Sole Trader

Does the principal of the company want to be an apprentice ? if so no you can't do this. But their staff can be.

I think the term Sole Trader is not the right term here. A sole trader is someone who is indistinguishable from their employment e.g. a person who works on their own as a builder, baker or cabinet maker (other jobs are available)

To get philosophical a sole trader can't have an apprentice as once they have an apprentice they are no longer a sole trader ?

With 12 employees this person sounds more like a sole principal and can't be an apprentice as neither a sole principal nor a sole trader have someone to manage them.

Thanks Ray, this was exactly my point that I have raised re sole trader.

It is the individuals who are employed who wish to complete an apprenticeship but the company is not on companies house due to them stating they are a sole trader?

Only limited companies have register at Companies House, we certainly do not expect our employers to appear there, if we did we would not have many construction apprentices !

To get an AS account they have to link to their PAYE ? would this not prove their validity ?

It does, I was over thinking the sole trader, really appreciate your responses thank you :)