New Entrant Support Team

We’ll help you overcome the challenges of hiring new workers, so you can focus on building your business.

Grow your business with help from NEST

Free support to recruit, train and retain the right people

Running a small business means wearing many hats. Finding and hiring the right people can be time-consuming, especially when you're trying to keep your business moving forward.

That's where the New Entrant Support Team (NEST) can help.

We provide free, hands-on support to help SMEs and micro businesses recruit apprentices and new entrants, access available funding, and manage the paperwork, so you can focus on running and growing your business.

Why work with NEST?

  • Save time on recruitment

  • Access apprenticeship grants and funding

  • Get support with paperwork and compliance

  • Develop and retain your workforce

  • Receive ongoing expert advice at no cost.

Taking on an Apprentice? We'll guide you every step of the way

Whether you've never hired an apprentice before or are looking to expand your team, we'll make the process straightforward.

Finding the right candidate

We'll help you attract and recruit suitable apprentices by:

  • Advertising your apprenticeship vacancies

  • Promoting opportunities through relevant channels

  • Connecting you with useful recruitment resources and support.

Accessing available funding

Don't miss out on financial support available to your business.

We'll help ensure you're registered and ready to claim CITB apprenticeship grants, including:

  • £2,500 per year attendance grant for each apprentice

  • £3,500 achievement grant when an apprentice successfully completes their programme

  • Other financial incentives are also available that we can advise on.

Reducing the admin burden

Navigating apprenticeship requirements can feel overwhelming. We'll help by:

  • Supporting you with apprenticeship paperwork

  • Liaising with training providers

  • Guiding you through the apprenticeship process

  • Helping you understand employer responsibilities.

Supporting you beyond recruitment

Hiring someone is just the start. Supporting them effectively helps them succeed and encourages them to stay and grow with your business.

Free Mentoring Support for Employers providing employers and supervisors the confidence to support apprentices in the workplace. We can support with:

  • Understanding the mentor's role

  • Supporting apprentice development

  • Effective communication and feedback

  • Managing expectations and responsibilities

  • Understanding apprentice behaviours and workplace challenges

  • Supporting wellbeing, including mental health awareness

  • Practical mentoring techniques you can use immediately.

A free service designed for small businesses

We understand the challenges small businesses face when recruiting and developing talent.

The NEST team acts as an extension of your business, providing practical advice, dedicated support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship journey.

What employers say about NEST

"Amanda helped us to update all our existing apprentices with the CITB Grants department and offer advice and support on our apprentices starting their course in September 2024. Positive impact on our recruitment and training budget and our ability to further increase our apprenticeship programme."

- Shingler Construction Limited (Federation of Masters Builders)

"This has allowed us to take on our new apprentice without having the impact of having to pay for the apprenticeship, it has meant we are now considering employing another one. Allison was a great support to us in among a minefield of information, I didn’t know where to start but she walked me through everything and ‘kept me right’ every step of the way. Allison simplified the process for me for which I am very grateful."

- LC Lucas Construction: Tees Valley and CITB Funding and Levy Transfer

"Since initially enquiring a few things with CITB in February 2024, Theo has supported with my CITB registration, helped submit the apprentice attendance grant, created my CITB online portal and kept me up to date with all processes concerning me."

- Entire Scaffolding

Contact NEST today

Whether you're recruiting your first apprentice or growing your workforce, we're here to help make it easier.

Get in touch with the New Entrant Support Team (NEST) today and discover how we can help your business recruit, train and retain future talent.

Call: 0300 4566431

Email: newentrant.team@citb.co.uk

Or fill in our contact form and we'll get back to you.

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