Hiring Your First Apprentice or Employee

Before promising a start date, check the full employment cost and decide who will supervise the new person when your own day gets busy.

Ask for the cost of one normal month

Give your accountant or payroll provider the proposed pay and hours. Ask what employer costs, pension, leave and insurance add to the bill. Allow for tools, PPE, travel and wages during quieter weeks too.

Set up before the first payday

• Check right to work and competence for the role.
• Arrange the required employer registration, payroll and pension setup.
• Check insurance, pay and written employment requirements.
• Plan safe work, induction and supervision.

The government's first-employer guide gives the setup steps.

Make the first week clear

Tell them where to meet, what to bring and who checks their work. Explain which tasks they can do independently and which need supervision. Check in before sending them to the next job.

For an apprentice, confirm the course, training days and supervision with the provider. The funding guide gives the questions to ask.

Updated 27 October 2026 · Report a factual error