Case Study:
Launching an Apprenticeship Scheme | Employee Handbook and Onboarding Support
We’re passionate about helping small businesses scale-up their operations and supporting their growth ambitions. Even more so when it comes to tapping into young talent and implementing home-grown training models that nurture bespoke expertise for your business and demonstrate a long-term commitment in a skilled workforce.
That’s why we were delighted to recently support a Stockport-based micro-business in launching their apprenticeship scheme, hiring 2 new recruits to their team and setting up a legally-compliant framework to expand further in the years to come. From explaining the apprenticeship standards and employer obligations to creating their very own values-driven Employee Handbook, GR Consulting was able to support the recruitment, HR set-up and onboarding process over a 6-week consultancy project. Here’s what we did..
The Challenge
Our client is a green energy solutions provider that has been making significant strides in the sustainable energy sector. Founded over a decade ago, they were established by two directors, both experts in electrical installation and green energy solutions, alongside their operations manager, Emma. The company offers a range of services, including Solar PV and battery installations, EV charging solutions, heat pump installations, LED lighting, mechanical heat ventilation systems, and voltage optimization. With a commitment to helping their customers transition to greener and more affordable energy solutions, they have grown to become a trusted name in the industry.
Due to the rising demand for sustainable and cost-efficient energy solutions among both consumer and commercial customers, they found themselves at a pivotal moment of growth. With their electrical installation team at capacity and a growing number of contracts, the company recognised the need to scale its operations. To do this, they aimed to bring in new talent and expand their team. They identified two potential candidates whom they wished to bring on board through a structured training program, ideally an apprenticeship scheme. However, as a small business with no prior experience in employing staff, they needed expert guidance to navigate the complexities of setting up an apprenticeship program and becoming a first-time employer.
The Solution
Grassroots Consulting was engaged to support the process of setting up an apprenticeship scheme, understanding employment law and HR obligations, and establishing robust HR policies and procedures, including development of an Employee Handbook. The consultancy provided comprehensive support across several key areas:
- Apprenticeship Scheme Development
Grassroots Consulting worked closely with Emma, the operations manager, to design a structured apprenticeship scheme that aligned with the specific needs of the business. Initially this involved explaining the fundamentals of how apprenticeships work, including the available standards and modules, assessment methods, and the role of employers in supporting training. We then helped connect them to local colleges and training providers that could help launch their apprenticeship program quickly, as well as guiding them through the necessary enrolment processes with HMRC and advising on safeguarding procedures to ensure compliance. - Recruitment and Offer Process
To support Solarus Energy in formalising their offer to the identified candidates, Grassroots Consulting then provided templates for legally compliant offer letters, contracts of employment, new starter forms, and reference request letters. We provided guidance on the offer process to ensure that all documentation was correctly handled and compliant with employment law, on hand at all times to answer questions with a quick turnaround. - Training on Employment Law and HR Obligations
Recognising the importance of understanding legal and HR obligations, we then delivered a half-day training session onsite with the operations manager. This training covered:- An introduction to employment law and employee relations, including topics such as absence management, disciplinary procedures, grievances, flexible working, parental rights, and leave.
- Essential pre-employment requirements like right-to-work checks, employment insurance, HR record-keeping, and health and safety obligations.
- A detailed overview of contractual obligations, statutory rights (such as SSP and WTR), GDPR compliance, and employer’s liability.
- An introduction to payroll, tax, pension, and reporting obligations, supported by a handy checklist for ongoing reference.
- Customising HR Policies and Procedures
Providing templates for over 20 HR policies and procedures, we then worked with the operations manager to customise these to suit the specific needs of the business. Crucially, our expert team then reviewed these policies to ensure compliance with legal requirements and made necessary adaptations. - Employee Handbook Creation
Finally, to support the onboarding process for the new apprentices, Grassroots Consulting produced a branded Employee Handbook. This handbook was designed to introduce the company’s culture, values, vision, and code of conduct, ensuring that new employees felt welcomed and understood the expectations and ethos of the business from the outset.
The Outcome
It was a pleasure to help our client to successfully implement an apprenticeship scheme that aligned with their business goals and growth plans. By tapping into local talent, they have been able to develop a pipeline of skilled professionals who are trained to meet the company’s specific needs. The company now feels confident in its role as a first-time employer, having established a solid foundation of HR policies and procedures that will support its continued growth.
With the 2 new apprentices in place and a structured training program underway, they are now well-positioned to expand operations and continue delivering high-quality green energy solutions to its customers. Our partnership and expertise has not only provided immediate benefits in terms of recruitment and onboarding but has also set this ambitious firm on a path toward sustainable long-term growth.