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This free guide is designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and explains, step by step, how apprenticeships work, what funding and incentives are available and how to get the right support. 

What you’ll get in this guide 

This clear, employer-friendly guide cuts through the complexity and gives you exactly what you need to make informed decisions. 

Inside the guide:

  • How apprenticeships can help SMEs grow skills, productivity and workforce capacity 

  • A simple explanation of apprenticeship costs for levy and non‑levy paying employers 

  • Up‑to‑date government funding and incentives, including support for 16–24 year olds 

  • How to recruit a new apprentice or upskill an existing employee 

  • What your responsibilities are as an employer 

  • Support available from GC Education and Skills 

  • Popular sector pathways including Financial Services, Professional Services, Care & Education and Trade Services 

  • New apprenticeships launching in 2026 

  • FAQs answering the most common SME questions 

Who this guide is for

This guide is ideal if you are an SME that:

  • Employs people in England 

  • Has a pay bill under or over £3 million 

  • Wants to recruit new talent or develop existing staff 

  • Is unsure about costs, funding or administration 

  • Wants to access apprenticeships without unnecessary complexity or risk 

Whether you’re completely new to apprenticeships or revisiting them after changes to funding and incentives, this guide gives you a clear starting point. 

 

  

     

    

 

Why apprenticeships make sense for SMEs 

Apprenticeships aren’t just for large organisations. They offer SMEs a practical way to:

Fill Skills Gaps

Improve Staff Retention

Build future talent pipelines

With government funding covering most or all training costs for many SMEs, apprenticeships have become one of the most cost‑effective ways to grow your workforce. 

Get your free guide 

Complete the short form below and we’ll email you: 

  • A downloadable copy of the Apprenticeships for SMEs guide 

  • Practical next steps if you want tailored support from our team 

Why register? 

  • Instant access via email 

  • Expert support if you want it 

  

About GC Education and Skills 

GC Education and Skills works with SMEs across Greater Manchester and beyond to deliver apprenticeships that work for employers. 

We can support you with: 

  • Choosing the right apprenticeship standard 

  • Understanding funding and incentives 

  • Recruiting or upskilling apprentices 

  • Managing administration and compliance 

  • Ongoing employer and apprentice support 

Download your free Apprenticeships for SMEs guide today and take the first step towards building skills in your business.