130 companies share their tips

Competenz, the industry training organisation (ITO) for New Zealand’s manufacturing industries, know that apprenticeships are a practical way to help you build a capable team. They know, too, that manufacturing employers who train apprentices make major investments in time and money.

So they thought you’d value some tips to help make the most of these investments. They come from the people who know best how it’s done: employers in 130 companies who train apprentices, including wood, food and beverage, furniture, and general manufacturers.

You can read more in the recent Competenz research report: Getting the best from your investment in training an apprentice (October 2015).

1. Recruit your apprentices carefully. It’s all about attitude. Does the person have a passion for manufacturing and your industry? Are they keen to learn? Will they fit in with your team?

2. Get your apprentices off to a good start. Explain how your business works and buddy them up with someone who can answer their questions. Set clear expectations: it’s their apprenticeship, not yours. Explain what your apprentices need to do, and how you’ll support them. Then start apprentices on some simple tasks to build their confidence.

3. Set clear goals for your apprentices’ learning. Explain what they need to learn and by when, and how you’ll measure their progress.

4. Offer your apprentices challenging, varied work. Structure their work and training plans so they build skills in a logical way, work on ‘real life’ issues, and take on increasing responsibility.

5. Support your apprentices on-the-job. Responsive supervision from an experienced, approachable tradesperson is key to a successful apprenticeship.

6. Review apprentices’ progress regularly. This will help you keep their learning on track and resolve issues quickly.

7. Talk about career opportunities early in the apprenticeship. This will motivate your apprentices and help you retain them when they qualify. Career opportunities take many forms other than ‘climbing the ladder’. Involve apprentices in business activities like budgeting; let them supervise others as they gain experience; give them opportunities to gain complementary skills like management.

8. Reward progress. Raise your apprentices’ pay when they reach a training milestone, or reward them in another way.

9. Celebrate success. Hold a workplace graduation when your apprentices qualify. (Sausage rolls in the tearoom work well too!)

10. Make your company a great place to work. A professional, supportive, safe environment will help your apprentices learn.

The Competenz team can help you recruit and train apprentices to support your manufacturing business. They work with you to develop structured training plans, then visit regularly to review progress and support your apprentices.

www.competenz.org.nz