What is the maximum age to start an apprenticeship?

No upper age limit.

Apprenticeships being only for young people is a common myth. You can offer hardworking, reliable people apprenticeship opportunities, no matter what their age.

Existing employees from the shop floor to director-level are eligible for apprenticeships. In fact, higher-level apprenticeships for senior staff are some of the fastest growing groups of apprenticeships.

Why not use apprenticeships to promote hardworking staff that show management potential? For example, if you ran a Team Leader apprenticeship programme for loyal staff that are good shopfloor employees, your staff would see there are real progression opportunities in your company and be motivated to work hard to move up the career ladder.

To understand the full breadth of apprenticeships available visit The Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s website https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/ and you can search by sector, job role and level.

When recruiting apprentices make sure you cast your net wide. Your apprenticeship vacancy could be the perfect opportunity for a career changer or parent returning to work. Don't just advertise to 16-18 year olds.

Essentially, you should be looking to find people with the raw attributes to learn the job and fit in with your company dynamic. What age they are is irrelevant.

For tips on advertising for apprentices see our resources section.