How to Choose an Apprenticeship Provider?
Completion data is public, but rarely explained. Our Apprenticeship Performance Platform helps you choose an apprenticeship provider with confidence by comparing official government QAR data.
This table below presents official Department for Education Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) data to help employers explore and compare apprenticeship provider performance for 2024/25.
QAR data reflects the proportion of learners who successfully achieve their apprenticeship qualification, within the expected timeframe, helping employers understand provider quality when choosing an apprenticeship provider.
WHAT GOVERNMENT DATA IS SHOWN ABOVE?
The table above shows official 2024/25 apprenticeship performance data published by the Department for Education.
This is known as Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) data, which includes how many apprentices successfully complete their training within the expected time frame, how many remain on programme, and overall achievement rates.
This data allows you to compare how different providers perform across key success areas, and we hope our Apprenticeship Performance Platform makes their results easier to interpret when evaluating your workplace training options.
Speak to a Data SpecialistWHY PROVIDER PERFORMANCE MATTERS
SME Organisations
For smaller organisations, every apprentice represents a significant investment of time, budget and team capacity. If a learner doesn’t complete, the impact is immediate: lost time and the need to start again.
Larger Organisations
For larger organisations, the impact of provider performance scales quickly. Even small differences in completion rates can mean gaps across teams, disrupted workforce planning, and reduced return on investment.
OTHER MEASURES OF TRAINING PROVIDER QUALITY
While QAR data is a key indicator, it should be considered alongside other factors that influence programme quality and outcomes.
Ofsted inspections provide an independent assessment of a provider’s performance. Ratings and reports offer valuable insight into areas such as quality of education, leadership, and learner support.
Look out for providers rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ alongside detailed inspection feedback.
The quality of teaching, coaching and curriculum design plays a central role in learner success. Strong providers deliver structured, engaging programmes that support apprentices to develop relevant, applied skills throughout their training.
This will include clear learning plans, regular coaching, and practical workplace application.
Cohort size can influence the level of individual support apprentices receive. Large scale cohorts may limit personalised attention, while smaller groups can allow for more tailored guidance and interaction.
We’d recommend looking out for appropriate learner-to-coach ratios and opportunities for one-to-one support.
Effective apprenticeship programmes involve active employer participation. Regular progress reviews, workplace integration and line manager support all contribute to stronger learner outcomes.
A strong provider will facilitate structured reviews, support workplace projects, and encourage ongoing line manager involvement.
Industry recognition can indicate areas of strength such as quality, innovation, or employer satisfaction. While not a primary measure, awards can provide additional context when evaluating providers.
Look out for relevant sector awards or recognition linked to delivery quality and outcomes.
Apprenticeship Provider Performance FAQs
To choose the right apprenticeship training provider, employers should compare completion rates, achievement rates, quality of delivery, and how well providers support learners. Looking at apprenticeship performance data alongside factors like Ofsted ratings and delivery model helps ensure a more informed decision.
Employers can compare apprenticeship providers using official government performance data, alongside factors such as Ofsted ratings, delivery approach, consistency of results, and employer involvement. This helps build a more complete picture of provider quality.
Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR), sometimes referred to as achievement rates, reflect the proportion of learners who successfully achieve their apprenticeship qualification within the expected timeframe. You can explore this by provider or by apprenticeship programme.
Yes, apprenticeship performance data published by the Department for Education is based on verified learner outcomes. This makes it one of the most reliable ways to compare apprenticeship providers in England.
Completion rates show how likely apprentices are to finish their training. Lower completion can lead to delays, additional costs, and gaps in workforce development, while higher rates improve the likelihood of achieving planned outcomes.
A “good” achievement rate varies by sector and programme. However, higher-performing providers typically achieve above the national average, and results can vary significantly between providers. Please refer to the table above.
Apprenticeship performance data is published annually by the Department for Education, providing an updated view of how providers and programmes performed for the previous year.
Provider size can influence how programmes are delivered. Larger providers may run bigger cohorts, while smaller providers may offer more tailored support. Size alone does not determine quality, but it can affect learner experience and outcomes.
Lower results can be influenced by factors such as sector, job roles, learner support, programme structure, employer involvement, and how well learners are prepared at the start of the apprenticeship.
Performance can vary widely. In some cases, there can be a 20–30 percentage point difference between lower and higher performing providers, which can have a significant impact on outcomes.