5 Top Tips For Apprenticeship Schemes

An apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity for young people to be earning whilst they are learning! They have the chance to gain a significant amount of experience and skills from a vocation they want to be in. But how can you craft an exceptional apprenticeship program that truly stands out? Here are 5 top tips to get you started.

1. Finding The Right Support And Resources

Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. You’re responsible for making sure your apprentice works with experienced staff, learns job-specific skills and has time off during their working week for apprenticeship training. You can choose an apprenticeship training course and find a training provider or create your own apprenticeship opportunity using recruit an apprentice. To help you get started, it is important to find all the right information, support and resources. There are some helpful online tools from the government, the Institute for Apprenticeships and CITB for those specifically in the construction sector.

2. Promoting Your Apprenticeship

If you have decided to create your own apprenticeship opportunity, you can start promoting it right away. Use traditional and social media to engage with people about the apprenticeship and get in touch with local schools if you’re looking for younger students or local DWP for an adult apprentice opportunity.  You could even engage with local and trade press and create your own press release.

3. Finding The Right Apprentice For You And Your Business

You can hire somebody new or upskill an existing employer when looking for an apprentice. Apprentices must be 16 years or over, not already in full-time education (but can switch to an apprenticeship if they wish) and live in England. There is no upper age limit for an apprenticeship, giving people more freedom to change their career, no matter their age. You can manage the recruitment process yourself or work with your training provider to do so. 

4. Provide A Thorough And Welcoming Induction.

An induction is a great way to introduce your apprentice to your business and give them a chance to get settled into their new role. Go through the apprenticeship agreement with them and ensure this is reviewed regularly. Make sure your new apprentice has met all the crucial individuals at your business including their line manager, site manager and other apprentices. Set our expectations early and be mindful you might have to offer extra support if your apprentice is a school leaver.

5. Ongoing Support For Apprentices

Continue to offer ongoing support throughout the entire apprenticeship. This includes supporting positive mental health and wellbeing through recognition, creating community, empowering your apprentices and spending time with them to ensure their wellbeing. Make them aware of the resources available which may include introducing them to an apprenticeship network. Mature apprentices will have different needs that may need workplace adjustments. 

“Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to get into work and learn at the same time. It gives them independence and responsibility to manage their time between working and studying. They gain onsite/real world experience as well as classroom teaching.
Doing an apprenticeship grew my confidence as an individual by teaching me a good work ethic and how to prioritise tasks. My career has now progressed to site manager where I am continuing my studies to become a contracts manager.”

Fran Fordham, previous apprentice for Axis Europe Ltd.