Foundation Apprenticeships: A Launchpad for Young Talent
Foundation Apprenticeships offer employed positions for young individuals, aged 16-21, or up to 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), care leavers, or prison leavers. It typically lasts 8 – 12 months, combining real-world experience with structured off-the-job learning.
Apprentices develop:
- Employability skills and professional behaviours.
- Technical knowledge and practical expertise.
- Essential English and maths development.
They blend valuable real-world workplace experience with structured off-the-job learning. This not only helps apprentices grow in competence but also gives clarity and confidence about their future career direction.
Apprentices that haven’t yet achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, will need to study these subjects as part of their apprenticeship but they won’t be required to pass these qualifications to complete their apprenticeship.
Future-Ready with AI
A key part of the programme includes an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its practical use in the IT industry.
Apprentices will learn how to:
- Perform basic troubleshooting using AI tools.
- Predict hardware issues before they escalate.
- Keep networks secure with smart monitoring.
- Explore voice-controlled tools, smart alerts, and simple AI systems to spot problems and optimise performance.
These skills make technicians more interactive, responsive, and ready for the evolving digital landscape and future-ready.
Benefits for Employers
For employers, Foundation Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity to shape early talent.
Employers will benefit from:
- Remote Delivery Option: Flexible delivery models mean apprenticeships can be tailored to suit your operational needs, including remote learning and support.
- Early Access to Emerging Talent: Observe potential recruits in action.
- Inclusive Recruitment: Accessing a broader, more diverse pool of young learners.
- Financial Incentives: Receive up to £2,000 per apprentice under DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules 25/26 (subject to retention and progression).
What Apprentices Achieve
Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will have achieved the full set of skills, knowledge, and behaviours outlined in the standard.
Typical progression routes include:
- Direct entry into employment.
- Advancement to Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships.
Overview of the Apprenticeship
Hardware, Network & Infrastructure Operatives are are vital to organisations of all sizes and sectors including the public, private and voluntary sectors, insuring reliable and efficient digital infrastructure.
Their role typically involves:
- Supporting the ongoing performance and maintenance of IT and telecommunications systems (both physical and virtual).
- Monitor and maintain computer systems and platforms.
- Deliver technical support to internal and external users across multiple communication channels.
- Support issue resolution and contribute to testing and monitoring system performance.
This foundation role helps ensure technology systems run smoothly – keeping operations agile, productive, and and secure.
Duration & Delivery
- Duration: 8-12 months.
- Off-the-Job Learning: Minimum of 187 hours.
- Outcome: Certification of full competency in the specified knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
Upon completion, learners can progress on to a higher level IT apprenticeship with support from Achievement Training.
Updated Apprenticeship Assessment Plans
The new apprenticeship assessment approach for Foundation Apprenticeships streamlines the process, ensuring apprentices are evaluated fairly and efficiently.
- On-Programme Assessment: Apprentices are assessed throughout their training, rather than waiting for a final exam.
- Smaller End-Point Assessment (EPA): A focused evaluation ensures apprentices demonstrate essential skills without unnecessary duplication.
- Training Provider Involvement: Providers play a bigger role in assessments, reducing reliance on external assessors.
- Employer-Led Behaviour Assessment: Employers confirm apprentices meet professional behaviour standards, simplifying the assessment process.
These improvements make apprenticeships more flexible, practical, and employer-friendly, helping businesses develop skilled talent efficiently.
Foundation apprenticeships are available for young people aged 16 to 21, and up to 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), are a care leaver, or a prisoner/prison leaver.
Apprentices that haven’t yet achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, will need to study these subjects as part of their apprenticeship but they won’t be required to pass these qualifications to complete their apprenticeship.
Maximum funding: Up to £4000
Please follow the link for more information on Apprenticeship Funding for Employers
Please feel free to call regarding any queries about funding on 01752 202264 or email admissions@achievementtraining.com
The enrolment forms below, need to be completed by both you as the employer and the apprentice. This will then allow us to gather the essential information needed to set up the apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Enrolment Form (Employer) – Part 1
Apprenticeship Enrolment Form (Apprentice) – Part 2
What Happens After Enrolment?
Once both forms have been completed, the following will take place:
- A tutor will be in touch to create a training plan for the new role.
- An appointment will be arranged during the first few weeks of employment.
- During this appointment, the tutor will review the course content with you and explain the delivery model and answer any questions.
