Top Tips for Recruiting an Apprentice
Recruiting an apprentice can bring so many amazing benefits to businesses. From developing a motivated workforce to filling critical skill gaps, apprenticeships are a great way for businesses to attract new diverse talent, bring new perspectives into the organisation and promote a mentoring and coaching culture.
For all employers it is vital that they are able to recruit the perfect candidate for their business. Here we have listed some top tips to use when recruiting an apprentice.
Have clear career progression paths
All apprentices will be looking to grow and develop within their role. It is important that they are provided with a clear career path to follow and work towards. Apprentices are the managers of the future and will bring more value to the business if they are encouraged to progress. If you have previously employed apprentices with positive career progression it would be great to share their journey to demonstrate the potential of the candidate moving up the career ladder in the future.
Have an exciting job description
The job description is one of the first things candidates will look at. To attract more attention we would recommend listing the most exciting duties first to spark interest. Filing and generic day-to-day office tasks are sometimes an essential part of the role, however list these last if possible. The job description needs to make the potential apprentice passionate about the role.
Promote your business
Make sure to share the benefits of working for your business, for example:
What awards have you won?
Show that the potential candidate will be a valued member of the team
What makes your business different to others in the same sector?
What is the business culture like?
Promote the company’s values
Who do you work with? (any interesting/popular organisations)
What do your current staff say about working at your business?
Training to be offered
Potential apprentices will be interested in the training they will receive when completing the apprenticeship programme. To ensure they are aware of what to expect it is important to discuss the learning journey and anything they are expected to complete, for example 20% off-the-job training and End Point Assessment.
It is vital that the candidate understands they are not expected to know everything about the role. Make it clear that they will receive the necessary training to allow them to undertake their daily duties confidently.
Assign a Mentor
The majority of apprentices are aged 24 or under which means they are more likely to need guidance and training in the workplace. Assigning a mentor to work alongside the apprentice gives them the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their progress. This builds confidence as well as credible skills and can lead to innovative thinking in the future.
Interested in recruiting an apprentice? Speak to one of our Apprenticeship advisors today.
Dylan Hopper:
dylan.hopper@learningskillspartnership.com
01482 338844
Employer Incentives
Following recent changes employers are now eligible for a cash grant of £3,000 when recruiting an apprentice of any age until 31st January 2022.
This incentive payment is in addition to the £1,000 for new apprentices aged 16-18. Meaning some employers could receive a total of £4,000!
Visit our blog to find out why now is a great time to recruit apprentices into your business.