Set up the apprenticeship or traineeship

Having a new apprentice or trainee start in your workplace is an exciting time for everyone.

There are a number of things that you can do to prepare for their arrival, so that they feel welcome and ready to start their new career.

Here, we will give you some tips for supervising your new apprentice or trainee, as well as what you need to include in their induction.

As this may be their first job, or they could be starting out in a new industry, properly supervising your apprentice or trainee right from the first day will lead to a safer workplace and more productive worker.

Remember that workplace supervision is not only obligatory, it's also the best way to ensure they successfully complete their apprenticeship or traineeship.

Before your apprentice or trainee starts, you will need to consider who will be supervising them in the workplace.

So what makes a good supervisor?

Well firstly, they should be someone who is appropriately qualified to supervise at the right level and is properly designated to train the apprentice or trainee. They also need to be employed in the same workplace with equal or similar working hours to your apprentice or trainee.

The supervisor you choose should also make the apprentice or trainee feel supported and set clear expectations. They will need to not only deliver high quality training and mentoring, but also build rapport and demonstrate understanding.

Ensuring your apprentice or trainee is properly supervised will benefit your business in countless ways, creating a more productive workplace with more employees who can work independently, on a broader range of tasks, and at a higher level of quality and output.

It's all about starting off on the right foot, and helping you and your business grow.

The first thing you and your apprentice or trainee should do is complete a thorough and comprehensive induction.

This will not only help you get the most from your apprentice or trainee, but it's also the best way to ensure they start their new career in the safest, most well-informed way possible.

The apprentice or trainee's induction must be carried out during their probationary period by their workplace supervisor and your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (Provider). So what needs to be covered in a proper induction?

Well, here's a handy checklist of what should always be included as your apprentice or trainee is inducted into your workplace:

• an overview of the business
• a tour of the workplace and introductions to other employees
• an explanation of your apprentice or trainee's role and responsibilities
• expectations of all parties – employer, supervisor, apprentice or trainee, Provider, and the supervising registered training organisation delivering the training
• an explanation of working conditions including wages, working hours, start and finish times, dress code, breaks, leave and other entitlements
• workplace health and safety protocols, including fire and evacuation procedures
• everyone's responsibilities and obligations under the training contract
• administrative procedures
• who and where to go to if there's a problem.

Covering every one of these points properly will ensure your apprentice or trainee is fully prepared for the job ahead.

Remember, making your new employee feel welcome and part of the team is the first step in building a positive and productive work environment.

Visit our website to find out more at www.business.qld.gov.au.

Supporting Queensland small businesses.