It is important that employers are aware of the expectations and duties that come with hiring an apprentice. An apprenticeship is a minimum of 12 months in which employers will be required to support their apprentice through their training and nurture them within the business.
In this blog, we’ll outline the kinds of support that apprentices typically expect from their employer, and share some of our top tips for running a great apprenticeship scheme in your organisation.
1. Provide Apprenticeship Support & Mentoring
In addition to the technical training and coaching apprentices receive from their training provider, learners will also require support in the workplace. Usually, this takes the form of a workplace mentor who can support your apprentice, passing on their knowledge and answering questions as they arise in day-to-day tasks and activities.
Read More: What is My Role as a Manager and Mentor to an Apprentice?
2. Present Real-World Responsibilities
An apprentice should be given real tasks and responsibilities in relation to their apprenticeship programme and job role. This will allow them to grow their knowledge in the industry and contribute to overall business goals and objectives, while still learning new skills.
3. Show an Interest In Your Apprentice’s Development
Employers should take interest and understand the apprenticeship programme and its content. This will get the most out of the apprentice, encouraging their development and tailoring their tasks to complement the training and the apprentice’s needs.
Related article: Why should Managers Attend Review Calls?
4. Create Opportunities to Build Experience
Apprentices can have a range of experience in their chosen apprenticeship programme. This can range from self-taught skills to past work experience in the industry.
Usually an apprentice will be a beginner in their field, and for many learners this can be their first time in a real working environment. Therefore, it is important that your apprentice is given opportunities to explore areas of interest and get involved in projects that cross-over with insights from their technical training.
5. Follow Apprenticeship Rules for Employers
Apprentices have the same employment rights as any other employee, including the right to sick pay, holiday entitlement, and access to employee benefit schemes. You can find out more and ensure you’ve got everything covered in our guide to apprentice’s employment rights.
What do Apprentices Expect from Their Employers?
To make sure you’re delivering on apprentice’s expectations, you need to reflect on their motivations. Most apprentices – whether they’re just starting out in the workplace or completely changing career – are looking for an opportunity to learn new skills, build experience and professional networks within an industry that excites them, and kickstart a long term career.
If you keep this in mind, you can’t go far wrong. With the right support, guidance and mentoring, you can transform someone with a passion for learning into a loyal and highly skilled employee who can thrive within your business during their apprenticeship and beyond.