What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with studying towards a work-based qualification, typically one day a week, from GCSEs or equivalent up to degree level. It usually takes between one and four years to complete an apprenticeship.
Adding an apprentice to your team can be hugely beneficial for your small business. It’s a great way to develop new skills, grow your business and foster loyalty.
So, how do I hire an apprentice? Here are some of the key steps you need to follow.
1. Register for a digital Apprenticeship Service account
Registering for an account at the beginning of your journey will make the entire process a lot easier when it comes to finding a training provider and recruiting an apprentice.
You’ll be able to use the account to:
- get apprenticeship funding
- find and save apprenticeships
- find, save and manage training providers
- recruit apprentices
- add and manage apprenticeships
2. Choose an apprenticeship standard
Think about which skills and training would be beneficial for your business in the future, or areas of your business you want to expand.
Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries, including IT, accounting, engineering and finance. There are currently over 550 apprenticeship standards to choose from. Visit the Institute for Apprenticeships for more information about apprenticeships standards.
The government has an online portal that you can use as an employer to find apprenticeship training options. Search by job role or area to see what will fit your business needs best.
3. Find a training provider
Once you’ve picked a course, your next step is to find an organisation to deliver it. The online portal will also show you different training providers that offer your chosen course. You’ll want to look at what they offer and choose the best fit for both your business and your apprentice.
If you’re unsure, having a conversation with your local college, or asking other businesses with apprentices about their training provider, can be a useful place to start. Your digital Apprenticeship Service account can also offer support here.
4. Organise your paperwork
Hiring an apprentice is much like hiring a regular employee, so you’ll want to ensure you’re up-to-date and compliant with employment law from the beginning. For example, employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement for all employers, as well as the necessary risk assessments and health and safety documents. Understanding the differences in contracts, such as the requirement to complete off-the-job learning, will help to make the process a lot easier and smoother.
5. Work out the costs
Before you jump into looking for candidates, you’ll want to run the numbers, such as training costs and your funding eligibility. Training costs vary depending on the apprenticeship standard you choose.
The FSB guide to funding explains all the costs and funding associated with an apprenticeship scheme, including training, wages and off-the-job opportunities.
Employers in England will receive an incentive of £3,000 for each new apprentice they hire, of any, age until September 2021. This is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment the government provides for apprentices who are aged 16 to 18, and those aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care plan.
6. Advertise your apprenticeship
It’s time to find some talent! Your job description should detail the qualifications offered, the typical duties that will be carried out and any experience or interests that are desirable. For example, if you’re hiring a customer service practitioner apprentice, you’ll want someone who is confident, a good communicator and manages their time well.
7. Interview for your apprenticeship
The interview process for hiring an apprentice is the same as if you were interviewing for a normal employee, except it’s likely they won’t have a CV full of experience and qualifications to back them up. That’s why they’ve come to you – to learn from the experts! Ask them why they think an apprenticeship is right for them, what they know about your company and where they see themselves in the future. You can use the interview to see if they show enthusiasm towards their chosen career path and if they’ll be a good fit for your team.
8. Sign an apprenticeship agreement
Once you’ve chosen your apprentice, you’ll need to sign an apprentice agreement with them, covering the length of employment, the training provided, their working conditions and the qualifications they will be working towards.
9. Write your commitment statement
An important aspect of an apprenticeship is off-the-job training requirements that employers and training providers need to meet. The government has a handy guide to whether an activity counts as off-the-job training. It includes activities like meeting with tutors, completing assignments or taking online courses.
A commitment statement covers this and must include:
- the planned content and schedule for training
- what is expected and offered by the employer, the training organisation and the apprentice
- how any complaints or queries will be handled
10. Get settled
Congratulations, you’ve got a new apprentice!
Starting an apprenticeship is both exciting and daunting, especially if this is someone’s first experience in the world of work. Help them to feel included in the team and make sure they’re familiar with their training course and what’s expected of them.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the Apprenticeships employer hub for more information about hiring an apprentice or learn more on the government’s website.
