Effective onboarding for apprentices: how to set the stage for success

This blog is written by FE and Skills Consultant Anna Sutton for the Association of Colleges (AoC) as part of the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme.

The AWD programme is funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the Education and Training Foundation in partnership with the Association of Colleges (AoC), Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), Strategic Development Network (SDN), SQW and University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC).

In the world of apprenticeships, effective onboarding is vital for setting up both apprentices and employers for success. Onboarding isn’t just a formality; it’s a foundational stage that helps ensure a productive and rewarding apprenticeship experience.

Onboarding can mean different things within the apprenticeship sector. For some, it starts at engagement and recruitment, while for others, it begins during initial assessment or on the apprentice’s first day. While interpretations vary, onboarding under the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme generally refers to the initial 42 days of the apprenticeship. During this time, apprentices are introduced to their roles, the apprenticeship programme, and the expectations of their training provider and employer. This onboarding phase also includes employer familiarisation with the programme and their responsibilities, creating a strong tripartite relationship between apprentice, employer, and provider.

There are several reasons why onboarding is so important. A structured onboarding process helps clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations for everyone involved, reducing misunderstandings and aligning all parties from the start. It also presents an opportunity to establish rapport between the apprentice, employer, and provider; strong relationships formed at this stage foster better communication and collaboration throughout the apprenticeship.

We know that when apprentices feel supported and informed, they’re more likely to take ownership of their learning journey, which fosters motivation and engagement and can positively impact their progress.

Fundamentally, the first 42 days of an apprenticeship are critical. Effective onboarding includes tracking engagement and progress and allows for early identification and resolution of any issues. This proactive approach helps keep apprentices on track and reduces withdrawals.

There are four key components of effective onboarding.

1. Pre-onboarding activities

Onboarding should begin before the apprentice’s first day. Pre-onboarding activities like sending joining instructions, completing paperwork, and setting expectations prepare apprentices for a confident start.

2. Induction sessions

A thorough induction covering the job role, training plan, and key policies (such as safeguarding and welfare) is essential. This is also the time to introduce apprentices to learner management systems and outline off-the-job training requirements.

3. Establishing support systems

Providing a support structure is key. Assigning mentors or sharing resources that guide apprentices through their new environment ensures they know where to go for advice and guidance.

4. Setting expectations for tripartite reviews

Regular check-ins with the apprentice, employer and training provider are essential for tracking progress and addressing concerns. From the beginning, apprentices and employers should understand the importance of these reviews and their role in them.

Encouraging feedback from apprentices and employers on the onboarding experience is a valuable way to continually refine and improve the process. This feedback loop helps ensure onboarding practices meet everyone’s needs effectively.

Training providers play a pivotal role in facilitating successful onboarding. They guide employers in understanding the apprenticeship standard, training plan, and ways to support their apprentices. Providers also equip employers with resources, templates, and ongoing support, ensuring everyone involved feels prepared and confident.

Effective onboarding is much more than a formality; it’s a foundational element that can make a profound impact on apprenticeship success. By investing in a well-rounded onboarding process, apprenticeship providers enable apprentices and employers to navigate the programme’s complexities, fostering a partnership that leads to successful achievement and workplace competence.

If you’re interested in learning more about how effective onboarding can benefit you, your apprentices, and your employers, please join one of the AWD onboarding sessions to explore this further.