Let’s be honest - traditional learning isn’t for everyone
That’s where apprenticeships come in.
They offer the perfect mix of learning on the job while gaining a recognised qualification. And now, with virtual apprenticeships, it’s even easier to take that next step in your career - wherever you are.
Why Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers - they’re a fantastic route for professionals looking to move up the ladder, switch careers or gain industry-recognised qualifications while still earning. Whether you’re an employer wanting to build a stronger workforce or an individual ready to develop your skills, here’s why apprenticeships work:
Learn by doing – No more sitting in a classroom all day. You’ll apply what you learn in real time, making it far more effective. Gain a qualification while working – Get the best of both worlds: practical experience and a recognised certificate. Boost your career – Whether you’re aiming for leadership, HR, engineering or another field, an apprenticeship can get you there. Funding makes it affordable – Many businesses can get full or partial funding, making it a cost-effective way to train and develop staff.
Virtual Apprenticeships: Learning That Fits Your Life
Gone are the days when apprenticeships meant travelling to training centres or rigid timetables. Virtual apprenticeships are designed for modern professionals who need flexibility without compromising on quality.
Study from anywhere – Whether you’re at home, in the office or on the go, all you need is an internet connection. Work at your own pace – Virtual learning means you can fit study around your job, rather than the other way around. Support at every step – At SEATS, we don’t just enrol apprentices and leave them to it. We’re there throughout the journey, making sure learners, their line managers and training providers all stay on track and get the most out of the programme.
Funding & Upcoming Levy Changes – What You Need to Know
If you’re an employer, funding is often the biggest question when it comes to apprenticeships. Here’s where things stand right now:
Levy-Paying Businesses (those with a salary bill over £3m) – Apprenticeships are fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Non-Levy Businesses – The government covers 95% of the costs, leaving businesses to contribute just 5%. Levy Transfer Fund – SEATS can help businesses access additional funding and in some cases, cover the full cost.
What’s Changing? Skills England is set to announce updates in February 2025 and one big potential change is that Level 7 apprenticeships may no longer be covered by the levy - meaning businesses may need to fund them directly.
What Virtual Apprenticeships Are Available?
If you or your team are looking for a flexible, fully virtual way to upskill, here are some of the programmes we offer:
· Senior Leaders (Level 7)* – Launching May 2025
30 months - Virtual details TBC
Who is it for? A leader who has senior management responsibility
· Chartered Manager (Level 6) – Launching September 2025
36 months - Virtual details TBC
Who is it for? Managers; Senior Manager; Head of Department; Operations Manager; or anyone with significant management responsibilities.
· Senior People Professional (Level 7) *
28 months - Fully virtual
Who is it for? HR Director, People Director, Head of Personnel, Benefits Director, Payroll Director, Training Director, HR Manager, Talent & Acquisition Manager, Apprenticeship manager, Head of People, Head of Talent, Head of HR
· Manufacturing Engineer (Level 6)
53 months – Virtual with one visit to campus per month
Who is it for? Manufacturing Engineers primarily support the activities involved in bringing design programmes into manufacture
· Product & Product Design Engineering (Level 6)
42 months – Virtual with one visit to campus per month
Who is it for? Composite/ Design/ Development/ Electric battery/Electrical /Electronics/ Manufacturing/ Facilities/ Product/ Project/ Reliability Research and development/ Research and technology/ Simulation/ Stress test engineer
· Sustainability Business Specialist (MSc)
28 months – Virtual with one week on campus in year 2
Who is it for? Head of energy and sustainability, Head of sustainability, Sustainability manager, Operations Manager, Operations Director
· Social Worker (Level 6)
32 months – Fully Virtual
Who is it for? As a Social Worker you will work in partnership with adults, children, carers and families in a range of different settings to support and promote positive change in people's lives.
*With the introduction of Skills England and new funding rules, changes may be applied to Level 7 Apprenticeships
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about how virtual apprenticeships can work for you or your business, we’d love to chat!
Drop us an email at hello@seats.org.uk or call 01268 204102
The future of learning is flexible, accessible and designed to work for real people in real jobs - let’s make it work for you.