15 tips for employing a plumbing apprentice

Transcription

1 15 tips for employing a plumbing apprentice

2 75% of UK tradespeople want the government to raise the number of apprenticeship places i TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

3 INTRODUCTION As an individual working in the highly competitive plumbing industry, you re no doubt always on the lookout for ways that you can provide a better service to your customers. Growing your business by hiring new employees may be the obvious choice, but it may not be feasible depending on your current financial situation. If this is the case, apprenticeships could be an option employing an individual aged 16 or over who combines working with studying, in order to receive a work-based, nationally recognised qualification on completion of the apprenticeship TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

4 96% of employers that take on an apprentice report benefits to their business ii TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

5 THE BENEFITS OF EMPLOYING AN APPRENTICE Employing an apprentice can benefit your business in a number of ways. 72% of businesses report improved productivity as a result of employing an apprentice, with the average apprenticeship increasing business productivity by 214 a week iii. When apprenticeships play a greater role in your future recruitment policy, you ll also save money on recruitment costs, experience lower staff turnover, and fewer skills-related vacancies. As well as this, hiring an apprentice reflects positively on your brand image, with 81% of consumers preferring to use a company which takes on apprentices iv. Above all, you ll be helping a young person to learn a skill and build a new career something that is incredibly important given the threat skills shortages pose to UK businesses v. So, now that you know the benefits of hiring an apprentice, read on for some tips that will help you grow your business by building a successful apprenticeship programme TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

6 Just 14% of plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters and other tradespeople have employed an apprentice in the last year vi TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

7 WORK WITH NATIONAL BODIES TO RECRUIT AN APPRENTICE Firstly, it s important to familiarise yourself with the key features of apprenticeships, and establish where they could fit within your future strategic business plans. You then need to find a provider that will deliver the training element for your apprentice make sure the training matches your businesses needs, and is both job-specific and transferable. The government contributes to the costs of training, and depending on the age of the apprentice, you may not have to pay for anything. Once you ve done this, there are a number of different ways to actually recruit an apprentice, and it may be helpful to contact your national apprenticeship body to meet with their advisors and discuss your needs. When interviewing potential candidates, bear in mind that the majority will be inexperienced. It may be better to take an informal approach and base your decision on their enthusiasm, rather than their past experience TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

8 Be clear on how the apprentice will fit into your future business plans and overall strategy Speak to a specialist apprenticeship body for advice regarding the recruitment of apprentices Opt for a more informal interview approach to meet the needs of less-experienced candidates TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

9 3.30 /hr The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage applies to all year-olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is 3.30 per hour vii TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

10 ADHERE TO THE MINIMUM WAGE AND INVESTIGATE AVAILABLE FUNDING An apprentice is an employee in your business and contributes to your organisation s objectives. For this reason, all apprentices must receive a wage. The government has implemented an Apprentice National Minimum Wage that is dependent on the age of the apprentice and where they are in their apprenticeship, and this should be adhered to. However, it s also important to remember that paying apprentices more pays off in the long run, and the majority of employers choose to pay their apprentices a significantly higher rate. And, as the skills of the apprentice develop, their pay should increase accordingly. To help with financing the apprentice, there are schemes available to support you. For example, if your business has less than 50 employees, and your apprentice is aged between 16 to 24, you may be eligible for a 1500 government grant viii TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

11 Find out the Apprentice National Minimum Wage that your apprentice should be paid Contact the National Apprenticeship Service to check if you re eligible for a grant Go above and beyond to demonstrate your commitment, for example offering performance-related bonuses TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

12 An Apprenticeship Agreement is required at the commencement of the apprenticeship for all new apprentices who started on or after that date, and must be in place for the whole duration of the apprenticeship ix TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

13 BE AWARE OF LEGAL REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES Once you ve hired an apprentice, it s important to be aware of all relevant legalities and regulations. Apprentices must be hired under an employment contract that follows a prescribed format, and these contracts are known as Apprenticeship Agreements. This is a legally required, written agreement between you (the employer) the learner (apprentice), and the training provider, and will include the conditions of both employment and training of the apprentice. It will also include a statement of the trade that the apprentice is being trained for (i.e. plumbing) under the qualifying apprenticeship framework x. It s important to remember that the agreement reflects the fact that an apprenticeship is primarily a job, rather than simply training, and means that the apprentice enjoys employment protection just like any other employee TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

14 Establish the information that needs to be included within the Apprenticeship Agreement Work with your apprentice s training provider to ensure the document represents their involvement Make use of pre-made templates to provide a basis for your Apprenticeship Agreement TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

15 A good apprenticeship needs to be a meaty experience, delivering tangible skills and mentoring in the workplace, leading to a return on investment for the employer and full competence for the apprentice. xi TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

16 PROVIDE AN IMMERSIVE, SUPPORTIVE EXPERIENCE Once the apprenticeship begins, it s your responsibility to build an effective and supportive programme for the duration of the apprentice s employment. Remember, the apprentice has committed to learning your trade, and they have made an active choice to learn on the job alongside you. You can build on this commitment by giving them appropriate levels of responsibility, whilst also supporting them to develop and succeed. This can be achieved by offering regular one-to-one meetings, setting goals and milestones, and creating clear progression routes for them to work towards. Above all, take care to provide a supportive environment for them to work in, and position yourself as a mentor that the apprentice can talk to regarding any issues or concerns TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

17 Provide a well-thought-out induction to help the apprentice feel settled and comfortable Identify clear progression routes for them to work towards Focus on creating a calm, supportive environment for the apprentice to work in and learn TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

18 79% of apprentices said that their career prospects had improved following their apprenticeship xii TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

19 PUT PLANS IN PLACE FOR THE FUTURE Following the successful completion of their apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive a nationally-recognised qualification. It s also likely that they ll continue to work for you, with 71% of apprentices reportedly remaining with their apprenticeship employers. This is positive news, as keeping your apprentice on will allow you to reap the full benefits of growing your own workforce. Put simply, your investment and support over the period of the apprenticeship will result in a more committed employee at the end of it. In fact, 82% of apprentices say their apprenticeship had improved their ability to do their job xiii. And, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of your trade, they ll also benefit from improved confidence and increased leadership abilities - important skills that make them better positioned for future roles TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

20 Create a plan for the end of the apprenticeship to ensure your apprentice sees the benefit of remaining with your business Continue to provide ongoing training and development once the apprenticeship has ended Give your apprentice additional responsibility to demonstrate your commitment to their transition into a full-time employee TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

21 CONCLUSION With apprenticeships offering so many benefits for the future development of plumbing businesses, it s clear that including them as part of your strategic growth plans will help to position you as a pioneer within your industry. By adhering to all legal regulations, and choosing reputable, industry-leading training providers, you ll be able to build a strong foundation for apprenticeships. And, although the task of offering apprenticeships may seem daunting, we re confident that the tips in this guide will help you to create a successful programme that shapes the next generation of talented installers TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

22 STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAMME Headstart is Mira Showers student training programme, delivered as a practical, hands-on half-day course. It gives students a broad introduction to showers, and is provided by lecturers with real-life experience of working in the plumbing trade. For more information about how Headstart can help you enhance the learning experience of your apprentices, speak to one of our experts on or Matt.Herbert@mirashowersuk.co.uk TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

23 TIP LIST Be clear on how the apprentice will fit into your future business plans and overall strategy Speak to a specialist apprenticeship body for advice regarding the recruitment of apprentices Opt for a more informal interview approach to meet the needs of less-experienced candidates Find out the Apprentice National Minimum Wage that your apprentice should be paid Contact the National Apprenticeship Service to check if you re eligible for a grant Go above and beyond to demonstrate your commitment, for example offering performance-related bonuses Establish the information that needs to be included within the Apprenticeship Agreement Work with your apprentice s training provider to ensure the document represents their involvement Make use of pre-made templates to provide a basis for your Apprenticeship Agreement Provide a well-thought-out induction to help the apprentice feel settled and comfortable Identify clear progression routes for them to work towards Focus on creating a calm, supportive environment for the apprentice to work in and learn Create a plan for the end of the apprenticeship to ensure your apprentice sees the benefit of remaining with your business Continue to provide ongoing training and development once the apprenticeship has ended Give your apprentice additional responsibility to demonstrate your commitment to their transition into a full-time employee TIPS FOR EMPLOYING A PLUMBING APPRENTICE

24 Sources i ii iii iv v vi vii viii ix xi xi xii xiii