Getting ahead as a Line Manager: guiding apprentices to success
Celebrating the Association of Apprentices ‘Get Ahead’ guide
As a line manager, you play a pivotal role in shaping the success of apprentices. More than supervisors, managers are mentors, motivators, and advocates, helping apprentices gain the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive.
With the right guidance, your apprentices will succeed in their programmes, and contribute meaningfully to your organisation’s future.
At tend™, in partnership with the Association of Apprentices (AoA), we’ve seen first-hand the difference proactive managers make. Here’s how you can get ahead in supporting your apprentices.
Start strong with onboarding
First impressions matter. A structured onboarding process helps apprentices feel settled, valued, and clear about expectations.
Provide a warm welcome, introduce them to their colleagues, and explain how their apprenticeship links to your organisation’s goals.
Small steps, such as assigning a ‘buddy’ or mentor, can build confidence early on and accelerate integration into the team.
Balance managing and coaching
Apprentices need structure, but they also need support to grow. Striking the right balance between managing and coaching is key.
Managing provides clarity and accountability, ensuring tasks are completed and standards are met. Coaching, on the other hand, helps apprentices think critically, build independence, and develop critical thinking skills. By flexing between these approaches, you’ll boost both productivity and long-term potential.
Prioritise communication and feedback
Poor communication is one of the biggest barriers apprentices face, while constructive feedback is one of the most valued supports. Build regular check-ins into your routine, and use feedback frameworks that balance recognition of strengths with clear, actionable advice. Remember, feedback should build confidence as well as competence.
Support off-the-job training
Off-the-job training is a mandatory part of every apprenticeship, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity for growth. Encourage your apprentices to embrace learning outside their day-to-day role, whether that’s shadowing colleagues, attending workshops, or completing online modules through AoA Learn. Managers who champion this time show apprentices that their development is as important as their delivery.
Promote wellbeing and inclusion
According to AoA’s survey, 62% of apprentices reported feeling stressed or anxious in the past year. As a line manager, you’re well placed to create a supportive environment.
Keep an eye on workload, encourage open conversations about wellbeing, and make inclusivity part of everyday practice. By recognising and responding to individual needs, you’ll foster trust, belonging, and motivation.
Plan with the end in mind
From day one, help apprentices see where their journey can lead. Talk about career progression pathways, celebrate milestones, and encourage them to aspire beyond their programme.Initiatives such as the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) add a valuable layer of professional credibility, allowing apprentices to use post-nominal letters and join a growing alumni network. By championing opportunities like this, you strengthen retention, reputation, and workforce loyalty.
Partnering with tend
Managing apprentices doesn’t mean you need to be an apprenticeship expert. That’s where tend and the AoA step in. As AoA’s partner, tend equips employers and line managers with resources, training, and support tailored to the healthcare and social care sectors. From aligning apprenticeships with organisational needs to helping managers navigate reforms, we provide the expertise you need to get the best from your people.
Final thoughts
Apprenticeships are more than a training route. They’re a strategy for building future-ready workforces. As a line manager, your influence is transformative. By setting clear expectations, balancing guidance with autonomy, supporting wellbeing, and connecting apprentices to wider opportunities, you’ll not only help them succeed; you’ll help them shine. At tend, we’re here to make that journey smoother. Together with the Association of Apprentices, we’re committed to empowering you and your apprentices to get ahead.
Impact Futures apprentices can access the full Line Managers’ Get Ahead guide via their complimentary AoA Membership.
Visit this link to download for free
Want to get ahead by training your team with tend? Reach out to our team by tapping the button below.
