Is It Time to Hire an Apprentice? Signs You’re Ready to Expand

Bringing on an apprentice is a major step for any tradie. It’s an investment in both time and money, but it can also be a game-changer for your business. If you’ve been working long hours, turning down jobs, or thinking about long-term growth, it might be time to hire an apprentice.

However, before making the decision, you need to weigh up the pros and cons. Apprentices require supervision, training, and financial commitment. So, how do you know if you're ready to take on the responsibility? Here are the key signs.

1. You’re Turning Down Work

If you’re constantly booked out and rejecting new jobs, it’s a clear sign your business is growing. An apprentice can help take on smaller tasks, allowing you to focus on high-value work and keep up with demand.

Ask yourself: Are you losing potential clients because you don’t have the time? If so, an apprentice might be the solution.

2. You’re Spending Too Much Time on Small Tasks

As a skilled tradie, your time is best spent on complex tasks that require expertise. If you find yourself spending hours unloading the van, setting up tools, or cleaning up job sites, an apprentice can handle these jobs, improving efficiency.

Reality check: Apprentices won’t be fully productive straight away, but over time, they’ll learn the trade and free up your schedule.

3. You Can Afford the Extra Costs

Hiring an apprentice comes with financial obligations, including:

• Wages (plus superannuation)
• Annual and sick leave
• WorkCover insurance
• Paying for five days but receiving four (as apprentices attend TAFE one day a week)

It’s essential to do the numbers and ensure your cash flow can handle the extra costs before making the commitment.

4. You Have the Patience to Train Someone

Training an apprentice takes time and patience. In the first few months, they’ll need guidance on basic tasks like running cables, selecting materials, and setting up job sites. If you’re willing to invest the effort into teaching, you’ll eventually have a skilled worker who understands your way of doing things.

(Image source: Pexels)

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about taking on a full apprentice, consider trialling a work-experience student from a local school first.

5. You Want to Step Back from the Tools

If your long-term goal is to expand your business and focus on management rather than hands-on work, hiring an apprentice is a step in the right direction. Training an apprentice can help you delegate tasks and build a team, allowing you to take on more projects without overloading yourself.

6. You’re Passionate About Passing On Skills

Many tradies take pride in mentoring the next generation. Seeing an apprentice develop into a skilled professional can be highly rewarding. If you enjoy teaching and want to give back to the industry, hiring an apprentice could be a fulfilling decision.

The Challenges of Hiring an Apprentice

While hiring an apprentice has its benefits, it’s not without challenges:

• Productivity dip – Training takes time, so expect a slowdown at first.
• Risk of leaving – After years of training, some apprentices may move on to bigger companies.
• Mistakes happen – Apprentices will make errors, and it’s your job to correct them.

Despite these challenges, many tradies find the experience worthwhile. With patience and proper planning, you can turn an apprentice into a valuable asset for your business.

Finding the Right Apprentice

If you’ve decided to hire an apprentice, the next step is finding the right candidate. Here’s how:

• Check with TAFE or trade schools – Many institutions can connect you with apprentices looking for placements.
• Word of mouth – Ask other tradies if they know someone reliable.
• Post that you're hiring on socials – Use social media to list your job openings and attract apprentices looking for work.

Hiring an apprentice is a big decision, but if your business is growing and you have the resources to train someone, it could be the right move. While it takes effort and patience, the long-term benefits – increased productivity, the ability to take on more work, and the satisfaction of mentoring – make it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re ready to expand, why not list your business on ServiceSeeking.com.au? It’s the easiest way to connect with clients so you can eventually build a team that will take your trade business to the next level.