For many small and medium-sized employers, we know times are challenging and some difficult choices have to be made. Rising operating costs, wage increases, and day-to-day financial pressures mean every pound counts.
When budgets are stretched, staff training can sometimes be pushed down the priority list. However, delaying investment in your workforce can often create bigger challenges in the long term, including higher staff turnover and skill shortages.
At Quest, we believe apprenticeships should remain accessible, even when finances are tight. That's why we're pleased to introduce flexible payments designed to help employers continue investing in their staff.
Spread the Cost of Your Employer Contribution
Where an employer contribution applies, and the cost seems out of reach, please talk to us and we can introduce a payment plan to spread the cost (interest free).
Apprenticeships Continue to Offer Exceptional Value
Many employers are surprised to learn just how much apprenticeship funding is available. Currently, apprenticeship training remains fully funded for apprentices aged 16-21. Even better news is on the horizon...
COMING SOON for Non-Levy Paying Employers/SMEs
August 2026
Full apprenticeship funding extended to apprentices aged under 25
October 2026
£2,000 Hiring Incentive for under 25 years olds new to employment (conditions apply)
Available Now
£3,000 Universal Credit Youth Jobs Grant (conditions apply)
If an SME hires an eligible 18–24-year-old who has been on Universal Credit for 6+ months, they get both grants- meaning a total cash injection of £5,000 on top of £0 training costs.
Is Your Team Ratio-Ready?
One of the most common questions we hear from nursery owners and managers is:
“How can I get my staff qualified more quickly to meet our regulatory staffing ratios?”
With increasing demand for qualified practitioners, achieving and maintaining staffing ratios remains a significant operational challenge across the childcare sector. Having delivered childcare apprenticeships for nearly two decades, we have listened carefully to employer feedback and recognised the need for a faster route to being qualified.
Introducing Our Fast-Track Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship
Quest is now able to offer a Fast-Track Level 3 Early Years apprenticeship programme which can often be completed in only 12 months subject to the learner’s ability to achieve this.
This compares with the typical sector completion time of 18-21 months. This will allow employers to get their staff qualified and counted in ratio.
The benefits for employers are:
- Staff become qualified sooner
- Practitioners can then contribute to ratios
- Reduced reliance on agency staff
- An opportunity to increase your qualified workforce