<aside>
Software developer Handbook
DevOps Handbook
</aside>
Before the apprentice begins, the first Onboarding call with the Relationships Lead, the apprentice, and their Course Facilitator will take place. This is an opportunity to outline core expectations, answer any questions, and to get to know the apprentice better before they join you. During the call, we will give some pointers on the support you might want to put in place for your apprentice and share feedback from their Course Facilitator.
The employer is responsible for ensuring the following:
Essential Pre Start Checklist:
- [ ] Prepare a laptop for the apprentice
- [ ] Ensure apprentice has an email address and access to any relevant online platforms/accounts
- [ ] Establish a single point of contact for the apprentice from the beginning
- [ ] Assign a line manager for the apprentice and block in time for weekly meetings
- [ ] Arrange meetings and inductions for the apprentice to meet core members of the team on arrival (either online or in person)
- [ ] Send a welcome email or package with essential information, including start date, time, and location.
- [ ] Share any essential languages, libraries, platforms and concepts that the apprentice will be expected to know
- [ ] Share key onboarding, policies and other documentation before the apprentice joins
- [ ] Prepare a checklist of tasks for the apprentice to work through during the first week, with in built opportunities for support and feedback
Desirable Pre Start Checklist:
- [ ] Find ways to welcome your apprentice while they are still in training, perhaps by organising a lunch date with some of the team or inviting them to join you for the occasional team meeting in the latter weeks of their training (Fridays are a good day)
- [ ] Share existing code repositories for apprentices to review before they join you full-time, but don’t assign them any tasks until their initial training is completed;
- [ ] Encourage apprentices to take some of their annual holiday leave either before joining you full-time or within a few weeks of doing so. This is because the initial 12-week training with us can be an intense experience.
First Week Checklist:
- [ ] Organise a general orientation to familiarise the apprentice with the office layout, facilities, and key resources
- [ ] Share information about the company's mission, vision, and expectations