How to hire the right apprentice

 

Hiring the right trade apprentice can be a challenge but find the right one and you could reap the rewards. From the get-go, a willingness to learn has to be key in your new recruit, business owner and tradie Jon Hols, says.

“A keenness and an eagerness to learn are really important because you’re investing your time teaching them,” Jon, director of Mint Floors & Shutters in Sydney, says. “If they don’t show they’re eager and keen to take on that learning, the relationship can be soured and not as fruitful.”

According to Peter Gilchrist, executive director at Apprenticeship Support Australia, NSW, the problem with finding the right talent actually starts with enticing young people into the workforce.

“Lack of awareness about opportunities and career prospects that follow an apprenticeship constantly comes up in our research,” Peter says. “Apprenticeship Support Australia recently surveyed more than 1000 Australian apprentices who quit their apprenticeship before completion and 75 per cent of those said there was not enough information about their chosen career before they started.”

Benefits of hiring trade apprentices

With an apprenticeship running from 12 months to four years, you want to get the right person to fit your team. There are many benefits to hiring trade apprentices, but according to the Apprenticeships Support Australia there are a few reasons you should consider adding to your team:

1. They bring new energy: Gain an enthusiastic and ready-to-learn new starter on your team
2. More hands make light work: You’ll have an extra pair of hands for overflow work, and you can train them to meet your business’s current and future needs
3. Watching them grow: As you train them, their development can be super rewarding
4. Government incentives: You may also be eligible for financial incentives
5. Cost effective: It’s better on the hip pocket to hire an apprentice and train them up – even better if they stay on with the business long-term

How to hire the right apprentice: what to look for

Trade apprentices generally come straight out of school and, while it might sound obvious, basic communication skills are important.

“Communication and collaboration are a must for most employers,” Peter says. “Most jobs require working in a team to some capacity, so it’s a valuable skill in most apprenticeships.”

He also says punctuality and manners matter.

“Employers expect an apprentice to show up at work on time, properly use their working hours and say things such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, no matter the experience or title.”

Most of all though, the right attitude is essential.

“You can teach skills, but not attitude. An open mind, willingness to learn, and cooperation are things that all employers seek across all industries and levels,” Peter says. “A good apprentice is motivated, eager to learn and brings a positive attitude to work. They can also work independently and with their team, and always look for ways to better themselves and their craft.”

Jon says he had an apprentice win the Australian Timber Flooring Association Apprentice of the Year Award a few years ago, and the qualities that apprentice possessed were there from the beginning.

“He showed attention to learning and attention to being polite to customers, because we’re service-based,” Jon says. “It was also about putting in some effort, taking on new skills and testing out his new skills, and being able to progress in his training.”

How to get an apprentice

Someone with those qualities sounds like a dream hire, right? Well, that talent is out there. You can look at job fairs, school partnerships or your personal network to find talent, but Peter suggests going through online job platforms. Apprenticeship Support Australia’s Skillsroad career hub has a jobs board that specifically targets young jobseekers.

Apprenticeship Support Australia, which is contracted by the Australian government to provide skills development advice to businesses, can also show you how to access government incentives for training and help match and recruit new staff, and it’s all at no cost to your business.

Jon also suggests not overlooking the obvious avenues when looking for apprentices.

“Your trade industry body is a very good place to source apprentices,” he says. “For us, that’s the Timber and Building Materials Association [now part of the National Timber and Hardware Association]. Industry bodies are a really good place to start, because people who are keen will go there.”

He also suggests forming relationships with local school and TAFE teachers. Of course, Apprenticeship Support Australia can also help with connections.

“If you don’t have the connections in place, or time to make them with local schools and TAFE, connect with your Apprenticeship provider like Apprenticeship Support Australia, we have connections our clients can build on,” Peter says.

How to keep an apprentice

Retaining good apprentices can be as challenging as finding them – Apprenticeship Support Australia’s research found apprentices who quit before finishing their apprenticeships cited a lack of support and guidance from their employer as one of the critical reasons for throwing in the towel. On top of that, 22 per cent of apprentices wanted their employer to be more present and approachable, 18 per cent wanted open and honest communication, and 17 per cent wanted hands-on training.

“They’re generally young when they start, so they still haven’t learnt life skills,” Jon says. “It’s not just teaching them how to do the trade – there’s also so much life stuff you need to teach them.”

Peter agrees that having a good relationship is crucial for helping your apprentice develop the skills they will need.

“Showing support to apprentices right from the start is essential,” Peter says. “Regular catchups, offering a mentor or buddy and showing consistent support are great ways to kick off a successful onboarding strategy.”

Apprenticeship Support Australia can support your business to provide Mentoring of your Apprentices. We have experienced Mentors and provide this service to many of our apprentices and employers.

Your obligations after hiring a trade apprentice

You’ve picked the right candidate to join your team – now it’s time to work alongside them to give them the best possible start, while keeping up your end of the bargain, too. As an employer you should: