Recruiting and Employing an Apprentice Electrician in the UK

There are now many trainee electricians trying to find work after being encouraged into the electrical industry. Some are already enroled at training centres and colleges. Many apprentices will have attained NVQ Level 2 qualifications but lack the experience of working alongside qualified trades persons.

It shouldn't be difficult to find and recruit an apprentice to your business. Many colleges run their own electrical apprenticeship schemes and will be keen to offer training support to employers but there are some key points to be considered when recruiting and knowing your responsibilities as an employer.
To start with, do trainees live close to your place of work or have their own driving licence or transport? You don't want to be spending time waiting for your trainee to arrive after travelling a long distance to your workplace.
Do they already have some electrical qualifications or experience of electrical work?
It's a good idea to decide on a trial period for assessing their suitability.
Find out if they are currently undertaking training as part of an approved training scheme.
Ask if they have their own tools and are they suitable for your type of electrical work.
Ask how much they expect to earn as an apprentice electrician.
An accountant or the government's Businesslink website will be able to give advice about employee's pay and entitlements.
You will need to have Employer's Public Liability Insurance.

Funding for Work Based Apprenticeships may be available via the Sector Skills Council and the National Apprenticeship Service. Your local college or training provider will be able to give more information about funding a trainee. A company employing a 16-18 year old apprentice will generally only need to pay their salary. Funding for training will be paid for by the government.

Sometimes you may find that a trainee will offer to work for you for free to gain experience of work. This shows commitment but remember that they must still be covered by an employer's insurance policy incase of accident or injury. Also if they are receiving unemployment benefit it is illegal to work, even for little or no pay, without informing the Department of Works and Pensions. Both employee and employer can be fined for breaking the law.

Further information about recruiting and employing an apprentice or trainee electrician can be found at Electricians Forums: Apprentice Electricians Looking for Jobs