Apprenticeships are NIC and Easy

Why Apprentices Give Employers a Tax Break and More Loyal Staff

The business landscape is changing rapidly. On BBC Good Morning Ulster, Suzanne Wylie from NI Chamber highlighted how National Insurance increases could cost smaller employers an additional £20,000, and larger companies up to £5 million. Clare Guinness CDir from Belfast Chamber noted businesses are reconsidering hiring plans, while CBI's Rain Newton-Smith reported half their members plan to reduce headcount.

However, rising costs don't have to mean fewer opportunities. Apprenticeships offer a strategic solution for businesses looking to grow sustainably in a more difficult tax environment. The numbers paint a clear picture: choosing an apprentice over a graduate can save your organisation over £40k in direct employment costs over three years.

Here's why...

Starting salaries tell part of the story - graduates begin at £30,000 while apprentices start at £21,000. From April 2025, employers will pay zero National Insurance Contributions for apprentices, compared to 15% for graduates, widening this cost gap further.

But the benefits go beyond immediate savings. Apprentices need minimal onboarding investment and show remarkable loyalty, with a 95% retention rate after three years compared to graduates' 70% (ISE, 2023). This higher retention significantly reduces recruitment and training costs.

At Workplus we connect employers with motivated apprentices, helping you fill talent gaps cost-effectively while building a more stable, loyal workforce.

Ready to address your workforce challenges and benefit from fresh talent and new perspectives? Sign up by Friday December 6 to join the Workplus apprenticeship campaign and equip your organisation with the skills, energy, and cost-effective solutions it needs for a sustainable future.