Using the Apprenticeship Service (AS)

A simple guide for employers

Across critical care sectors, building a skilled and confident workforce has never been more important. Apprenticeships provide a powerful way to nurture talent, support career progression, and ensure teams have the knowledge to thrive in demanding roles.

At The Childcare Company, we believe in turning learners into the resilient workforce of tomorrow, and helping organisations like yours to invest in purposeful pathways

More than that, our team is passionate about making the process as straightforward as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the Apprenticeship Service (AS) and how it supports employers throughout the apprenticeship journey.

If you’re looking for support setting up your AS account, our step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from creating your account to adding The Childcare Company as your training provider.

Click here to view our Apprenticeship Service Setup Guide

The role of the Apprenticeship Service (AS)

As employers looking to make the most of government apprenticeship funding, you’ll need to use the Apprenticeship Service (AS). It’s an online government platform that allows employers to manage apprenticeship funding, approve apprentice details, and oversee apprenticeship activity.

For non-levy employers, funding must be reserved before or within the same calendar month as enrolment, ensuring there are no delays to getting staff started.

Employers can reserve funding for up to 10 apprentices at a time. While many choose to work with The Childcare Company to manage this process on their behalf, you also have the option to manage reservations directly.

Whether you manage your AS account independently or prefer our team to support you, we’ll help ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

Why employers need a AS account

An Apprenticeship Service account is essential for employers who want to access apprenticeship funding and manage their apprenticeship programmes.

Through AS, employers can:

• Access and manage apprenticeship funding
• Approve apprentice details before training begins
• Connect with approved training providers
• Monitor apprenticeship activity within their organisation

Having your AS account set up correctly helps prevent delays and ensures your apprentices can start their learning journey smoothly.

Setting up your AS account

Creating your Apprenticeship Service account is an important first step in starting an apprenticeship with The Childcare Company.

You’ll need access to your organisation’s PAYE scheme details and someone authorised to manage apprenticeship activity on behalf of your organisation.

For full guidance on creating your account, adding your organisation details, accepting the employer agreement and giving The Childcare Company the required permissions, follow our step-by-step AS setup guide.

Click here to view our Apprenticeship Service Setup Guide

Giving The Childcare Company the right permissions

To ensure a seamless process, employers can set permissions within AS that allow The Childcare Company to:

• Add apprentices to your account
• Recruit apprentices on your behalf
• Manage reservations and approvals

Giving permission within your AS account allows our team to support you with the administration involved in starting apprenticeships, while ensuring you remain in control of approving key information.

This simple step removes unnecessary admin from your team, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: delivering excellent care.

What happens after enrolment?

After your apprentice is enrolled, you’ll receive an email prompt to approve funding. It only takes a few clicks, and once approved, training can begin.

From there, our Development Coaches work closely with your apprentices, tailoring the learning to both your organisational needs and the individual’s career goals.

The difference The Childcare Company makes

When you choose apprenticeships with us, you’re not just signing up for training. You’re joining a movement dedicated to raising standards in childcare and development, empowering staff, and making sure the workforce is prepared for tomorrow.

Our partners consistently tell us that the support, structure, and professionalism of The Childcare Company makes a tangible difference to the confidence of learners, and the resilience of the wider team.

Upon completion of their learning, apprentices will be able to proudly showcase their new credentials on their social media profiles, showing the UK that your organisation is building a workforce that stands out for its expertise, compassion, and professionalism.

Ready to get started?

The Apprenticeship Service (AS) may seem complex at first, but with The Childcare Company by your side, it becomes quick, simple, and manageable.

Whether you need help setting up your AS account, understanding apprenticeship funding, or managing your apprentices throughout their programme, our team is here to support you.

The Childcare Company is more than a training provider. We’re your partner in success.

Let’s transform your teams and shape careers with impact – together.