Apprenticeships – what else do you need to consider?

When you are considering an apprentice (or a Kickstart trainee), there are also other factors that need to be taken into consideration in addition to those already discussed.

Some of these factors are particularly significant if you are a sole trader, or have no other employees.

You will need to run payroll. If you have never had to do this before, you will need to ensure that it is set up, and work out employer’s contribution for national insurance (only for apprentices over 25), PAYE Tax. You will also need to work out annual leave and any other employee benefits. Talk to your accountant if this is new territory for you.

There are agencies that can run payroll for you for Kickstart trainees, but only if you have no other employees on payroll. It’s a helpful option, if you can use it.

You will need employer liability insurance.

You will need to budget for any equipment that the apprentice will need, whether that’s laptops, tools or uniform/PPE.

When your apprentice gets settled in, you will need to provide them with a host of basic information to help them as they learn. From email details, and how to contact you, to what you expect of them, and their training package. You should also consider a support network for them, independent of you and their training provider, in case they have issues with either one of those. Remploy has a mental health support service, specifically for apprentices, accessible here: Access to Work Mental Health Support Service for Apprentices