Tips and Advice for welcoming apprentices into your workplace!
So you’ve hired an excellent apprentice, you have all the forms and contracts drawn up and they are about to start their first day at your company. If they are your first apprentice and don’t really know how to introduce them to the business, you’re probably wondering, how do I make their integration into the company as smooth as possible?
Well, here at 360 Apprenticeship we have all the hints and tips you need to get their journey off the right foot.
Give them a mentor!
Do you have a member of staff who is an exemplary employee?
Give them the task of mentoring your new apprentice and being on hand to give them initial help and guidance. The apprentice should feel supported and build their confidence in the role, whilst giving your existing staff member the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills.
Communication is key!
Make sure your apprentice knows you are approachable and can be contacted if they have any issues or problems. Just as establishing good working relationships with your employees helps maintain staff retention, the same goes for apprentices. They want to know that they are in safe hands and understand everything about the business. This may be a completely new avenue for them, so communicating to them regularly will make them feel more secure.
It is in your best interest to retain an apprentice once you have employed them. You may have invested money in their training with the goal of having a permanent well-trained member of staff upon completion.
Be Upfront
Set the expectations of professionalism early. For example, if your apprentice seems to be unsure of workplace etiquette have a chat early on about office etiquette. For example, no usage of personal mobile phones during working hours (not including staff lunches / breaks), arriving on time, dressing professionally and being aware of using professional language at all times in the workplace.
Setting Targets
Once your apprentice settled into their new role and become familiar with their responsibilities, we suggest having a one to one meeting to discuss their KPI’s and work objectives. This isn’t just a great way to let them know your thoughts, but to hear theirs too. Sometimes apprentices can feel nervous or ashamed to discuss problems in the open, so by having a one to one it may help them to express their worries.
Express the importance of speaking up and asking for assistance when they don’t understand or struggle with a task. Many apprentices don’t want to be a burden on their colleagues as they haven’t yet built their working relationships.
Giving Tasks
Don’t be afraid to set your apprentice complicated tasks. Often this will give them the opportunity to show what they are capable of, recognise which skills they need to improve and/or self-educate on. It is also a chance for them to ask questions about the task, which can then improve their confidence.
Giving your apprentice tasks where they can review the results or response upon completion, is a great way for them to reflect on their process and can motivate them to perfect or expand their on-the-job learning.
Feedback Feedback Feedback
Each apprentice is paired with a tutor from a training prover. Regular contact with the tutor will help you to see what the apprentice needs to do. They are there to support not only the apprentice with training, but yourself as an apprentice employer.
Giving positive feedback to your apprentice is important, not only so they can recognise their positive contribution, but so they feel valued and motivated to keep up the good work!
How 360 Apprenticeships can help
If you’re unsure on how to introduce an apprentice to your business, 360 Apprenticeships can help. We provide a free service from first point of contact to the successful placement of each apprentice. Every apprentice who is successful will only be placed with the best training providers (Graded 1 and/or 2 by Ofsted) so you know that everyone is in safe hands.
You can find out more regarding the apprenticeship scheme on our website. To speak to one of our recruiters directly, you can contact us on:
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