What Should an Apprentice's Employment Contract Contain?

By: Emma Jones - Updated: 16 Oct 2020 | *Discuss

 

Q.

My employer is considering taking on apprentices and I've been tasked with researching how to go about it. I understand the advantantages and believe my organisation has a lot to offer.

However, I am finding it very difficult to find a template employment contract that would be suitable for an apprenticeship (we can't afford to pay a lawyer to do this). I've read somewhere that apprentice contracts may not be as straightforward as normal employment contracts as apprentices have additional rights - e.g. if the employer is unfortunately faced with a potential redundancy situation.

I can't understand why there is so little help and advice freely available for employers given the government's promotion of apprenticeships. I want to do this properly and minimise any risks for my employer so can you please suggest how I go about this task?

A.

It is good that you are taking the time to research the process of taking on an apprentice thoroughly. As you are already aware, an apprentice can be of great benefit to your company and the more commitment you make to them, the better return you will get. As an employer, you have the responsibility to make sure that you provide them with the opportunity to train and learn as part of their job as well as paying and treating them fairly as an employee.

The reason you are having trouble finding any advice about writing a contract for apprentices is because they do not need to differ from a regular employment contract. Any employment legislation that applies to apprentices will apply regardless of whether it is included in the contract. With relation to redundancy payments and laws, an apprentice has the same rights and restrictions as a regular employee. This only alters in the one month following the completion of the apprenticeship when an employer can decide to let them go before offering further employment.

The contract that you draw up needs to cover the basic details of their role in the same way as you would for any other employee. These details include their working hours, their rate of pay and their holiday allowances and benefits. You should also clearly lay out what their job description is and what is required of them within this role. In addition to this you may want to cover their training schedule and any time off that you have agreed for them to study for their NVQ. The contract should also include an agreed notice period and any grievance or complaint procedures.

Remember that it is likely that this could be your apprentice’s first full-time job so it is important that they fully understand their contract and what is required of them. Make sure you take the time to sit down and talk them through it so there are no misunderstandings later on. With your commitment to doing the best that you can for your future apprentices it is likely that you will build a mutually beneficial relationship to benefit them and your company.

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