This additional support will help the apprentice achieve the best possible outcome from the apprenticeship, improving your return on investment from training costs.
1. Prepare for the programme
Work with your training provider to understand the nuances of the programme in the initial planning phase. To ensure effective training and management, it’s useful to understand the learner journey and off-the-job training elements.
Preparations may include arranging the use of a quiet space for apprentices to complete work or identifying activities to be attributed to off-the-job-training.
2. Inform and engage line managers
It’s important to get the whole company on board with the apprenticeship programme, but especially the apprentice’s line manager. Arrange communications (for example roadshows, webinars or 1-2-1 meetings) with the relevant line managers to make sure they understand the programme requirements and check if they need additional support.
Lifetime creates branded engagement campaigns for managers and supervisors, to make sure they are fully informed of a new programme and how it works.
3. Onboarding and induction
A well-structured onboarding plan with clear and consistent communication is vital, especially with younger apprentices. In addition to your normal onboarding process, Lifetime suggests including SMART goals aligned with the apprenticeship programme.
Younger apprentices may need extra support to understand their roles and responsibilities in the workplace.
4. Apprentice mentoring
Assign an apprentice mentor to provide professional support throughout the programme. Launching a mentoring programme has had a positive effect on apprentice retention in employers working with Lifetime.
Professional support in this way will build the expertise and confidence of the apprentice and helps continued personal development, especially in young or inexperienced apprentices.
5. Regular one-to-ones
Regular catchup meetings with mentors, managers or supervisors will help apprentices resolve any concerns or issues with the programme or role.
Alongside the support offered by employers, apprentices should receive a range of professional support from the training provider.
At Lifetime, learners are at the heart and there’s a huge focus on making an apprenticeship a supportive and structured experience. Learners have access to a 24/7 support network, a dedicated Learner Support Team, and a range of online life skills resources.
Additional Learning Support
Dedicated learner support teams provide give direct support to apprentices with additional learning needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. The support team have regular contact with the learner, with face-to-face meetings as required.
Support with Life Skills
Learners have 24/7 access to Life Skills resources to develop personal and professional skills beyond their apprenticeship programme. Resources include information, advice and guidance (IAG) such as managing finances, CV writing and digital literacy.
Apprentice support helplines
Lifetime apprentices can use a dedicated learner helpline 24 hours a day. The service will provide independent counselling and advice for personal or work-related issues.
Lifetime’s teams work to become an extension of yours, with expert support for both employers and learners. Find out more about working with Lifetime.