Recruiting for an Apprentice - General - HR in Schools and Academies

3 Recruiting for an Apprentice

9 Feb, 2017 14:35

Hi all

We are currently recruiting for an apprentice and we have not had any applications. We seem to have the same problem every time we try to fill an apprenticeship vacancy. We usually have to extend the deadlines and look at alternative advertising methods.

On this occasion we have used the a specific company, who have put the vacancy on the National Apprenticeship website.

Previously, we have gone directly to colleges and they have advertised on our behalf.

I am wondering why we encounter such difficulties when there is a nationwide drive for apprenticeships.

Does anyone have the same difficulties? Or some advice of how to fill these posts first time?

Many thanks

Dannielle

Schools HR Manager

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Teresa | 0 Posts

9 Feb, 2017 16:54

Is there any way you could ask a local college to help you do some form of survey e.g. asking people to look at the advert and give feedback in terms of whether it would be something they would apply for and if not, why not?

I do wonder whether it could be something as simple as apprentices often being people who have recently left school and they may be reluctant to work in one, soon after they have left? Particularly if they actually went to that school.
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Elizabeth Divver | 0 Posts

9 Feb, 2017 17:53

We recruited an apprentice earlier this year in the London area and were advised that rates of pay are considerably higher than the apprentice rate of the National Living Wage. Could that be part of your problem? We also had a very high no-show rate at the interview stage. We haven't, however, looked into the reasons for this as we were very happy with one of the few who did turn up.
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David | 0 Posts

9 Feb, 2017 18:37

In reply to Elizabeth Divver:
Hi Danielle

Have you been in touch about this with your local Careers Service / Connexions?

Whilst Connexions or equivalent deal mainly with young people, don't forget that apprenticeships are open to all ages / adults, so maybe try the Job Centre too.

Students you've had on Work Experience can be a fruitful source as well
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