Taking on an apprentice is mutually beneficial for your business and your new employee.

Investing in apprentices, allows your business to ‘grow your own talent’, with people who can become the future of your organisation. Apprenticeships are also a great way to support the economy and provide a young person an excellent start in the world of working.

We’ve pulled together our top tips into welcoming a new apprentice into the workplace and getting them off to a flying start.

1. Prepare before they start

Prior to your apprentice starting, put aside some time to get prepared for them joining the team. Ensure they have all the tools to do their job such as; an effective workstation, email address and log in details. As part of your preparation ideally have an induction plan ready, outlining what will happen in their first few weeks, such as meeting the team and on the job training.

2. Take time with their induction

Once your apprentice has started, take time to show them the relevant policies and procedures of the business, such as health and safety procedures, an organisational chart and the companies vision and values. From taking some time to discuss the vision and values, the apprentice can quickly understand the business they are working for and how important it is. Ensure to remain patient during this time and check your apprentice understands everything. This can often be their full-time first job and they may be feel nervous. A well carried out induction will help put your apprentice at ease and ensure they feel supported in their new role.

3. Manage expectations from the start

It’s a good idea early on to outline what is expected of the young person at key milestones. Such as by the end of their first week, month, quarter and then importantly what they need to do to ensure they pass their probation period. It's also a good time to outline how regularly you will want an update on their workload, best practice in terms of communication in the office and general office etiquette.

4. Get them started and enjoy the benefits
Apprentices are enthusiastic and often quick learners and with a proper induction and training, they will take on their new role with ease. So don’t hesitate in getting them started on their key duties, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much value your new apprentice can bring. It will also allow others in the business to provide support and coaching them. Apprentices can bring a new lease of life to organisations if the person is filling a skill gap shortage.

5. Ask for feedback
It’s really valuable to ask your new apprentice for feedback on their induction process and how supported they’ve felt. Fresh eyes in an organisation can provide valuable feedback on how things are done, provide key learnings and things to improve on. Often when a business takes on a Modern Apprentice this is something they do again and again, hence it’s worthwhile putting an effective process in place early on.