Apprenticeship information for managers

Getting ready to recruit

1. After a possible apprentice opportunity has been identified, contact the Entry to Work team (ETW) at work.placements@essex.gov.uk for advice on standards available and best practice. Once a standard is confirmed, the ETW team will contact suitable training providers to discuss apprenticeship and entry requirements. Please note, Adult Community Learning (ACL) will be the preferred provider. 
2. Generic role profiles have been created for apprenticeships which use Level 2 to Level 5 standards. This saves the hiring manager from writing a new role profile.
3. Check Essex County Council establishment to ensure there is a vacant post (and position number). Create a new position if necessary.

Apprentice recruitment

1. Raise a new requisition on My Recruitment for the apprenticeship. Include correct information and closing date for applications.
2. Send the role profile for the advert to the Entry to Work team (ETW) at work.placements@essex.gov.uk. The ETW team takes ownership of the requisition and advertising for the post.
3. Review applications. These will be received on the system after the closing date.
4. Let the ETW team know who the shortlisted applicants are by completing an Interview Request Form. The form will be sent to you at the appropriate stage.
5. The ETW team will schedule interviews and discuss reasonable adjustments with applicants (if disclosed by applicant).
6. Hold interviews and make selection. Remember to check minimum entry requirements for the apprenticeship standard. Line managers retain the interview notes.

Offer of apprenticeship

1. Complete the apprenticeship offer form (which will be sent to the manager at the appropriate stage).
2. Email the Entry to Work team (ETW) at work.placements@essex.gov.uk with the offer form to let them know who the selected applicant is.
3. The ETW team will contact the successful person to offer them the apprenticeship. They will process the offer letter on My Recruitment and attach the Apprenticeship Offer Form
4. Payroll and the line manager will receive notification with offer details for their approval
5. When the ETW team has notification of approvals, it will extend the offer to the applicant
6. When the successful applicant accepts the offer on My Recruitment, the ETW team passes the applicant’s information to the training provider (with the applicant’s consent) to do a skill scan
7. The ETW team will move the applicant into compliance status on My Recruitment. The compliance coordinator will receive the notification and processes compliance documentation. Once applicant is compliant, the line manager is notified by compliance coordinator and a start date can be agreed
8. Agree a start date with the apprentice.
9. Let the training provider know the start date so they can put their arrangements in place.