How does the funding work & do I need to make a contribution to costs as an employer?

Am I entitled to the £1500 incentive in addition to the funding & can I claim this for more than 1 apprentice?

I thought that apprenticeships were only for 16-18 year olds, but I would prefer someone with more life skills. Is it right that an apprentice can be any age?

Does the apprenticeship include diploma level exams & are training & exam costs paid for by the funding?

I need to develop skills in my business, but I’m not sure whether it’s best to go for the administrator apprenticeship first then follow on with the Paraplanner apprenticeship ... or to go straight into the Paraplanner apprenticeship?

Should I take on a new member of staff or develop existing staff ... or both ... & how does this affect the way the apprenticeship works?

How can I find a quality candidate & be sure I am taking on someone who is going to be worth investing my time & effort into?

How much should I pay an apprentice to be able to attract the right calibre of candidate?

How much time off to study does an apprentice need & do they have to go to college, or is the learning done at work?

I’m concerned about being able to offer the right support to an apprentice, given how busy I am with my clients. How do other businesses overcome this?