Apprenticeship Management - Employer's role and responsibilities
An employer plays a crucial role in an apprenticeship training program. They hold the key to successful apprenticeship programs. Here are the roles and responsibilities of an employer.
Analyzing the Role and Responsibilities of the Employer In Apprenticeship Training Program
In today's job market, the concept of apprenticeship has received a significant boost. According to the Economic Times, nearly 72 percent of employers expressed an interest in recruiting more apprentices in the first quarter of 2022. The engineering sector has had the most success in this regard, with an 82 percent increase in the apprenticeship outlook.
These programs aim to prepare qualified candidates for employment by providing on-the-job training. It is more akin to a work-based learning system, where apprentices learn their trade via practical work exposures.
Once an organization has decided to offer apprenticeship programs, it must concentrate on putting everything in place to ensure its success. And setting appropriate employers or trainers in this regard is critical. These are the people who will teach the apprentices or trainees and facilitate their apprenticeship training.
Understanding Apprenticeship Programs
Before we continue, let's look at what the apprenticeship program entails. What's the big deal?
Apprenticeship is a method of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world landscapes. An apprentice has the opportunity to receive theoretical guidance as well as practical on-the-job training in a real-world setting. Anyone aged 14 and up, who complies with the prescribed health status and meets the minimum educational requirements, can apply for an apprenticeship program. In this regard, the Apprenticeship Act was enacted by the Indian government, which governs the entire apprenticeship training system.
What Roles and Responsibilities does an Employer Play in an Apprenticeship Training Program?
The work-based learning system is not only for trainees. It is also a way for employers to train themselves to lay the groundwork for the entire training program.
Before the Apprenticeship Program
Employers should start their work even before the actual apprenticeship program begins.
● Identify and Recruit the Talent
An employer's first and most important responsibility is to find and hire qualified candidates. The candidate must meet the minimum eligibility requirements outlined in India's Apprenticeship Act. A thorough understanding of the job roles for which the trainees will be trained is also required. Setting up and clearly stating the proper job roles and duties is also the employer's responsibility.
● Selecting the Training Provider
The next step is to choose a training provider to train and evaluate the apprentice. A training provider is an organization that provides apprentices with classroom training. Before beginning the apprenticeship program, it is critical to investigate the training provider's background and expertise in the subject matter.
● Planning the Workforce Development
This step is all about planning how the trainees will work in the organization. What roles and responsibilities should be assigned to trainees must be specified. Once the planning is complete, the employer must ensure that the trainees have a positive workplace. Workforce development must be carried out so that it does not interfere with apprentices' training. This context also includes providing mentors for trainees.
● Ensuring the Right Payment
Setting the appropriate pay for trainees is also something an employer should consider. It should be decided prior to the apprenticeship program and clearly stated during the interview. The trainees must always be treated as part of the regular employees by the employer.
During the Program
The roles and responsibilities of an employer do not end with establishing an apprenticeship program. While the program is still running, an employer should do the following.
● Sign the Training Contract
The trainee and the training provider must sign the training plan/contract. This would eliminate the possibility of miscommunication (s).
● Provide the Benefits for Apprentices
The trainees must be treated as part of the regular workforce by the employer. Therefore, they should also be given the same wages and benefits as regular employees of the organization.
● Support the Learning and Development Process
An apprenticeship program provides trainees with on-the-job training and experience. So, the employer should provide enough time for the apprentices to complete their learning & development objectives.
● Comply with the Health and Safety Legislation
Employers must also follow established workplace health and safety legislation. This would help ensure a safe and secure working environment for the apprentices.
At the End of the Program
As the apprenticeship program nears completion, the employer should plan the program's end. In this context, both can start the structured completion process. Furthermore, following the evaluation of the trainees, the experience certificate should be given to the trainees. If not recruited by the same organization, they can use the certificate for future job searches.
How does an Employer Reap the Benefits of the Apprenticeship Program?
If an employer performs their duties and responsibilities in an apprenticeship program, the odds of receiving substantial benefits are high. One thing to keep in mind is that "apprenticeship programs increase an organization's production." Therefore, these programs help develop job-ready candidates who can work more efficiently for personal and organizational progress."
In the light of the foregoing, research in the Hindustan Times revealed that over 58 percent of Indian companies believe apprenticeship programs assist them in improving efficiency. While roughly 76 percent say it significantly reduces attrition. Employers are increasingly focusing on employing apprentices and generating talented and productive individuals in order to win the talent war.
For your convenience, some of the most significant advantages of apprenticeship programs are outlined here.
- Improved apprentice work quality
- Increased participant satisfaction
- Lower turnover rate
- Lower hiring expenses
- Improved work culture
- Improved job readiness among employees
Summary
This concludes our discussion of the employer's roles and responsibilities in an apprenticeship program. One of the most effective methods to develop job-ready and productive people is via apprenticeship programs. These programs can be tailored to the needs of the organization. And the employer plays a critical role in all of these processes. An employer holds the key to the success of an apprenticeship program, from recruiting suitable apprentices to assisting them during the course.
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