Apprenticeships are often associated with new starters, school leavers or people taking their first step into work.
However, apprenticeships can also be used to support existing employees.
For many employers, this is one of the most valuable ways to use apprenticeship training. It allows businesses to develop people who already understand the organisation, its customers, its processes and its culture.
At Linden, we work with employers to provide apprenticeship training that supports real workplace development.
Whether you want to upskill existing staff, support internal progression or develop future team leaders, apprenticeships can provide a structured route forward.
Can Existing Employees Start an Apprenticeship?
Yes! Existing employees can do an apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship is not only for someone new to the business. It can be used to help a current employee develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours linked to their role.
This could include an employee who is ready to take on more responsibility, someone moving into a new department, or a team member who would benefit from more structured workplace training.
According to Department for Education apprenticeship data, apprentices employed for more than 12 months accounted for 43.8% of starts in 2024/25, where length of employment was known. This shows that apprenticeships are already widely used to support existing members of staff, not just new recruits.
Why Put Existing Staff on an Apprenticeship?
Existing employees often have strong knowledge of the business, but may need additional support to progress.
For example, they may be excellent in their current role but need help developing management, customer service, administration or leadership skills.
Apprenticeship training can help employees build confidence and capability while continuing to work in their existing role. This means the business benefits from their contribution while they develop.
For employers, this can be particularly useful when trying to reduce skills gaps, retain good people and build a more capable workforce from within.
Apprenticeships Can Support Career Progression
One of the main benefits of apprenticeship training is that it gives employees a clear development path.
An existing employee may be ready to move from team member to supervisor, from administrator to coordinator, or from operational support into a more senior role.
For example, Linden offers apprenticeship training across areas such as Leadership and Management, Business Services and Customer Service.
These programmes can help employees develop skills that are directly relevant to their workplace, while giving employers a more structured way to support internal progression.
Apprenticeship Training Can Help Improve Retention
When employees feel that their employer is investing in them, they are more likely to feel valued.
Apprenticeship training can show employees that there is a future for them within the organisation. It gives them the opportunity to learn, progress and build confidence while remaining part of the team.
For employers, this can support retention and reduce the need to rely entirely on external recruitment.
Instead of only hiring new people to fill skills gaps, apprenticeship training can help businesses develop talent they already have.
How Does the Training Work Alongside Their Role?
Apprenticeship training is designed to combine work-based learning with structured training.
The employee continues in their role while developing skills linked to their apprenticeship standard. Their learning is supported by a training provider, with progress reviewed throughout the programme.
At Linden, we work with employers to make the process clear and manageable. You can find out more about the process on our How It Works page.
The aim is to make sure the training is relevant to the employee’s role and useful for the wider organisation.
What Types of Existing Employees Could Benefit?
Apprenticeship training may be suitable for employees who:
Are ready to take on more responsibility
Need support developing leadership or management skills
Work in customer-facing roles
Support business administration or operations
Are moving into a new role
Would benefit from structured professional development
Have potential but need more confidence or formal training
The right apprenticeship route will depend on the employee’s role, current skill level and future development goals.
Speak to Linden About Upskilling Existing Staff
If you are considering apprenticeship training for existing employees, Linden can help you understand your options.
We have supported employers with apprenticeship training since 1995, helping organisations choose programmes that are practical, relevant and manageable for the workplace.
Contact Linden to discuss how apprenticeships could support your existing team.
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