Question: Can employers recruit and start new apprenticeships during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
section_headers: Apprenticeship levy and service frequently asked questions
Should employers use the ‘Stop’ or ‘Pause’ apprentice facility in the apprenticeship service?
section_content: In circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19), employers should use the
‘Pause’ function in the service. Employers must ONLY use the ‘Stop’ function
when they are certain that training will not resume at any point. Using
‘Pause’ will stop payments temporarily, and allow the employer and apprentice
to resume the apprenticeship at a later date.
We are reviewing options to simplify the process of re-starting apprentices on
the service, including to facilitate a transfer to a different apprenticeship
or employer in due course.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This is answering a question about how to stop or pause a training program. It implies that apprenticeships can continue, but does not mention recruiting or what guidelines should be followed.
This seems to address the hiring of new employees.  I think that employers would appreciate this information, but I'm not sure if the question is really answered.

Reviewer ratings:
Could be Improved
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Maintaining education and skills training provision: further education providers
section_headers: Traineeship flexibilities
section_content: The current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation means that many trainees are not
able to carry out the work placement element of the programme due to social
distancing measures and employers being closed or having ‘work at home’
arrangements that are not suitable for trainees.
We want to enable providers to continue to deliver where possible given
traineeships will play an important part in re-engaging and supporting young
people to get back into learning and work following the coronavirus (COVID-19)
outbreak.
Where flexibilities are used, providers should record this and retain it as
evidence for audit purposes.
New trainees can start programmes during this period with programme aims
adjusted in line with these flexibilities.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
It answers the question of whether employers can start training programs, though doesn't really go into detail about how that can be done.
The answer does seem to say that people can start to be hired during this time.  The answer doesn't seem very direct about it though.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
section_headers: Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Can an employer recruit a new member of staff into the business as an apprentice?
section_content: Yes, an employer can recruit and start apprenticeships as they would have done
prior to coronavirus (COVID-19), if all personal and programme eligibility
funding rules can be met and the provider is still able to support this
activity.
It is important to note that an employer can only claim for furloughed
employees that were on the PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020. Therefore,
it would not be possible for an employer to recruit an apprentice after this
date where the intention is to furlough this person immediately and claim wage
support from the CJRS.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
The answer directly addressed the question.  It states that employers can recruit people as normal during the virus.
This directly answers the question and provides some detail about the practicalities.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent