Supporting Young Apprentices

Supporting young Apprentices: Guidance for Employers

Supporting Young Apprentices in the Workplace

When you hire a young apprentice, it’s important to think about how you will support them. Apprentices often bring fresh energy and potential, but they also need guidance. To help, we’ve pulled together some practical tips that will make a real difference.

1. Make Sure Staff Are Ready to Support

One of the biggest factors in hiring a young apprentice is whether your current staff can support them effectively. This applies not only to managers and supervisors but also to anyone working closely with the apprentice.

Your team should understand that a new apprentice may lack subject knowledge or workplace experience. Patience is key. While expectations should remain realistic, staff should still give apprentices meaningful and challenging work. This helps them grow in confidence, build skills, and gain experience.

A useful step is to hold a team briefing before the apprentice starts. Let staff know a new team member is joining, and check that the team feels ready to support them. If not, you can make adjustments early.

2. Work with the Apprentice and Training Provider

When a new apprentice joins, it’s important to outline any support needs. You should work closely with both the apprentice and their training provider. Together, you can identify what support is required and put it in place quickly.

For example, before the apprentice starts, contact their training provider. Ask if the learner has specific needs and how best to address them. This ensures the apprentice can begin their role without unnecessary obstacles.

Training providers also complete assessments to identify support requirements. At Blue Lion Training Academy, we run onboarding meetings to check for support needs. Once these are confirmed, we share the information with employers and staff, so everyone can help create the right environment.

3. Provide a Thorough Induction

All new staff benefit from a proper induction. However, young apprentices may need extra guidance to understand expectations and workplace behaviours.

During induction, make sure you explain:

  • What is expected of them as an employee (time management, organisation, dress code, and general behaviour).

  • Their job description, role, and how their contribution supports the wider team.

In addition, Blue Lion Training Academy delivers off-the-job training. This reinforces workplace expectations and helps apprentices integrate more quickly.

4. Offer Support for Workplace Behaviours and Life Skills

Some apprentices may never have worked in a professional environment. They might need support with behaviours, communication, and employability skills. You can provide this through mentoring, one-to-one sessions with a line manager, or external training.

It may also help to involve other apprentices or staff in these sessions. Doing so creates a shared learning experience and encourages the new apprentice to feel part of the team.

5. Encourage Social Connections

A new apprentice might feel isolated, especially if they are joining a team of older colleagues. Unlike university students, they may also feel they’re missing out socially.

To help, invite apprentices to social activities such as team meals or group outings. These informal settings allow them to bond with colleagues and feel more comfortable in the workplace. As a result, they’ll settle in faster and enjoy their apprenticeship experience.

Final Thoughts

Supporting a young apprentice takes planning, patience, and teamwork. By preparing staff, working with training providers, offering a thorough induction, and creating social opportunities, you’ll give apprentices the strong start they need. In return, they’ll bring enthusiasm, new perspectives, and long-term value to your organisation.

Found this blog interesting? Discover more here. Or you can find out more about Blue Lion Training Academy in our online booklets, available on our Information, Advice & Guidance page.