ONBOARDING WITH BALTIC
Now that you’ve decided you want to begin or advance your career in the tech industry with an apprenticeship, or your an employer looking for more information on what’s next – this page is here to offer support and guidance!
APPRENTICE
I’M STARTING MY APPRENTICESHIP JOURNEY
EMPLOYER
I’M AN EMPLOYER INTERESTED IN THE NEXT STEPS
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations on securing your apprenticeship! Now that you’ve received the good news and accepted the offer, here is what you should do next…
Download our Guide
Beginning your apprenticeship journey is a significant step toward building a successful and fulfilling career. Whether you’re a career starter or a career changer, having a clear understanding of what’s expected of you will ensure you get off to a positive start.
To ensure you make the most of this opportunity, we recommend downloading our Starting your Career Guide below. This comprehensive resource will ensure you can navigate your apprenticeship programme effectively – from understanding workplace etiquette to gaining essential skills.
Download the Full Guide to Starting your CareerReview the Details
Once you’ve accepted your new position, you’ll receive a confirmation email from your dedicated recruitment consultant and your brand-new employer.
Keep your eye out for this as it will contain details about your start day, what to expect on your first day and some important information related to your apprenticeship programme.
This email supports your transition into your new role, so make sure you take time to read, reflect, and understand these – doing so will get you off to a flying start.
Complete the Paperwork
As you will probably expect, there is some paperwork to complete before you get started! Your new employer and the Baltic Onboarding Team may contact you to ask for some additional information before your onboarding session.
Make sure you are on hand to complete any paperwork promptly and respond to requests as this speeds up the onboarding process.
Alongside other essential documents, you will also be asked to provide a valid form of identification (this could be your driver’s license or passport), your national insurance number and your bank details for payroll purposes.
Prepare for Your First Day
Starting a new job is an exciting time but we know it can be daunting. The best way to overcome any new job nerves is to be prepared – fail to prepare, prepare to fail!
Research the company and review your role and responsibilities, pack your work bag with any essentials, and prepare any questions you might have.
Ensure that you are prepared, ready to go and on time for your first day, this will make a good impression on your new employer. Good luck on your first day, you’re going to be great!
Your First-Day Checklist
Whether this is your first job or you just want to make sure you have everything in order before you start your new position, we have you covered! To help you get off to a flying start, we have put together a handy checklist.
If you’re travelling by car, it’s better to set off early to give yourself additional buffer time while you learn the route, find a parking space and judge the amount of traffic. Alternatively, if you are commuting by public transport, look up the cost and identify the best possible route.
Some companies have a formal dress code and some may opt for a smart casual approach. Either way, make sure you are aware and prepare an appropriate outfit ahead of time!
Make sure your commute to and from work suits your agreed working hours. Also, consider the length of your lunch break to be sure you have enough time to prepare and eat your meal.
Different businesses have different working hours, so ensure you know what your shift pattern is ahead of your first day! Some employers may offer 1-hour lunch breaks, however, some offer 30 minutes – make sure to find out so you have enough time to finish your lunch and get back to your desk!
Remembering your colleague’s names shows respect and helps you build positive relationships. Forgetting names may be perceived as a lack of interest or attention, so ask for the names of those you work closely with – especially your Manager!
Organise and bring any requested documentation as well as a valid form of ID, your national insurance number, P45 (where applicable) and bank details for payroll purposes.
Before you start your new role or during your onboarding session, you are likely to receive information about company policies and an employee handbook. Make sure to read over these and look over the company website to ensure you have a good understanding of your new employer and its values.
Using your phone during working hours is a big no-no! Before you start your day, either switch it off or turn it on silent – save it for your break!
If this is your first time in a 9-5 role, it may take some time to adjust. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before so you are ready to tackle the day!
YOUR ONBOARDING JOURNEY
Congratulations again on securing your apprenticeship with Baltic! 🎉 Welcome to the start of your apprenticeship journey. We’re so excited to have you on board. Let’s walk through the simple steps that will get you ready to begin.
Register with Bud Systems
First of all, you will receive an email from Bud Systems with instructions to create your account and complete your training registration.
To complete your registration, you will need to provide:
- Basic Personal Details
Including DOB, Address, & NI Number
- A Summary of Qualifications Held
- Any Support or Access Requirements
- ID Verification
- A Skills Scan
Complete Maths & English Initial Assessments
These initial assessments are a standard part of apprenticeship enrolment as they help us identify your current working level in Maths and English. They must be completed by all apprentices, regardless of previous qualifications.
Await Further Contact
Sit back and relax! A member of our team will be in touch again in the lead-up to your enrolment with more details on next steps. If you have any questions before then, feel free to reach out or check out this helpful knowledgebase article 😊
Onboarding Session
Next up is your Onboarding Session, our team will contact your employer to schedule this for a time that suits you. Once a date has been agreed, our Onboarding team will be in touch to confirm the details of the session with you and help you get prepared.
Prior to the session, you must have:
- Started Employment
- Completed your Bud Application
- Signed your Applicant Summary, Apprenticeship Agreement and Training Plan on Bud
- Completed your Maths and English Initial Assessments on Pass Functional Skills
Required Systems & EquipmentÂ
To ensure you get off to a smooth start, you will require:
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Word or Google Docs
- A Working Webcam
- A Working Headset
All of your training will be delivered on Microsoft Teams, so it’s really important that you have access to this. Please note, you can’t use a mobile phone to attend the session.
72 hours before the onboarding session is due to go ahead, our Onboarding Team will check in and answer any questions you may have.
The onboarding session is an important part of your apprenticeship, this is your official apprenticeship start date and the beginning of your journey with Baltic!
This will be conducted by your Coach, they will be responsible for actively managing your apprenticeship journey, making sure that you can develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you need to achieve your qualification.
During the onboarding session, you will:
- Learn what to expect over the course of your apprenticeship
- Get to know people on your apprenticeship cohort
- Submit your first Off-The-Job entry on Bud
You’ll also be required to set up a ‘my apprenticeship’ account through the .gov website, this will allow you to:
- Confirm your apprenticeship details are correct
- Access useful resources and additional support
- Understand what will be expected of you throughout your apprenticeship
You’ll receive a separate email with details on how to do this.
Around 14 days after your onboarding session, you’ll receive your full training schedule from your Coach and your starter review will be arranged.
If your course requires you to sit exams, the date for these will also be included and you will receive more information regarding this in due course.
And that’s it, you’re ready to start your apprenticeship journey with Baltic!
If you need any help prior to your induction, please call 01325 731 056 or email on-boarding@balticapprenticeships.com.
OUR SUPPORT CENTRE
At Baltic, we’re committed to developing you not only as a professional, but also as a person. Our Support Centre presents a range of useful resources that will help you develop your knowledge on important topics such as Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Safeguarding and Health & Wellbeing.
You can also use our Support Centre to contact our Safeguarding Team – anonymously or otherwise. Our Safeguarding Team are dedicated to keep each of our learners safe and protect them from physical abuse, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, cyberbullying, radicalisation, among other safeguarding concerns, and support our learners with their physical and mental health.
Visit our Support CentrePROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Safety & Welfare
Respect & Communication
Personal Improvement
Professionalism
Your First Day
The first day of any new job can be an incredibly nerve-racking experience. It’s normal to feel anxious and eager to impress, so take comfort in the fact that everyone in your new workplace will have been through this at some point.
On your first day as an apprentice, you will meet your new colleagues, have a lot of new information given to you (some of it will stick, some of it won’t – don’t worry!) and be generally busy learning the ropes and getting the hang of your new role.
In the blog below, we have broken down what you should expect on your first day so you can walk in confidently and relaxed, knowing that you are as prepared as you can be.
What to Expect on your First Day as an ApprenticeRESPONSIBILITIES
You
You are responsible for your personal brand and upholding your professional expectations.
Employer
Your employer is responsible for managing your job role, workload, sickness, lateness, salary & payroll.
Baltic
Baltic are responsible for your training, assessment, & escalating any concerns or issues.
Feeling Uncertain?
Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting but nerve-wracking time. It’s normal to have doubts about whether it’s the right choice for you. However, it’s important to remember that apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical skills and experience in a particular field.
Unlike traditional education, apprenticeships provide hands-on training that helps you climb the career ladder. They also offer the chance to earn a salary while learning, making them an excellent option for those who want to jumpstart their career without incurring large amounts of student debt.
Learn MoreMEET OUR TEAMS
RECRUITMENT TEAM
Our recruitment team will collaborate with you to understand your business and find your ideal candidate.
ONBOARDING TEAM
Our Onboarding team will discuss the required enrolment paperwork and will help you set up your Digital Services Account.
ACCOUNT MANAGER
You will be assigned a dedicated Account Manager who will offer dedicated support to you throughout the programme.
APPRENTICESHIP COACH
Our Coaches are experienced and trusted advisers who support, educate, advise and guide learners with their digital careers.
THE ONBOARDING PROCESS
Once the successful candidate has accepted the job offer and confirmed a start date, our Onboarding team will get in touch to discuss:
- A suitable date for induction onto the apprenticeship
- The paperwork that must be signed via Bud, prior to your apprentices’ onboarding
- Your Digital Apprenticeship Service Account
You will receive an email from Bud inviting you to register for the Employer Portal. The Employer Portal gives you an overview of any outstanding documents you need to sign, completed reviews, applicants being enrolled and learners’ progress on programmes. If you have any trouble setting this up, feel free to reach out to our team directly or check out this helpful article.
The Digital Apprenticeship Service is the portal where you can claim funding to pay for apprenticeship training and claim any government hiring grants. It is a mandatory requirement for a company to have a Digital Apprenticeship Service account and this must be set up prior to your apprentice’s onboarding session. For help with creating your account, check out our handy video located on this page.
The onboarding session is conducted by your apprentice’s Coach. The purpose of this session is to provide learners with an overview of the apprenticeship, to set the expectations of what they will achieve and explain how we will support them in achieving their qualification.
The session will take around 3 ½ hours, and will take place after the learner has started employment via Microsoft Teams. Only the apprentice is required to attend the onboarding session; they will be joined by up to 12 other apprentices starting their apprenticeships. This will be their cohort throughout the duration of the programme.
Within two weeks of the onboarding session, your apprentice’s Coach will arrange an introduction call with you to:
- Discuss the structure of the apprenticeship
- Outline what is expected from an employer
- Book in the first review session to discuss progress
Around 14 days after your apprentice’s onboarding session, they’ll receive their full training schedule from their Coach and a starter review will be arranged.
If they are required to sit exams, the date for these will also be included and they’ll receive more information regarding this in due course.
As a final note from us, there’s now an option to leave feedback for your training provider through your apprenticeship service account. Your insights are important to help us improve the quality of our service – so we’d love to hear what you think!
And that’s it, the onboarding process is complete and the apprenticeship is underway!
If you need any help prior to the induction, please call 01325 731056 or email yourfuture@balticapprenticeships.com.
SET UP YOUR DIGITAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE ACCOUNT
The Digital Apprenticeship Service is an online governement platform that supports employers across England to manage their apprenticeships.
Creating a Digital Apprenticeship Service Account is a mandatory requirement before your apprentice can enrol on their programme, so we’ve created a handy video to get you up and running on the portal.
If you need further assistance, our handy onboarding team are always here to help!
EXAMPLE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Every apprentice should be issued with a contract of employment which covers the whole duration of the programme – up to 15 months for level 3 apprenticeships and up to 21 months for level 4.
If you’re unsure what needs to be included in a contract, we’ve put together a useful guide!
Download Our TemplateOUR SAFEGUARDING TEAM
Debbie and Laura make up our dedicated Safeguarding and Support Team. They both play a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for our learners; they are trained to identify potential safeguarding risks and implement necessary measures to keep our apprentices safe from harm.
The team are available to contact for any concern during working hours via email at safeguarding@balticapprenticeships, via landline (01325 638142) for calls, and via mobile (07714765475) for calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages.
YOUR GUIDE TO MANAGING AN APPRENTICE
Managing an apprentice effectively is key to helping them grow and develop into a permanent member of your team.
From goal setting to mentoring, his guide helps you navigate the apprenticeship journey and get the most out of your apprentice.
Download Our Free Guide