Recruiting an apprentice can feel daunting for employers, especially those engaging with apprenticeshps for the first time, but with clear guidance and the right training provider, an apprenticeship could be the first step towards developing skilled and loyal talent.
SoGlos spoke to Gloucestershire College's marketing manager for employer training and apprenticeships, Tatiana Ameri, to find out where to begin, what to expect throughout the recruitment process and how its tailored apprenticeship support helps businesses attract the right talent to achieve successful, long-term outcomes.
Apprentices can bring value, creativity and innovation to businesses – but how do you prepare an employer to effectively hire their first apprentice?
It all starts with a conversation. For many employers, taking on their first apprentice can feel like a big step and our role is to make sure that businesses receive clear and structured guidance from the outset.
While a lot of information can be shared via email, we always recommend starting with a no-obligation consultation with our business consultants to understand the business, the skills gaps they’re looking to address and matching the type of role an apprentice could support to the apprenticeship pathway in our portfolio.
From there, we guide employers through everything they need to know – setting up their Digital Apprenticeship Service account and funding to typical workloads and day-to-day expectations, so they go into the recruitment process fully prepared.
Our goal is that by the time employers advertise the vacancy, they should know exactly what to look for, how to support an apprentice effectively and what success should look like – including the end-point assessment requirements to help their apprentice succeed.
How do you help businesses attract the right calibre of candidates?
Some employers choose to run their own apprentice recruitment, however, we also offer free recruitment support designed to connect employers with motivated individuals in our pre-screened candidate pool. In addition, once we have the job description, we create and promote the vacancy on the national 'Find an Apprenticeship' platform and across our own marketing channels.
Our team screens applications, conducts initial interviews and only sends employers candidates who match their criteria – saving them significant time and helping them feel confident in their hiring decisions. For some roles, we can also advise on interview questions and selection activity to ensure they choose the right apprentice for their business.
Plus we host a popular annual Apprenticeship Open Evening, where employers looking to recruit apprentices with Gloucestershire College can have a free stand to showcase their industries and career pathways. The next event takes place on Wednesday 25 February 2026 in Gloucester and we do encourage businesses interested in taking part to get in touch.
What guidance do you provide on selecting the most suitable apprenticeship level?
Selecting the right apprenticeship is essential, as the role must provide the experience needed to meet end-point assessment requirements and set the apprentice up for success.
For instance, a company may require support with daily admin tasks and customer enquiries. This could suit either a business administrator or customer service apprenticeship. The best fit will be recommended after speaking with the employer to fully understand the role and its requirements.
We also advise on whether a higher-level apprenticeship could support the business’s long-term goals, or if a Level 2 or 3 programme offers the best foundation. This ensures employers invest in training that truly aligns with their needs.
Once an employer picks an apprentice, what happens next on your side?
Once the employer confirms their chosen candidate, we handle all onboarding, introduce the apprentice to their training coordinator and agree a training plan with the employer that outlines the curriculum, delivery model and milestones.
From there, the apprentice begins their learning journey, supported by regular workplace visits, face-to-face or remote sessions, or practical teaching, depending on the programme. We keep employers updated throughout to ensure everything runs smoothly.
How do you continue to support businesses throughout the apprenticeship?
Communication is key. Our training coordinators meet regularly with both the apprentice and employer to review progress, address any concerns and plan the next steps. We also offer scheduled account reviews to look at wider workforce needs and upcoming recruitment.
Additionally, our business development team is always available for advice around funding, performance or recruitment at any point during the apprenticeship.
Can you share a recent success story?
We have so many, but the most recent example is a large catering equipment company that wanted to recruit an apprentice but wasn’t sure where to start. Although it was a levy-paying employer, it had very little information about accessing the funds or navigating the apprenticeship recruitment process.
By engaging with Gloucestershire College, it worked closely with a dedicated business consultant who guided it through every step. It has now recruited its first-ever apprentice for the property maintenance role, who has been doing really well and the company is very pleased with the outcome.
A local engineering company is another great example. It is training a Level 3 Engineering apprentice at the college, while simultaneously supporting the apprentice’s line manager to upskill through a Level 6 apprenticeship. This demonstrates how apprenticeships can benefit both new and existing staff, driving development across the whole business.
Stories like this are very common. Once employers experience the value of apprenticeships first-hand, they often become long-term partners.
How can businesses keen to recruit an apprentice get in touch with Gloucestershire College?
The easiest way is to contact our dedicated Employer Training and Apprenticeships Team by emailing employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk.
Employers can also visit gloscol.ac.uk/employers to explore our programmes or request a no-obligation consultation.
Whether they want to recruit, upskill staff or simply understand the process, we’re here to help.
