It is mutually beneficial to both your company and the apprentice.
Your business can ‘grow its own talent’ by investing in apprentices. This will allow you to attract people who could become the future leaders of your company. Apprenticeships UK can also be a great way for young people to get started in the workforce.
Here are our top tips for welcoming new apprentices into the workplace.
1. Be prepared before they begin
Make sure you are prepared to help your apprentice join the team before they start. You should ensure that they have the right tools for their job, such as a computer with a good workstation, an email address, and log in details. Induction plans are a part of your preparation. They will outline what will happen during their first few weeks.
2. Enjoy their induction.
After your apprentice is trained, you should show them the policies and procedures that the company follows, including the organisational chart, health and safety procedures, and the vision and values of the company. The apprentice will quickly be able to understand the business and its importance by discussing the vision and values. Be patient and make sure your apprentice is fully understanding everything. They may feel anxious as this is often their first full-time job. Inductions are a great way to put your apprentice at ease, and make sure they feel supported in their new job.
3. Set realistic expectations right from the beginning
It is a good idea to outline the expectations of the young person at each milestone early in their lives. This could be at the end of their first week or month, and then what they should do to pass their probation period. This is also a great time to discuss how often you want to update them on their work, best practices in office communication and office etiquette.
4. Start them and reap the rewards
Apprentices are eager learners who can often learn quickly. With proper training and induction, they will be able to take on the new role with ease. Don’t be afraid to get them started with their core duties. You will be surprised at the value that your apprentice can add. This will allow other employees to coach and support them. If the individual is looking to fill a skill gap, apprentices can give life and energy to their employers.
5. Get feedback
It is a great idea to get feedback from your apprentices about their induction and how they felt supported. An organisation’s fresh eyes can offer valuable feedback about how things work and provide important learnings. Modern Apprentices are often a repeat job for businesses. It is worth establishing a process early in the process.