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How to plan an effective apprenticeship scheme in your business
When you decide to take on an apprentice within your organisation, it is important to determine what you want to achieve by doing so. Apprenticeship schemes present a unique opportunity to develop someone interested in your industry and to build the foundations of a strong talent pool for the future as well. In the candidate-led market of today, it’s key to consider how the younger generation might support your business and industry to ensure the future of your teams. Competition is fierce, so encouraging young people to pursue a career in your industry is more important than ever.
So, how can you plan and implement apprenticeship scheme, and make sure that it is suited to your business needs?
Having a clear vision
Regardless of the position or your industry, having a clear vision of what you want your apprenticeship scheme to look like and achieve is the first place to start. Sit down with the senior members of the organisation to discuss the following:
- The areas of the business that would benefit the most from an apprenticeship scheme.
- What work they can do that will enrich them and teach them the most about the business, whilst helping you with output.
- Ensure that there is buy-in from the top-level down. If the senior members of the business aren’t invested in the programme, it is unlikely that you will get the most out of it.
Understanding the balance between learning and working
It is common knowledge that your apprentice will be working and studying at the same time throughout the week. It is important to recognise that their responsibilities will be stretched to cover both areas of their qualification. Hosting and encouraging open conversations around this area and offering the support they might need will help facilitate success. As a potentially very stressful time in their career, ensuring your apprentice feels able to share their struggles and challenges in managing workloads is crucial to ensuring that they are happy and healthy in your working environment.
Some pressures and stresses that come with work and study are expected, but being sure that you are there to support your apprentice through this is important.
Legal obligations: Setting your scheme up correctly
It is crucial to follow the correct legal obligations when hiring an apprentice. GOV.UK has outlined the key criteria that you need to follow when hiring an apprentice to your business:
- Select an apprenticeships framework or standard that is relevant to your industry and is at a suitable level for your business.
- Find and select an organisation that offers the appropriate training for the apprenticeship framework or standard that you have chosen.
- Check what funding is available to your organisation.
- Advertise your apprenticeship through online channels that are targeted to the right groups of students. Using Page Talent you can advertise your opportunities for free.
- Interview and hire your apprentice. Create an apprenticeship agreement and commitment scheme with them.
Following the steps outlined by GOV.UK can help to secure an apprentice that is right for your business. Upon hiring an apprentice, they must work with experienced members of your team, learn and develop job-specific skills, and undertake study during their working week. An apprenticeship scheme lasts at least a year, this can be longer depending on what the apprentice is studying, and at what level.
Advertising your scheme effectively
When advertising opportunities, it is crucial to target the right students who are either studying subjects that are relevant to your organisation, or specific colleges or organisations that offer study in your area. Targeted advertising is an effective way to reach those students who may not see advertisements on other platforms.
Using your hiring manager or talent attraction team, look at how best to target these individuals, and encourage them to apply for positions with your organisation. If you are interested in hiring top apprentices to your business, advertise your opportunities with Page Talent today.
