Hiring the best talent shouldn’t be difficult. Get the timing right, by using some of the following tips, this should make the whole process a lot easier.

1 Investment / Business Plan

Be organised and build apprenticeships into your business plan. In addition, make sure you get buy-in from the rest of the business and don’t forget to explore all types of apprenticeships, not just entry level.

2 Salary

Make sure you pay your apprentices a fair wage and offer incentives, such as bonuses at certain milestones during the programme. If you don’t, they may be tempted to leave for somewhere that does.

3 Support / Mentoring

Make sure you have the time and resources to mentor your apprentices. This is of paramount importance for those new to the world of work. If you don’t have time to spend with them, neither of you will reap the full benefits an apprenticeship can offer.

4 Low Cost to Business

Did you know? If you are a nonlevy payer you only have to pay 5% of the cost towards hiring an apprentice.

5 Knowledge

Hiring apprentices is an ideal way to introduce fresh talent into the industry, creating a dynamic work force. Don’t forget to highlight the career opportunities available.

6 Recruit Early

Plan recruitment of apprentices early. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as all of the good talent will get snapped up early. As a minimum, make sure you post jobs on the Government website. It’s free and along with job boards, is the place most young people will look for vacancies.

7 Local Community

Get involved with a local school or college and attend one of their careers days. If you can, take a young person or a current apprentice with you.

8 Promote the Industry

Help promote the industry as an exciting career opportunity to the younger generation. To capture their attention focus on the interesting products we move rather than how we move them.

9 Relevant Apprenticeship

Make sure you place your apprentices on the most relevant apprenticeship for the skill set they need, rather than placing everyone on the same scheme.

10 Opportunities

Don’t forget to highlight the many exciting opportunities and career pathways for apprentices to explore once they have completed their apprenticeship, including international travel.

11 Apprenticeship Training Providers

Apprenticeship Training Providers deliver the International Freight Forwarding standard. Some may be able to help with recruitment and any questions you may have regarding funding as well.