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In the final segment of the “Supervising Your Apprentice”, presenter Scott Cam summarises some of the most important steps and advice for when an employer takes on a new apprentice or trainee.

First, the employer should give the apprentice or trainee a proper introduction to the workplace. The supervisor should explain what the business does and where the apprentice fits into the operations. The supervisor should also explain the rules and regulations of the workplace, including policies for sick leave. The apprentice and employer should discuss health and safety on the job, with the supervisor explaining any regulations and safety precautions. The supervisor should also give the apprentice or trainee a tour of the workplace, introducing them to other employees.

After becoming familiar with the workplace, the employer and apprentice should devise a roadmap of the training plan. This roadmap should outline their studies and training. The roadmap should be flexible as it will need to be updated regularly.

In addition to getting acquainted with the apprentice, there are a few steps that employers should take to become an effective coach. When they assign a task to the trainee, the employer should first explain what the task is, and what its purpose is within the business. They should go through all of the steps and demonstrate them, as well as explaining how the task will be assessed or recorded. Supervisors should also make sure to give apprentices plenty of time to practice. They should provide encouragement and feedback, as well as arrange assessments with the training organisation. The supervisor should also confer with the training organisation when competencies have been achieved. The most important thing to remember is to maintain good communication.

Taking on a new apprentice or trainee is an investment in the future for the business. Apprenticeships can take place in a wide variety of different fields, as shown at the end of the video clip, but in all of those fields, the essential things to remember are the same. Communication, practice and feedback are key to the progress of an apprentice, and cooperation will allow all parties to reap positive benefits from an apprenticeship.