too soon, you can start by mentioning apprenticeships in everyday conversation. Share examples of how apprenticeships have helped others develop within their roles or how other organisations have benefited from upskilling their workforce through the OU.

You can also reach out to your company’s HR or Learning and Development team. They can often advise on existing training frameworks, funding options or partnerships with the OU.

---

Step 3: Highlight how apprenticeships benefit employers

Employers increasingly recognise that developing existing talent is more sustainable and cost-effective than hiring new staff. Apprenticeships can help:

• Build specialist skills within the organisation
• Support employee motivation and retention
• Address current and future skills gaps

At the OU, every apprentice is supported by expert tutors, workplace mentors and a dedicated Apprenticeship Team. This means you will gain the right skills, knowledge and behaviours while your employer benefits from a confident, capable and motivated workforce.

---

Step 4: Reassure your employer about off-the-job training

Some managers may worry that apprenticeships take time away from day-to-day work. In reality, off-the-job learning is designed to make you more effective, not less.

You will be able to apply your new skills directly to your role, helping to drive innovation, improve efficiency and create lasting impact. A few hours a week dedicated to learning can make a real difference to your performance and your employer’s success.

---

Step 5: Explain the funding options

Apprenticeships are often far more affordable than employers realise, and in most cases government funding covers the majority of costs.

If your organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy:

They already have funds available for apprenticeship training. These funds can be directed to approved providers like The Open University, and unused funding expires after two years, so using it is a smart investment.

If your organisation does not pay the Levy:

The government funds 95% of the training costs, leaving your employer to pay just 5%. This makes apprenticeships one of the most cost-effective ways to upskill staff.

You can direct your manager or HR team to contact the OU’s Apprenticeships team for a full breakdown of funding options and programme details.

---

Step 6: Be confident. The future is Open.

Starting the conversation is the most important step. You do not need to have all the answers, only the curiosity to ask the right questions.

Apprenticeships empower you to learn while you earn, helping you and your employer move forward together. With the OU’s flexible and supported learning, you can balance work, study and life while contributing new ideas and skills to your workplace.

This is not just about your growth. It is about helping your organisation grow with you.

---

If an apprenticeship isn’t an option right now

Sometimes, your employer might not be able to support an apprenticeship straight away. Perhaps the right course isn’t available for your role, the organisation has already used its levy funding, or there isn’t enough capacity to provide off-the-job training or placements.

If that happens, there are still great ways to continue your development. You could ask your employer to sponsor you to study a part-time online degree with The Open University.

OU degrees are designed for people who work. You can study flexibly around your job and apply what you learn directly to your role. Many employers choose this route to help staff gain qualifications that strengthen both individual and organisational capability.

You can explore our part-time online degree options here.

---

Further resources

If you’re ready to explore apprenticeships with your employer, discover:

• The OU’s full range of degree and higher apprenticeships
• Case studies from organisations who’ve upskilled through the OU
• More information for apprentices

More information for your employer:

• Employer guide to apprenticeships: Information and support
• Apprenticeship employer responsibilities

With The Open University as your partner, you can face the future with confidence, knowing that together you’re building skills, knowledge and opportunities that last.