A young person’s first impression of their workplace sets the tone for their youth apprenticeship experience. Onboarding youth apprentices, or the process of integrating young people in the organization, can impact an apprentice’s learning, engagement, and retention. Unlike conventional orientation at organizations, which is a single activity and often done by human resources, onboarding a youth apprentice can be yearlong and involves multiple people. 

This resource provides a framework for sponsors and employers building their apprentice onboarding processes in the workplace. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to effectively onboard apprentices, from preparing the organization before launching a new apprenticeship program to welcoming apprentices and setting them up for future success. Successful onboarding requires communicating that the organization values a long-term relationship and that the workplace is welcoming, respectful, and equitable.