So you’re thinking about hiring an apprentice…
Taking on an apprentice is a great way to bring fresh talent into your business. Apprentices learn on the job while working towards a qualification, giving you a motivated employee who is keen to develop.
If you’re an SME or hiring your first apprentice, here’s what you need to know.
Understand the process
Hiring an apprentice involves several key steps:
- Choose the right apprenticeship – Pick a standard that matches the role you want to fill.
- Find a provider – They will guide you through funding and training.
- Recruit your apprentice – Advertise the role or ask the provider to help.
- Sign the agreements – This includes an apprenticeship agreement and a commitment statement.
- Start training – Your apprentice will work and study as part of their programme.
Find the right training provider
The first step is to choose an apprenticeship training provider. They will handle the training, assessment, and qualification delivery, while you provide the practical experience. To find the right one:
- Use the government’s Find an Apprenticeship Training Provider tool.
- Look for a provider that specialises in your industry.
- Check their reputation, employer reviews, and success rates.
- Contact them to discuss how they support employers and apprentices.
Know your responsibilities
As an employer, you need to:
- Pay at least the apprenticeship minimum wage (or more, if you choose).
- Provide a contract of employment and ensure fair working conditions.
- Allow time for off-the-job training, which must be at least 20% of their working hours.
- Support their development with relevant work experience and mentoring.
Understand how funding works
If your annual wage bill is under £3 million, the government covers 95% of training costs, leaving you to pay just 5%.
Depending on the size of your organisation and the age of the individual you hire, you may be eligible for 100% of the training cost to be funded by the government.
You may also be eligible for grants and incentives, such as a £1,000 bonus for hiring certain apprentices.
Complete the sign-up process
Once you’ve found your apprentice, your provider will help with the paperwork. You’ll need to:
- Register on the Apprenticeship Service to access funding.
- Sign the apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement.
- Agree on a training plan with the provider and apprentice.
- Confirm a start date and get them settled in.
Get started
With the right support, hiring an apprentice is a straightforward process. By choosing a good provider, understanding your responsibilities, and making sure your apprentice gets the right training, you’ll gain a valuable team member who can grow with your business.
Let’s grow your marketing team and build a brighter future for your business
Get in contact with one of our team to find out more and discover how your business can grow through apprenticeships!
Email us at: info@themarketingtrainer.co.uk
Call us on: 03301 338666
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