Why does my business need an apprentice?

The employment of an Apprentice should be undertaken in a sensibly and proper manner based on a commercial or social obligation.
You may wish to consider the following as a template to assist you in arriving at a decision whether to employ an Apprentice.

Business Obligations

Comment - "My business is overloaded with existing work and forward orders for the next 3 to 6 months and I am considering employing an
Apprentice".

Considerations -
1. Can the business sustain the employment for 4 years?
2. Is the business able to meet it's training plan obligations?
3. Does the business have adequate resources to pay wages and on-costs in good and lean times?
4. Will the business pricing policy adequately cover the obligations of employing an apprentice?

If the answer is YES! to all of the above questions. 'Congratulations' the business is on its way to employing an apprentice.

Social Obligations

Comment - "The business is running well enough to sustain existing employees only. However as the principal of the company I am constantly being asked to employ an apprentice through relatives, friends and current employees".

Considerations - Although companies have a social obligation to providing employment and training opportunities it is still crucial that:

1. The business considerations are taken into account.
2. Interviewing is formally undertaken
3. Formal agreements are entered into eg. contract of training and training plan developed
4. Can the business sustain the employment for 4 years?
5. Is the business able to meet its' training plan obligations?
6. Does the business have adequate resources to pay wages and on-costs in good and lean times?
7. Will the business pricing policy adequately cover the obligations of employing an apprentice?