WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING AN APPRENTICE

Can I get funding for taking on an apprentice?

To encourage small business owners to take on apprentices, the government offers a £1,000 grant to you and your training provider for each 16-18-year-old apprentice you take on, plus 19-24-year-old apprentices who have a local authority care plan. The grant applies to businesses with fewer than 50 employees, so the majority of salons will be eligible. 

How much do I pay an apprentice?

The national minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.90 per hour. This is great as it allows you to offer a reduced treatment price while your trainee builds up their skills and establishes a client base. 

How much time is involved in training an apprentice?

The minimum duration is based on an apprentice working 30 paid hours a week or more, until they have undertaken sufficient hours to achieve their chosen apprenticeship.  Although it does take some time out of your diary, your apprentice won’t have a full column, meaning they can help other technicians with setting up, cleaning, etc.

Also, any time you put in now will be saved in the long run if you choose to keep them on as a full time member of staff. You can train them in your way with no bad habits and they’ll fit right into your team straight away without too much help.

How do I hire an apprentice?

Firstly, you’ll need to choose an apprenticeship framework in your industry and at a suitable level, before finding an organisation that offers training in the framework you’ve chosen. Always be sure to check what funding is available for your business before taking anyone on, as it will be a big help. Then, you just need to advertise your position, find the right candidate and make an agreement and commitment statement with them.

Alternatively, you could register with an agency who can take on the responsibility of running the scheme for you. This will save you time and allow you to dedicate more hours to your trainee.