Introducing the apprentice to the workplace

Prior to starting with you, your apprentice completed an induction into HIA Apprentices. The comprehensive induction process provides a new apprentice with a clear understanding of what is expected of them and what they can expect of others.

Topics covered by the HIA Apprentices induction included:

• Terms of employment including the training contract, the probationary period, award coverage and employment contract
• A review of the training plan issued by the registered training organisation
• Basic work rules and work conditions
• Method and time of wage payment
• An introduction to key personnel
• Grievance procedures including who to contact and what to do
• Leave provisions including annual, sick, and other leave
• Information on HIA Apprentices policies and procedures
• Occupational health and safety procedures
• How to participate in OH&S workplace consultation, risk assessments
• Power tool safety awareness.

First day on site

Can you remember what it was like when you started your first day in a job? How did you feel? Was it as you expected, or could it have been better? Even though the apprentice completed an induction with HIA Apprentices prior to starting with you they will still need to be inducted into your workplace. To start the apprentice off on the right foot HIA Apprentices will be there at the apprentice’s commencement of work with you.

You should welcome the apprentice into your workplace. Introduce yourself and fellow workers and tell them about your business. Familiarise the apprentice with your workplace. Discuss mutual expectations, what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. Explain to the apprentice, for example:

• What time to be on site each day
• What to do if they are sick or caught up in traffic delays
• What their duties will be
• When you have breaks
• Who they will be working with
• Workplace communications
• What to do in the case of an emergency
• Site safety and OH&S
• General housekeeping (power leads, air hoses etc)
• Waste management. General behaviour.

Remember to make the apprentice feel welcome and include them in conversations during meal breaks. This may be the apprentice’s first ever job, so it is important to demonstrate empathy and kindness. First impressions count.