A not very well known apprenticeship fact - an employer may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice.
If your apprentice is:
- Under the age of 25
- Is on an approved apprenticeship standard
- Earns less than £967 per week
This is a huge benefit for a lot of employers! Employees will continue to pay the standard rate of Class 1 National Insurance contributions through their salary. They will not see any reduction in their payments, only the employer will benefit from this change.
To take advantage of this saving, as the employer, you will need to apply for national insurance relief. We have added the link to the government website here with full instructions on how to do this but you will need the signed apprenticeship agreement to hand.
Call us on 01423 740006 for more information
About VQ Solutions
Empowering careers and businesses: The VQ Solutions story
At VQ Solutions, we believe in the power of practical learning, meaningful qualifications, and career-changing opportunities. Since our establishment in 2008, we’ve been dedicated to helping individuals and organisations across the UK unlock their true potential through high-quality training, apprenticeships, and professional development programmes.
Who we are
VQ Solutions Ltd is a UK-based vocational training provider with over 17 years of industry experience. We specialise in delivering government-funded apprenticeships and accredited training solutions designed to equip learners with the real-world skills employers need.
Our core mission is simple: to provide accessible, innovative, and impactful learning experiences that transform careers and strengthen businesses. Whether you're an apprentice who wants to earn while you learn or an employer seeking to grow a skilled workforce, VQ Solutions is here to support your journey.
What we offer
At the heart of VQ Solutions are apprenticeship programmes and professional qualifications that combine practical experience with nationally recognised credentials. Our courses are developed with both learners and employers in mind, ensuring relevance, quality, and lasting value.
Apprenticeships – earn while you learn
Our apprenticeship programmes cover a wide range of sectors, including:
- Human Resources and People Management
- Marketing and digital Communications
- Business administration
- Network cabling and ICT
- Management and leadership
Each apprenticeship blends on-the-job training with structured educational development, so participants earn a wage and gain valuable skills and qualifications.
Professional qualifications and bespoke training
For professionals looking to upskill or specialise, we offer accredited qualifications — including CIPD diplomas at level 3 and 5, and Experienced Worker Assessments in Network Infrastructure.
A proven track record of excellence
VQ Solutions has been formally recognised for its quality and impact. In our latest inspection by Ofsted, we were awarded an overall rating of “Good”, with outstanding feedback for learner behaviour and attitudes — a testament to our engaging learning environment and supportive training culture.
We are proud to have:
- High achievement rates well above national averages
- Strong employer satisfaction, with most partners happy to recommend us
- Flexible learning delivery, combining online study with practical training
- Accredited programmes that meet industry standards and expectations
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re ready to begin your apprenticeship journey or explore how our training solutions can help your business grow, VQ Solutions is here to help.
📞 Call us on 01423 740006 📧 Email: [email protected]