With around 430,000 students expressing an interest in apprenticeship opportunities, finding the right apprentice candidate can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This guide will walk you through the entire apprenticeship recruitment process, from choosing the right recruitment channels to understanding the financial incentives available.
We will be discussing:
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How to recruit an apprentice
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Financial incentives of hiring an apprentice
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The cost of hiring an apprentice
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Length of apprenticeship programme
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Who can recruit an apprentice.
We'll also explore the benefits of hiring an apprentice and how Total People can simplify your search.
The benefits of hiring apprentices for employers
Recruiting offers several key benefits for businesses: offers several key benefits for businesses:
Skills development
Apprenticeships provide a structured framework for training individuals in specific skills and knowledge relevant to your industry. This ensures you have a workforce equipped with the latest techniques and expertise.
Increased productivity
Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. They’re eager to learn and contribute, often leading to increased productivity and innovation within your team.
Improved employee retention
Apprenticeships foster a sense of loyalty and commitment. By investing in their development, you're more likely to retain talented employees long-term, reducing turnover costs.
Future-proofing your business
By hiring apprentices, you're investing in the future of your company. You'll have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to take on new challenges and ensure the continued success of your business.
How to recruit an apprentice
National Apprenticeship Service listing
The National Apprenticeship Service allows you to advertise your apprenticeship vacancy on their website to potential candidates. This is a great way to reach individuals actively searching for apprenticeship opportunities
Job sites
Similarly to any other job vacancy, there are a whole host of websites you can use to list them on, popular examples include Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library.
These websites can help you advertise apprenticeships to people who may not have considered that route yet. For most of these websites you’ll need to pay a fee to advertise your vacancy.
Recruitment agencies
You can also use recruitment agencies to find ideal candidates for your apprenticeship role. These agencies will often help you filter out irrelevant candidates so that you can spend your time interviewing the best-suited individuals. As with job sites, recruitment agencies often charge a fee to search for eligible candidates.
Total People Connect
Total People Connect is our own apprentice recruitment service, free to any businesses who plan to use us as their apprenticeship training provider. We combine the best elements of all apprentice recruitment techniques to help you find the best candidate for your apprenticeship.
We’ll post your vacancy on the National Apprenticeship Service website, on our own website as well as across our digital network of social media profiles, industry connections, and mailing lists. Our recruitment experts will then vet all the candidates so you can choose from the very best.
Learn more about how to recruit an apprentice in our helpful blog.
Do employers get paid to recruit an apprentice?
The Apprenticeship Grant provides a £1,000 in funding to employers for hiring apprentices who meet specific criteria. These criteria include:
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Ages 16 to 18
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Age 15 if their 16th birthday falls between the last Friday of June and August 31st
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Ages 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
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Ages 19 to 24 who were previously in local authority care.
This grant programme aims to support vulnerable young people and encourage employers to provide valuable apprenticeship opportunities to those who may face challenges entering the workforce.
Learn more: Do Employers Get Paid for Having an Apprentice?
Does it cost employers anything to recruit an apprentice?
It’s free for employers to list an apprenticeship on the National Apprenticeship Service website and via Total People’s Connect service. Recruitment costs only apply to employers listing their apprenticeship vacancy on job sites or with recruitment agencies.
Once hired, apprentice wages must be paid for by the company, while training costs will come out of the funds in the Apprenticeship Service Account.
How long do apprenticeships last?
Apprenticeships must last at least 8 months but may go on for up to five years, depending on the level of qualification that’ll be achieved upon completion.
Who can recruit an apprentice?
Any business or sole trader registered with the HMRC can recruit an apprentice. If you’re not registered with the HMRC, you’ll need to do so first, or you’ll have to recruit your apprentice through an Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA), who will employ them on your behalf.
Choose Total People to for apprentice recruitment
Finding the right apprentice can be a challenge, but Total People can simplify your search. We offer a free, comprehensive recruitment service to employers looking for an apprentice. Our team of experts will handle the entire process, from advertising your vacancy to shortlisting candidates.
We have access to a large pool of potential apprentices and will work with you to find someone with the skills and experience you need. Contact Total People today to learn more about our services and how we can help you find the perfect candidate for your business.
