Recruit your apprentice

Create an apprenticeship vacancy

Use the recruit an apprentice feature in your apprenticeship service account to create and advertise your vacancy. You can:

• add details about the job and apprenticeship
• set the pay and working hours
• add information about your organisation
• Submit your vacancy for approval

Once approved, your vacancy will appear on Find an apprenticeship, where people can apply.

Other ways to find an apprentice

You can promote your apprenticeship vacancy in other ways to reach potential applicants. For example, you can:

• Get tailored no-fee recruitment support from Jobcentre Plus
• hold open days and invite potential apprentices to visit your organisation
• visit schools and colleges to speak to students directly
• promote your vacancy on social media
• attend career events, like WorldSkills UK Live

To learn more about recruitment, watch our webinar.

Hiring school leavers

If you know when you need your apprentice to start

• Aim to advertise between September and January, before they become busy with exams.
• If possible, advertise the year before you need your apprentice to start, as fewer employers may be advertising at this time.
• Build relationships with local schools and networks to help you reach potential applicants.

If you recruit throughout the year or don’t know when you’ll need someone

• Contact local schools and build relationships with them so they can introduce your organisation to students
• Get tailored no-fee recruitment support from Jobcentre Plus
• Get in touch with local organisations, such as your Mayoral Combined Authority. They may be able to connect you with school leavers who are currently looking for roles.

Supporting school leavers

• School leavers may need additional support during their first few months of their apprenticeship.
• Consider assigning a mentor who they can go to for ongoing support and guidance.

Upskill an existing employee

Apprenticeships can help your existing employees develop new skills. If you’re thinking about upskilling an existing employee:

• identify what your team needs to learn and consider whether an apprenticeship could help
• support employees throughout their apprenticeship and give them the time and reassurance they need to complete their training

After selecting a candidate

Once you’ve selected your apprentice:

• make them feel welcome and part of the team from the start
• stay in touch with them throughout the apprenticeship to keep them engaged and motivated.

Explore further opportunities

Join the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) to connect with other employers in the network to share knowledge, best practices, and attend relevant events.

For additional resources and guidance, visit the Association of Apprentices for free content and resources, including work preparation.