Taking on an apprentice can be a rewarding experience for both the employer and the apprentice. However, it's important to have a well-structured plan to ensure the apprenticeship is successful.
With around 90,000 apprentices each year in the UK, this guide is for employers of apprentices to provide them with best practices for supporting their apprentice's development, from onboarding to their transition to a permanent role.
We'll cover topics such as:
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Structuring your apprenticeship training programme
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Your obligations as an employer
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Onboarding your apprentice
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Supporting your apprentice's development
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Transitioning your apprentice to a permanent role.
By following these guidelines, you can create a positive and productive apprenticeship experience for your apprentice and your business.
How can I structure my apprenticeship training programme?
Align with apprenticeship standards
To ensure your apprentice receives a comprehensive and industry-relevant education, it's important to align your training efforts with the specific apprenticeship standards for their role. Your apprenticeship training provider should be able to support you with this.
Develop a clear training plan
By setting clear goals, creating a detailed schedule, and prioritising on-the-job training, you can provide a focused and effective learning experience. You can lay out monthly goals in an annual training plan and regularly check in with your apprentice.
Of course, make sure it’s not too overwhelming, as they’ll have regular apprenticeship training too!
Work closely with the training provider
Regular communication ensures that your apprentice's progress is monitored, and any necessary adjustments can be made to the training plan. The apprenticeship training provider needs to know if there are any setbacks and skill gaps so they can help provide more support for the apprentice.
Provide additional resources and support
Foster a culture of open communication with your apprentice. This way, if they need something, they’re comfortable enough to ask for it. It's important to provide your apprentice with additional resources and support if they require it.
What are my obligations as an apprentice’s employer?
As an apprentice employer, it's important to ensure you’re providing your apprentice with the best environment, support and opportunities to complete their apprenticeship.
Here are your basic obligations:.
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Ensure a workplace free from hazards
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Promote a positive and inclusive culture
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Develop a clear training plan that combines practical experience with theoretical learning.
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Maintain regular communication with the provider to monitor the apprentice's progress and address any concerns
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Ensure the apprentice receives at least the apprenticeship minimum wage
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Provide the tools and materials needed for the apprentice to complete their tasks effectively
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Adhere to relevant legislation, including minimum wage, working hours, and health and safety standards
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Provide opportunities in the workplace to complete required tasks needed to pass the apprenticeship.
How to onboard your apprentice
Welcome and introduction
When you recruit an apprentice, a warm welcome sets the tone for a positive apprenticeship experience. Introduce your apprentice to the team, guide them through the workplace, and make them feel comfortable in their new environment.
Set clear expectations
Clearly outline the apprentice's role, responsibilities, and performance goals. Share the detailed training plan, which should include a mix of on-the-job and off-the-job training.
Provide necessary resources
Equip your apprentice with the tools they need to succeed. This includes providing access to relevant software, databases, and training materials.
Assign a mentor
A mentor can provide guidance, support, and answer any questions the apprentice may have. Regular check-ins with the mentor can help track progress and address any issues.
This can be someone like a manager or someone in a more senior position who they can feel comfortable speaking to.
Best ways to support an apprentice as an employer
Prepare for the programme
Before your apprentice starts, ensure you have a clear plan in place. This includes understanding the apprenticeship standards, creating a structured training plan, and identifying suitable mentors or supervisors.
Let the whole company know
Let your entire team know which of the new employees are apprentices. This will help create a supportive environment and encourage colleagues to offer guidance and assistance.
Foster a culture of support
A positive and supportive workplace culture is essential for an apprentice's success. Encourage open communication, provide regular feedback, and celebrate their achievements.
Good onboarding
A strong start is crucial for the progress of your apprentice. If you follow the onboarding steps we mention above, you’ll be able to support your apprentice from the very beginning of their journey.
Continuous support and feedback
By providing constructive feedback and celebrating their achievements, you can help them stay motivated and engaged. This can be through monthly catch ups to establish where they are in their progress.
How to provide an apprentice with progression routes
Hiring an apprentice is a way to build your business by supporting employees from the ground up.
To support your apprentice's post-apprenticeship career progression, consider offering opportunities for further development. This could include sponsoring them for higher-level apprenticeships or promoting them to a new position.
Additionally, create clear career paths within your organisation, highlighting potential roles and responsibilities that your apprentice could aspire to. Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions can help identify their strengths, weaknesses so they know what they need to do to progress.
What happens when an apprentice has completed training?
Once an apprentice has successfully completed their training, the decision to offer them a permanent role lies with the employer.
Many employers choose to keep their apprentices, as they have invested time and resources in their training and development. This investment often results in a skilled and motivated employee.
However, the final decision rests with both the employer and the apprentice. While most apprentices are keen to secure a permanent position, they ultimately have the choice to accept or decline the offer.
According to the latest figures, around 85% of apprentices stay with their employer, so you can be confident it's likely it’ll be worth hiring an apprentice for your business.
How can you ensure an apprentice doesn’t leave once the apprenticeship is over?
Hiring an apprentice is an investment into your business, and you want to make sure the investment is successful.
You may spend time and effort training an apprentice, but you want to make sure they stay on so your efforts are fruitful, and they can contribute to the development of your business.
To ensure your apprentice stays with your company post-apprenticeship, consider the following:
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Offer progression routes: Map out potential career paths within your organisation, highlighting opportunities for advancement and skill development. Research shows 94% of employees are more likely to stay at a company longer if it invests in their career development!
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Provide continuous learning: Offer opportunities for further training. Many apprentices may not have enough training/experience to find employment after a year.
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Offer competitive compensation and benefits: Ensure that your apprentice's salary and benefits package are competitive.
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Foster a positive workplace culture: Create a supportive and inclusive work environment where your apprentice feels valued and appreciated.
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Open communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your apprentice, addressing their concerns and goals.
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Provide mentorship and support: Assign a mentor to guide and support the apprentice throughout their career.
Read more: Do Employers Get Paid for Having an Apprentice?
How do you support an apprentice’s transition to a permanent role?
Now that your apprentice has completed their apprenticeship, it's essential to provide ongoing support and guidance as they progress into a permanent role. This includes open communication about expectations, responsibilities, and career progression opportunities.
Also recognise your apprentice might not be 100% confident just yet! Consider a phased approach, gradually increasing their workload and responsibilities to ease the transition.
Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions can help identify areas for improvement and close any skill gaps they might have.
Also, offering opportunities for further training and development can help them build the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their new role, especially for area they don’t feel confident in.
How can I ensure my apprentice is suited to the standards of my workplace?
To ensure your apprentice meets your workplace standards, collaborate closely with your apprenticeship provider to tailor the training programme to align with your specific requirements.
Also, thoughtfully consider the mentor you’ll assign to the apprentice. This mentor should have a deep understanding of the company's ethos and best practices, so they can train your apprentice up to meet your standards.
Read our blog on how to find the right apprentice for your business, to ensure your apprentice is a good match for your company’s needs.
How to find a good apprentice training provider?
When selecting a training provider, consider factors such as accreditation, industry expertise, track record, support services, and flexibility. Total People is a leading provider offering high-quality apprenticeship training and ticks all of the above boxes!
By choosing Total People, you can ensure your apprentice receives the best possible training and support. Contact us today for apprenticeships for employers services.
