Support networks for apprentices

Supporting your apprentice throughout their programme helps them feel safe, secure, and integrated into the team. For women and girls, having people to turn to is especially important, and advocates within the organisation can make a big impact. These advocates provide guidance, help navigate challenges, and boost the apprentice’s confidence, ensuring they stay motivated and on track.

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How line managers can support apprentices

Line managers play a crucial role in the success of apprentices and effective line management is strongly linked to higher completion rates and a more positive apprenticeship experience – especially for women. A good line manager helps apprentices to navigate challenges, stay motivated, and feel valued in their role. Through regular feedback and open communication, line managers can empower apprentices to feel confident in their abilities and supported in their career.

Good line manager practice includes:

Open communication
Setting realistic expectations
Providing tailored support based on individual needs and circumstances
Regular feedback
Being approachable.

Some large employers are prioritising work to educate line managers about their duties in supporting apprentices. Assigning dedicated apprentice managers has proven to be an effective strategy for supporting both apprentices and their line managers.

Check out this helpful video on YouTube on how to prepare for your role as an apprentice's line manager.

Apprentice support networks

Training providers

Research highlights the critical role that training providers have in supporting apprenticeship completions, with a third of apprentices surveyed by The St Martin’s Group¹ feeling that support from their training provider could have prevented them from dropping out. Ongoing engagement with training providers is key to keeping apprentices on track and addressing any challenges they face throughout their training.

Mentoring

Mentorship from women who have faced similar challenges helps apprentices feel supported, creates a sense of belonging, and shows that career progression in STEM is achievable and encouraged. This support is key to retaining and developing apprentices.

Peer support

Encourage colleagues to develop internal and external peer networks to foster a sense of community and belonging among women and girls undertaking apprenticeships. Organisations like WISE or relevant professional bodies can provide valuable external networks, where apprentices can meet with others at a similar stage of their career.

Buddy system

Pairing apprentices with ‘buddies’ creates a system of mutual support and encouragement. For women in STEM, this buddy system is especially valuable, as it allows them to share experiences, challenges, and practical advice. Both buddies can learn from each other, gaining insight into the unique obstacles faced in male-dominated fields.

Employee networks

Encourage apprentices to sign up for your workplace women’s or gender equality groups, should your organisation have one. These groups are safe spaces offering fantastic opportunities of networking; helping to build confidence, increase visibility, and connect with leaders who can champion their growth.

Role models

Having visible role models is crucial for apprentices in STEM fields, where women are often underrepresented. Role models can help combat feelings of isolation, provide inspiration, and demonstrate what success looks like in male-dominated industries. These role models can also offer practical guidance, share experiences, and provide valuable mentorship that can build confidence and resilience.

Championing apprentice growth through sponsorship

Sponsorship relies on a senior figure using their influence to actively support someone else’s career growth. Unlike mentorship, which focuses on offering advice and guidance, sponsorship is about taking action in recommending their sponsee for big opportunities like promotions, leadership roles, or key projects, and helping them get noticed. Doing so gives your apprentice the opportunity to shine.

Sponsorship can be a game-changer for breaking down barriers, boosting visibility, and building confidence. It’s a proactive way to foster diversity and create equitable opportunities. Sponsors can play a vital role in levelling the playing field, and open doors to meaningful career advancement and growth for apprentices.

Useful links:

You may also find our recent report ‘Unlocking the value of apprenticeships for engineering and manufacturing SMEs’ valuable, which shares insights from senior leaders and SMES on overcoming barriers to creating successful apprenticeship programmes. It highlights themes like the importance of mentoring, benchmarking schemes, and partnering with training providers and colleges to improve apprenticeship achievement and retention rates.

Sources:

¹ Apprenticeship outcomes and destinations - St Martins Group