The world of work is constantly evolving. With it the ways in which individuals acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen career paths also change.
One increasingly popular approach is through apprenticeships, which offer a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. However, the success of any apprenticeship program relies on the quality of the job descriptions used to attract and train apprentices.
Job descriptions are the foundation of any apprenticeship program. They provide a roadmap for apprentices to learn the skills they need. They also provide a framework for employers to assess and evaluate their progress.
Before delving into the usage of job descriptions and what to include in them, it’s important to first understand the requirements and responsibilities of an apprentice. This will help HR managers formulate an appropriate apprentice job description when looking to hire apprentices.
After reading this article you will have a better understanding of the following topics:
- The key apprenticeship requirements
- The responsibilities of apprentices in the workplace
- The purpose of job descriptions
- How to write a job description that attracts top talent
- Finally, you will find an example of a good job description template and why we like it
The key apprentice requirements you need to know
Whether HR managers and employers choose to hire apprentices through job postings or campus recruitment, doing so can benefit the company. How? With a motivated and enthusiastic employee who is eager to learn and develop new skills.
Different courses and training providers will have different requirements when looking to hire apprentices. It is important for HR managers and recruiters to have a clear understanding of company values and the job role being advertised so that this information can be accurately described. Some of the general apprentice requirements you, as employers, need to know are:
| Requirement | Description |
| Age | According to the gov.uk website, apprentices must be 16 years of age or older |
| Education | Apprentices must have a minimum of a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths. This is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (formerly known as a grade C) or above. These qualifications are designed to demonstrate that an individual has a good level of literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for success in the workplace. |
| Residency | Apprentices must have been a resident in the UK, the British Overseas Territories, or Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship. Find more information on the gov.uk website. |
| Availability | Apprentices must be available to work for at least 30 hours per week. This includes time spent in training and studying. |
| Personal qualities | Employers should search for candidates who are passionate about their chosen industry, committed to developing their skills and knowledge, and who show a willingness to learn. |
Responsibilities of apprentices in the workplace
Early careers recruitment offers employers the chance to hire apprentices and bring new talent into their businesses. Furthermore, it provides young individuals with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience.
The specific responsibilities of an apprentice will vary between different industries and companies. However, there are some general responsibilities of apprentices in the workplace that employers should expect from their new hires.
Table of responsibilities and expectations for apprentices
| Responsibility | Expectation |
| Attendance and time-keeping | Employers should expect apprentices to show up to work every day, and at the stipulated time. |
| Enthusiasm | Employers should expect apprentices to be enthusiastic about their work. A suitable apprentice should be inspired to work hard, learn new things, and take on different challenges. |
| Training | Employers should expect apprentices to attend all training and information sessions in order to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. |
| Willingness to learn | Employers should expect apprentices to take on diverse tasks and responsibilities, in addition to the ones they are assigned, to develop their skills and expertise. |
| Ability to work independently and as part of a team | Employers should expect apprentices to complete their assigned tasks on time and ask for help should they need it. Employers should also expect apprentices to be team-players and work well within a group. |
| Clear interest in the company | Employers should expect apprentices to demonstrate a strong commitment to the organisation and its goals. This interest can lead to a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for the success of the company, as apprentices begin to see their work as contributing to a common goal. |
| Accepting, responding to and implementing feedback | Employers should expect apprentices to accept, respond to and implement the feedback offered. |
| Adherence to workplace policies | Employers should expect apprentices to follow workplace policies and procedures, including those related to conduct, performance and safety. |
Ultimately, employers can and should help to support apprentices in fulfilling these responsibilities by providing appropriate training, guidance, and feedback. And also by creating a supportive and open workplace culture.
By doing so, employers can help to ensure the success of their apprentices while also benefiting from the skills and experience that these individuals bring to the business.
The purpose of job descriptions
Job descriptions are an essential component of any organisation’s human resources management. They are used by employers and companies for a range of purposes. These include attracting qualified candidates, setting performance expectations, creating consistent hiring practices, facilitating communication with employees, and ensuring legal compliance.
In this section, we’ll unpack each of these in more detail to help employers and HR managers understand the purpose of job descriptions for apprentice recruitment.
Attracting qualified candidates
A well-written job description can attract qualified candidates by clearly outlining the required skills, experience, and qualifications for the role. It can also highlight the benefits of the job, such as opportunities for career growth and competitive compensation packages. A detailed description of the job duties and responsibilities can help candidates determine whether they are a good fit for the role.
Tip: Once you’re all set and ready, use job portals and advertisements to attract the best talent to your company. Using solutions like StudySmarter for recruitment purposes helps recruiters reduce the cost per hire and get in touch with the right people. Thanks to the unique targeting options and a potential outreach of over 21 million people that interact with StudySmarter’s learning solutions, finding the right talent is easy.
Setting performance expectations
A job description serves as a reference point for setting performance expectations and evaluating employee performance. It provides clarity on what the job entails. In turn, this makes it easier to evaluate an employee’s performance and determine whether they are meeting the expectations of the job.
Creating consistent hiring practices
Job descriptions provide a clear understanding of the requirements and expectations for the job. This allows for a consistent evaluation of job candidates. By setting out the qualifications and skills required for the role, a job description ensures that all job candidates are evaluated on the same criteria. This helps to eliminate any bias or favouritism in the hiring process. Moreover, it ensures that the most qualified candidate is selected for the job.
Showcasing company culture
Including information about the company’s culture and values in a job description can help attract candidates who are aligned with the organisation’s mission and values. It can also help candidates gain a better understanding of the work environment and the expectations for the role.
For example, a job description that emphasises teamwork and collaboration can indicate a culture that values cooperation and communication.
Similarly, a job description that highlights opportunities for professional development and growth can indicate a culture that values learning and development.
Writing job descriptions that attract top talent
A job description serves as a blueprint for the position. It also provides potential candidates with an understanding of the requirements for the job. Companies should take care to craft a comprehensive job description that accurately reflects the position and its requirements.
Here is what to include in a job description –
Job title
The job title should be clear and accurate. It should reflect the role’s purpose and the level of the position within the organisation. A clear job title can help candidates understand the job’s level and whether or not it aligns with their career goals.
Job summary
The job summary should provide an overview of the position’s primary purpose and the role it plays within the organisation. It should also highlight the essential functions of the position, giving potential candidates an understanding of the job’s core responsibilities.
Job duties and responsibilities
The job duties and responsibilities should provide a comprehensive overview of what the job entails. This section should list the specific tasks and activities that the job requires, as well as the expected outcomes. It is essential to be specific and detailed in outlining the job duties and responsibilities to ensure that candidates understand the expectations of the role.
Required skills and qualifications
The required skills and qualifications should list the minimum requirements for the job role. This includes education, certifications, and work experience.
Working conditions
This section should outline the work environment, physical requirements of the job and any hazards associated with the position. This information is important because it helps potential candidates determine whether or not they can meet these demands.
Salary and benefits
The salary and benefits section should provide a clear understanding of the compensation package associated with the job role. This includes the salary range, any bonuses or incentives, and the benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time. Being transparent about the compensation package can help attract qualified candidates who are looking for a fair and competitive compensation package.
Company culture and values
The company culture and values section should provide insight into the organisation’s mission, values, and culture. This information is essential for candidates to determine whether the company’s values align with their own.
Application process
The application process section should provide information on how to apply for the job, including the deadline for applications, the documents required, and the contact information for the hiring manager. Being clear about the application process can help ensure that candidates understand the process and can apply efficiently.
Ready, set, hire: The ultimate apprentice job description template
For companies, apprenticeships provide a valuable source of talent and an opportunity to develop their workforce. To attract qualified candidates and ensure that apprenticeship programs are effective, it’s essential to create a clear and comprehensive apprentice job description.
To demonstrate a well-written apprentice job description, let’s look at an example from Mitchells and Butlers and discuss why we love it.
Important information clearly stated
When advertising an apprenticeship, it is crucial to provide the most important information thoroughly yet succinctly. It avoids any confusion or misunderstandings during the recruitment process. It also ensures that only qualified and motivated candidates apply for the apprenticeship position.
Mitchells and Butlers have distinctly stated the salary, hours and location which sets clear expectations for potential candidates. By conveying this information in a transparent and professional manner, Mitchells and Butlers successfully establishes a positive and strong employer brand.
Usage of “you”
Whether your company culture is formal or casual, use a conversational and personal tone that will engage your ideal candidate.
Mitchells and Butlers creates this personal tone by using the word “you” rather than “the ideal candidate”. By doing this, they have directly addressed their audience. Moreover, they have made an effort to ensure that the top candidates would not only feel connected to the company, but also be able to imagine themselves in the role.
Brief list of required skills and job responsibilities
Keep your sentences simple and straightforward, just like this. Use headers to organise different sections and consider using lists for clarity. When listing job requirements, make sure to include only what’s truly necessary for the position.
A great example of an effective job description is Mitchells and Butlers, who keep their descriptions brief and to the point. By avoiding long blocks of text and excessive jargon, their job postings are easily readable. While it may be tempting to provide excessive details, brevity and clarity ultimately lead to more effective job postings.
As you can see, a good apprentice job description is a fundamental part of recruiting quality talent. Another important element, is the timing. StudySmarter can help you identify the right times to recruit recent graduates. Download our recruitment calendar.
