Wondering how to take on an apprentice, but not sure where to start?
Here at Damar Training, we believe that apprenticeships are a fantastic way to bring fresh talent and new perspectives into your business. In this post, we’ll break down each step you should take and provide you with all the essential information you need to confidently welcome an apprentice into your team.
How to take on an apprentice: A step-by-step guide
If you’re an employer taking on an apprentice, then you’ll need to consider the following:
- Selecting the right apprenticeship programme
- Funding the training
- Choosing a training provider.
Here are some steps that employers should take when looking to take on an apprentice:
1. Identify the role
Before you think about recruitment, you’ll need to identify the role that the apprentice would fit into. Define why you need an apprentice. It could be an entry-level position that you want to support with extra training or a hard-to-fill role. Think about questions such as:
- What are your team’s current skill gaps?
- What tasks could an apprentice take on?
- What level of apprenticeship is appropriate?
- Who will mentor and support them?
2. Consider apprenticeship rules
Next, you’ll need to keep in mind eligibility requirements and the basic rules for employing an apprentice. Apprentices have all the rights of your existing employees and must be 16 years or older. You must pay at least the apprenticeship minimum wage during the first year of their programme. After that will depend on their age. You can find out more about other incentives in our blog on whether employers get paid for having an apprentice.
3. Choose the apprenticeship
Now it’s time to find the right apprenticeship programme for the role and your organisation. There are hundreds of apprenticeship programmes available for virtually every industry and position across a variety of levels, from entry-level through to senior leader. Here at Damar, we offer a variety of business and professional apprenticeship programmes including accounting and travel.
4. Find an apprenticeship provider
Once you’ve identified the apprenticeship you want to offer, the next step is to find a training provider who delivers the programme. This provider will be your partner throughout the apprenticeship journey, delivering the essential off-the-job training and providing support and guidance to the apprentice and their line manager. We can also help with your apprentice recruitment. Find out more about us here.
5. Explore funding options
The government provides significant funding to make apprenticeships a highly cost-effective way to develop your workforce. SMEs receive government funding for 95-100% of apprenticeship training costs whilst larger employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy to fund the training.
6. Recruit your apprentices
Now it’s time to recruit some talent! Some training providers, including Damar Training, offer a free recruitment service for our employers. We can help you write job adverts and place them on appropriate job boards such as Get My First Job and the government’s Find an Apprenticeship website.
7. Get enrolled
There will be some paperwork to complete with the training provider and the apprentice, including signing of the apprenticeship agreement. The apprentice will then be enrolled and ready to start their apprenticeship journey.
Use Damar to take on an apprentice
We hope that these tips have given you a bit more guidance and information on what to expect when taking on a new apprentice. Trust our team here at Damar to be the provider for you. Listen to how one of our clients used Damar to ensure a smooth sailing transition of new employees:
“Damar Training’s communication throughout the process has been excellent, providing updates and feedback. Another highlight was the quality of candidates they sourced. Each individual brought unique strengths and experiences to the table, showcasing Damar Training’s ability to identify impressive candidates within the industry.
“Overall, I couldn’t be happier with Damar Training’s recruitment services. They exceeded our expectations in every aspect and played a pivotal role in helping us build a strong team for the future.”
Rebecca Jordan, Relationship Manager at FDM Solicitors
Feeling ready to take on an apprentice? Get in touch with our expert team and let us assist you through the process!