So, you’ve taken the plunge and hired your first apprentice! Here are some helpful tips to get you and your apprentice off to a good start.

1. Sign on the dotted line

Have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place outlining the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship along with the title of the occupation they are training towards and the qualification they are studying.

2. Make them feel welcome

Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking enough, particularly if this is your apprentices first ‘proper’ job. To help them overcome initial nerves introduce them to team members and run through the key company processes.

3. Identify a Line Manager

Your apprentice may work for different members of a team, however, it is important they have a single point of contact they can refer to for support.

4. Set clear goals & objectives

To quote Oscar Wilde “when you assume, you make an ass out of u and me.” Sharing expectations through clear objectives and goals puts everyone on the same page from day one.

5. Be approachable

Your apprentice may find it hard to ask for help, especially during the early days, so do set time aside to offer guidance and support. Give clear instructions when setting tasks and set deadlines until they know what to prioritise.

6. Be firm

Like any new relationship, there may be teething problems. Nip any issues e.g. timekeeping, in the bud from the get-go. Part of learning on the job is respecting office rules and procedures, your apprentice will need to understand this.

7. Monitor progress

You may not know the units in their qualification inside and out but do get involved by attending quarterly review meetings with their assessor. Showing interest boosts your apprentices’ confidence and helps you track their progress from the beginning of the apprenticeship through to completion.

8. Be an effective communicator

Diarise a weekly catch up, so you both know where you’re at with the main work tasks and invite your apprentice to relevant internal meetings to help them feel involved and develop their understanding of the department/company.

9. Enjoy the experience

Apprenticeships have many benefits including reducing your recruitment and training bill as well as increasing productivity.  You have an extra pair of hands to help you drive your business forward, so enjoy it!

For more information on hiring apprentices contact the recruitment team at DiVA on 0203 189 1784 or drop us an email hello@divaapprenticeships.com