How to Take on an Apprentice in the UK – And How iPET Network Can Support with End Point Assessment
It’s not just about giving someone a foot in the door—it’s about shaping future professionals, embedding your values, and growing a stronger, more skilled workforce from the ground up. Whether you're a dog groomer, animal care professional, or involved in any part of the pet sector, bringing an apprentice on board can be a game-changer.
But where do you start? And how do you ensure that your apprentice gets the right support and assessment along the way?
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Understand What an Apprenticeship Involves
An apprenticeship is a job with training. It combines practical experience in the workplace with off-the-job learning. In England, apprenticeships are backed by approved standards developed by employers and assessed at the end of the apprenticeship through a process called End Point Assessment (EPA).
The apprentice works towards developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in the apprenticeship standard. Once they’ve completed the required training and their employer and training provider agree they’re ready, they move on to EPA.
As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure the apprentice is paid at least national minimum wage, gets the training and is supported in the workplace like any other employee.
Step 2: Choose the Right Apprenticeship Standard
For those in the animal care sector, the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant apprenticeship standard is a popular route. It includes animal interaction, maintaining accommodation and handling, and more. You may also consider Dog Groomer apprenticeship, Equine Groom, Senior Equine Groom, Keeper & Aquarist or a more generic business apprenticeship such as Customer Service.
Choosing the right standard ensures your apprentice learns what’s truly relevant to your setting, whether you’re a salon owner, kennel manager, or animal trainer.
You can explore all available standards at Institute for Apprenticeships.
Step 3: Register as an Employer with the Apprenticeship Service
To access funding and officially hire an apprentice, you’ll need to create an account on the Apprenticeship Service. From here, you can:
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Advertise your apprenticeship vacancies
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Apply for funding
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Choose a training provider
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Track your apprentice’s progress
Funding may cover up to 95–100% of the training and assessment costs, depending on the size of your business.
Step 4: Find a Training Provider
Training providers deliver the teaching element of the apprenticeship—this could be done in person, online, or through a blend of both. They’ll work with you to ensure the apprentice is developing in line with the apprenticeship standard.
You can find approved providers via the apprenticeship service or ask for recommendations within your industry.
Step 5: Choose an End Point Assessment Organisation – That’s Where iPET Network Comes In!
Once your apprentice has completed their training, they must go through End Point Assessment to demonstrate their competence. This is a crucial final stage—and iPET Network is here to help.
iPET Network is an approved End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant standard and brings unique expertise in the pet and animal care sector.
Here’s what sets iPET Network apart:
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???? Sector Expertise: iPET Network specialises in qualifications and assessments for animal professionals. We understand your world and speak your language.
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???? Supportive Approach: We work collaboratively with employers and training providers to make the EPA process smooth and supportive.
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???? Real-Life Contexts: Our assessments are designed to reflect the real skills apprentices need in grooming salons, kennels, rescue centres, and beyond.
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???? Flexible and Accessible: We offer clear guidance and resources for apprentices and assessors alike, helping to reduce stress and increase success rates.
When you register your apprentice for EPA with iPET Network, we’ll guide you through the timeline, documentation, and preparation—ensuring your apprentice gets the recognition they’ve worked so hard for.
Ready to Nurture the Next Generation?
Whether you’re just exploring the idea or already have a training plan in place, taking on an apprentice is a step toward a stronger, more sustainable future for your business—and the wider industry.
And when you’re ready for assessment, iPET Network is here to make sure every apprentice gets the fair, professional, and practical assessment they deserve.
???? Learn more about End Point Assessment with iPET Network: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk