How to Supercharge your Apprentice Recruitment

This February 2024 included National Apprenticeship Week. It wasthe 17th such celebration of apprenticeships.

This years’ theme was Skills for Life and Focus on Businesshas helped thousands of apprentices secure their first opportunity at gainingtheir skills for life through our dedicated Apprentice Recruitment System-JustApply.

Working with colleges as well as independent trainingproviders, we have built dedicated solutions that have matched learners withemployer vacancies and students with college apprenticeship opportunities.

Apprenticeships provide a valuable opportunity fororganisations to cultivate a skilled workforce while offering individuals intheir community a chance to learn, earn and grow in their chosen skillsets.

The introduction of apprenticeship Standards, written foremployers by employers means that those completing a role-relevant apprenticeshipare considered more rounded individuals who, as well as having the relevant technicalskills, also display behaviours and attitudes which their role, their industryand their employer requires of them.

And they are on the increase! There were 130,830apprenticeship starts between August and October 2023 - up by 7% from theprevious year, while apprenticeship achievements have also increased by 22% to37,400 compared to last year.

Benefits to employers of apprenticeships

With role relevant funded training, functional skillscoaching, mentoring and support from industry experts, it’s not hard to see whyemployers value apprenticeships. Apprentices can join straight from school orcollege and be trained to align their knowledge, skills and behaviours with a company’sculture or ethos.

Many businesses see the added value an apprenticeshipprogramme has over an in-house training programme as it comes with extrasupport, pastoral care, mentoring and regular coaching from a chosen trainingprovider.

Apprentice Recruitment

If you would like to breathe new life into yourapprenticeship programme this spring, then businesses should consider thefollowing strategies:

1. Develop a Comprehensive Recruitment Strategy

To be successful, first you need a plan. Start by creating awell-defined recruitment strategy that includes the positions that apprenticeswill fill, and which outlines your goals, target audience, messaging, andrecruitment channels.

Although they may not have much work experience, it is stillworth determining the qualities you are looking for in apprentices, being clearon what their daily duties and responsibilities will be, creating relevant jobdescriptions and personal specifications that clearly communicate yourexpectations alongside the benefits of joining your organisation as anapprentice.

A comprehensive career plan that can act as a roadmap foryour apprentice recruits is worth the effort. as well as showing themopportunities for development, it will help ensure consistency in yourmessaging.

2. Collaborate with Schools and Colleges

Forge strong partnerships with local schools, colleges, andvocational training institutions that deliver the sort of apprenticeships youare interested in. Attend career fairs, host information sessions, andparticipate in local apprentice recruitment events. Establishing connectionswith educational institutions in your area or that specialise in your sector willallow you to tap into a pool of talented students who are actively seekingapprenticeship opportunities.

3. Leverage Digital Platforms

Fundamental to any apprentice recruitment strategy is youruse of online platforms. First, ensure your organisation's website, careerpages and social media channels all regularly promote your apprenticeship opportunities.

Next optimise your digital presence and create engaging content that targetspotential candidates. Consider using video as a way of showcasing theopportunities you offer, with testimonials from current or past apprentices to demonstratethe benefits and experiences of being part of your programme.

Then select your apprentice job boards; there are multiple jobsites including the NationalApprenticeship Service (Find an Apprenticeship), NotGoingtoUni (NGTU), Find a Job, GetMyFirstJob, CareerMap, Total Jobs, Reed, indeed, plus social mediaplatforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook LinkedIn and others that you should consider posting to.

Once your apprenticeship vacancies are live, you will alsoneed to make sure that your recruitment team or training partner- if they aremanaging recruitment on your behalf is able to maintain contact and haveregular engagement with potential applicants through a variety of digitalinteractions. They will need to be able to answer questions, respond to queries,and provide timely updates, while also providing information on prospective interviews.

Finally, for the best results, implement a solution that canjoin all of these elements together, from your website to job boards and socialmedia channels to your applicant tracking system to provide a seamless experience.

The JustApply systemhas been designed specifically for Apprentice Recruitment and manages all ofthe associated admin processes from vacancy creation, advertising, screening,shortlisting and selection through to onboarding.  

Click HERE FOR A DEMO

4. Engage with Local Communities

Engaging with your local community can help create brandawareness and generate interest in your apprenticeship programmes. Sponsorlocal events, participate in community outreach programs, and collaborate withlocal organisations. By actively participating in community initiatives, younot only contribute positively but also showcase your organisation's commitmentto developing local talent.

5. Establish Mentorship Schemes within your organisation

For someone new to the world of work, a first job can bedaunting. Offering mentorship opportunities to your apprentices can be anattractive aspect of your apprenticeship programme. Mentorship providesvaluable guidance and support to apprentices, while helping them navigate theircareer paths. Utilise the network of experienced professionals within your workforceto serve as mentors. Highlight the mentorship aspect in your recruitmentmaterials and emphasise the long-term benefits it can provide to apprentices inyour business.

6. Provide Competitive Compensation and Benefits

To attract top talent, ensure that your compensation andbenefits package is competitive. There is a National Apprenticeship MinimumWage, but many employers choose to pay more than this and not unsurprisinglyreceive more applications Research industry standards and salary ranges forapprentice positions to ensure you are offering an attractive package.Additionally, consider providing additional benefits such as travel assistance,subsidised meals and definitely highlight opportunities for advancement or furthertraining.

7. Streamline the Application and Selection Process

Make the application and selection process as seamless aspossible for potential candidates. Simplify online applications by providingclear instructions and user-friendly forms. Streamline your interview andassessment process, ensuring timely communication with applicants. A smoothprocess will enhance the candidate experience and leave a positive impressionof your organisation.

FERMs JustApply is an end-to-end recruitment solution that offers colleges and training providers a customisable job board, applicant tracking system and sector specific CRM system all in one. 

8. Develop a Strong Employee Brand Proposition

Building a strong employee brand is crucial in attractingtop-quality talent, from apprentices all the way up to senior leaders.Highlight your organisation's commitment to employee development, career growthopportunities, and a positive work environment. Share success stories of pastapprentices and highlight their achievements within your organisation. Investin employee testimonials and showcase the impact apprentices have had on yourbusiness. Make these assets part of the recruitment process.

Conclusion

By incorporating these strategies into your apprenticerecruitment plans, you can supercharge your efforts and attract high-qualitycandidates who are eager to learn and contribute to business growth.

Remember to continually evaluate and fine-tune yourapprentice recruitment process to adopt solutions that drive efficiencies andthat adapt to changing market trends and evolving candidate expectations.

OurJustApply software offers a full apprentice recruitment package that posts vacancies, integrates with jobs boards, attracts, screensand supplies candidates for your apprenticeship roles.

If you would like to know more about this complete Apprentice Recruitment solution, get in touch

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