How to Hire an Apprentice
Have you ever considered hiring an apprentice? If not, it’s an option that’s worth thinking about.
An apprentice can support your fundraising efforts and make a positive contribution to your team but at a significantly reduced cost. What’s not to like about that?
You’ll also have the chance to nurture and support young people as they embark on their journey towards a career in the not-for-profit sector - and you’ll receive support from the government for the privilege. It’s a win-win!
Okay, so how do you hire an apprentice?
The process is different to traditional hiring, with T&Cs to consider. But fear not! We’re going to fill you in…
Apprenticeship? What’s that?
Apprenticeships combine work and academic study. They’re designed to help individuals aged 16 and over gain skills and knowledge within a specific industry or sector.
When hiring an apprentice, you must:
Pay them at least the national minimum wage
Have them work with experienced staff members
Help them learn job-specific skills
Allow time for study and training during the working week
Up to standard?
Apprenticeship standards outline how a specific apprenticeship will be delivered - namely, the duties your apprentice will perform and the skills they’ll need.
The government website provides a list of approved apprenticeship training courses with information such as:
Level of qualification
Typical duration
Amount of funding available
Helpful, right?
Once you’ve chosen an apprenticeship from the options available (Fundraiser level 3, anyone?), you’ll need to find a training provider and an end-point assessment organisation to conduct the final assessment.
Next, it’s time to advertise your apprenticeship.
What should you put in your ad?
The ad must clearly state that the position is an apprenticeship and include relevant information, such as the length, the training on offer, and the organisation supplying the training.
Other than that, the usual job advertisement rules apply. Write and format your ad in line with your brand guidelines and post it on job boards and send it to recruitment agencies. Pretty straightforward really.
Onto the next task…
Candidate selection
Once you’ve received enough applications, it’s time to shortlist the candidates.
Bear in mind that many applicants will be school leavers with little experience in applying for jobs and writing CVs. So maybe cut them a little slack when judging their applications.
Once you’ve decided on the shortlisted candidates, you can move on to the interview stage.
Agree. Commit. Move forward!
As with any hiring campaign, there comes a time when a decision is made, and an individual is offered the vacancy.
At this point, you’re required to create an apprenticeship agreement, including details such as the start/end date, the qualification being worked towards, and the amount of training provided.
In addition, you, your apprentice and the training provider need to sign a commitment statement outlining the training schedule, what is expected from each of the stakeholders, and how queries or complaints can be resolved.
If you’d prefer not to create bespoke agreements and commitments, there are templates available.
Once completed, you’re ready to move onwards and upwards with your new apprentice.
Ready to hire an apprentice?
If you’re looking to recruit an apprentice for your fundraising organisation, we can help. Get in touch on 0203 750 3111 to get the process started.