APPRENTICESHIPS
Lomax provides one of the most comprehensive apprentice training programmes in the North East.
The team at Lomax have successfully facilitated apprenticeships with our learners and employers throughout England for more than 20 years. Our Apprentices have gone on to develop exciting careers in the energy sector through their training and become successful managers and mentors for a new generations of gas operatives/engineers.
We have an established wide number of employer relationships that help our learners link up via their apprenticeship programme with local trades-people.
Companies we work with:
Adan Gas Services, KLR Plumbing Heating & Gas Services Ltd, NGT Heating Ltd, Pure Power and Gas Ltd, Quora, Wilkinson & Sons, A&G Heating, Aircare, DSL Gasfix Ltd, MS Plumbing, NRG, Robsons Heating & Plumbing, Shipleys, Thermatic, JD Plumbing, Seaburn Gas Services Ltd, Virtue Heating & Bathroom Ltd, Andrew Hughes, L&G Utilities Ltd, MA Utilities, Quantum Power Connections Ltd, Andrew Hughes, C&R Utilities Ltd, RS Wilson Ltd
BECOMING AN APPRENTICE
To become an apprentice in the UK you need a good standard of basic education such as GCSEs in maths & English along with a keen interest in practical work. Many employers look for some hands-on experience which can be gained through part time work, short courses or introductory construction or engineering programmes.
You will need to demonstrate an understanding of health and safety, a willingness to learn and a reliable approach to working with tools and customers. Showing motivation, a positive attitude and a genuine interest in the industry will strengthen your chances of securing an apprenticeship.
The provider will:
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Deliver the qualification
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Support both you and the apprentice
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Carry out progress reviews
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Prepare the apprentice for the End-Point Assessment
At least 20 per cent of the apprentice’s paid working hours must be spent on off-the-job training. This can include:
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Workshops or sessions with a training provider
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Online or classroom learning
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Job shadowing or mentoring
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Practical training outside normal duties
Training must take place during paid working hours, not in the apprentice’s own time.
Apprenticeship Duration
Minimum duration: 12 months.
Typical lengths:
• Level 2: 12 to 18 months
• Level 3: 18 to 24 months
• Higher levels: up to 3 years or more
Age Requirements
There is no upper age limit. Apprentices must simply be aged 16 or over and able to benefit from the training.
Every apprentice completes an End-Point Assessment at the end of the programme. This is carried out by an independent assessment organisation and confirms that the apprentice is fully competent.
Probation Period
Apprenticeships can sometimes include a probation period. If the learner is not suitable, employment can be ended fairly and legally.
Want to discuss a Lomax apprenticeship with our team?
EMPLOYING AN APPRENTICE
As an employer you can access funding to pay for your Apprentice training and possibly qualify for additional grants depending on the eligibility, you can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee. Here at Lomax we have over 20 years' experience in supporting and working with employers successfully and have achieved great success for our Apprentices.
Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. You can adapt their training according to the needs of your business and we would work with you to ensure this happens.
Employment Status and Your Responsibilities
An apprentice is an employee and must receive:
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An employment contract
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At least the apprenticeship minimum wage
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Standard employment rights, including holiday and sick pay
As an employer, you are responsible for:
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Providing a safe workplace
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Allowing time and support for learning
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Assigning a workplace mentor or supervisor
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Paying wages correctly and on time
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Providing meaningful work linked to the apprenticeship standard
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Keeping training records and reviewing progress with the provider
Apprentices normally work at least 30 hours per week unless a lower number is agreed for valid reasons.
86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service
INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS
Training funding depends on whether you pay the Apprenticeship Levy.
If your payroll is over £3 million then training is funded through your digital levy account.
If your payroll is under £3 million (most SMEs):
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You pay 5 per cent of the training cost
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The government pays the remaining 95 per cent
Employer Incentive Payment
You may receive £1,000 if the apprentice is:
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Aged 16 to 18
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Aged 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan
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Aged 19 to 24 and previously in local authority care
Payment schedule:
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£500 after 90 days
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£500 after 365 days
Apprenticeship Minimum Wage (from April 2025)
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Apprentices under 19, or 19+ in their first apprenticeship year: £7.55 per hour
After the First Year (for apprentices aged 19+)
Apprentices must be paid the standard minimum wage for their age:
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Age 18 to 20: £10.00 per hour
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Age 21 and over: £12.21 per hour
Other Workers (for comparison)
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Age 18 to 20: £10.00 per hour
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Age 16 to 17: £7.55 per hour
Many employers choose to pay above the minimum to attract strong candidates and remain competitive.
The UK government offer incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice, which can be put towards anything to support your company's costs. For information on payments, requirements and application deadlines please visit the gov.uk website.
The payment is different to apprenticeship levy funds and you can spend it on anything to support your organisation’s costs. For example, you could spend it on facilities, uniforms, your apprentice’s travel or their salary. You do not have to pay it back.