The application process

Before they can apply to join any of our apprenticeship programmes, learners need to be formally nominated by you, their employer. A three-way agreement also needs to be put in place between Henley Business School and the University of Reading; you, the employer; and the apprentice.

The contractual process

Employer framework agreement (EFA)

This is the contract between the University of Reading and the employer. Please note that the organisation name may be different to that which signed the contract with the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) where the employer is a Group of companies.

Cohort form

Once the EFA is signed, you are able to submit your cohort form. This is where you, the employer, formally nominate the individuals you wish to send onto the apprenticeship programme. At this stage we will check that these individuals are eligible for the apprenticeship and to be funded by the levy.

Once the cohort is reviewed, the eligible nominated learners will be sent a baseline assessment to establish their knowledge, skills and behaviours. They will then receive their online application link. Typically there is a two-week timeframe for their application to be completed.

For more information, read our Essential Apprenticeships Guide, 'Onboarding a cohort'.

Eligibility

To start an apprenticeship, learners must:

• be aged 16 or over (no upper age limit)
• have the right to work in England and spend at least 50% of their working hours in England during their apprenticeship
• have eligible residency status.

For more information, see the Government website.

Baseline assessment

In their baseline assessment, learners will need to demonstrate the need for new learning of the knowledge, skills and behaviours as outlined in the apprenticeship standard.

English and maths requirements

Nominated learners MUST have obtained Level 2 qualifications in English and maths (i.e. GCSEs at Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or equivalent) before starting their Henley apprenticeship programme.

Employers will be asked to ensure that applicants can provide evidence of these qualifications before including them on a cohort form.

Why do we ask for this?

Other entry requirements

For full entry requirements, please refer to the relevant programme page.