The advantages of hiring an apprentice

As a business owner, there's nothing worse than seeing your staff walk out the door, taking all their valuable experience with them.

Apprenticeship training is one way to avoid this. By hiring an apprentice, your staff can share their skills and contribute to the long-term success of your business.

Sharing the knowledge

Apprenticeship training utilises the skills and knowledge of the more experienced members of your team. It can also provide a succession plan for workers approaching retirement, retaining their expertise within your business.

In addition to on-the-job learning, apprentices also complete recognised training, which can help keep your business current with the latest industry developments.

Direct your future

Taking on an apprentice is an opportunity to train a staff member to your exact requirements and the commitment your business makes will result in a loyal employee.

Apprenticeship training also makes good financial sense, with graduated pay scales and government incentives making it an affordable alternative to hiring fully qualified staff.

Disadvantages

Training an apprentice is a hands-on process, meaning your staff will have less time to concentrate on their duties. This can be difficult for smaller businesses, where staff are sometimes stretched to the limit.

Apprenticeship hiring options

There are many ways to recruit an apprentice, including: 

• In-house: Your business controls the process and personally interacts with each applicant. This can be time intensive for businesses without a human resources department.
• Job networks: Government-approved providers can present your business with a selection of appropriate applicants at no charge.
• Recruitment agencies: Interviewing is performed by HR professionals and a shortlist is provided to your business. Make your needs as clear as possible to get the best results.
• Recruitment websites: Online services can give you access to thousands of job-seeker profiles, but your business will still have to sift through the applicants. 
• Group training companies: These placement agencies will supply your business with apprentices and manage the human resource issues.  

Who can be an apprentice? 

Anyone from students to unskilled workers can take up an apprenticeship. They must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or hold a temporary resident, working or temporary protection visa.

Also, consider whether your existing employees are interested in taking up an apprenticeship to learn different facets of your business.

Government benefits 

The Australian government will provide a variety of financial incentives when your business participates in apprenticeship training. Incentives are provided for: 

• Innovation and higher technical skills training
• Rural and regional skills shortages
• Disabled apprentices
• Mature-aged workers
• School-based apprenticeships.

The government also provides incentives to the apprentices themselves, from wage top-ups to training vouchers and extra Youth Allowance payments.

Get to work

Taking on an apprentice can be both personally satisfying and financially rewarding for your business. So help shape the future direction of your organisation by looking into apprenticeship training today.