As a slightly older apprentice (25 at the time of starting my journey) I was markedly aware of not being treated as an assistant with my future employer. Apprenticeships should be all about getting hands-on experience in the role. About learning as you go, becoming an equal team member – certainly not about setting meetings, getting tea, and being silent. Although I am slightly above the average apprentice age, I believe that sharing my experience could be useful for apprentices of all ages. And lucky you, I am going to outline the steps Apprenticeship Network helped me take in three points below.
Point 1. Set expectations as soon as possible.
Apprenticeship Network organises an induction week, one week before you will start with your employer. This week will help you to get ready for your specific role. You’ll learn about your employer and the ins and outs of your training course. Above all, this week is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your new job. For that reason, I spoke with my Apprenticeship Network rep and let them know that I wanted real responsibility coupled with the chance to impact projects early on.
Apprenticeship Networks’ advice was to set expectations as soon as possible. My rep encouraged me to speak with my manager in my first meeting with him. To let him know that I am here to learn, but equally importantly, that I am here to provide value. I was told to make it obvious that I wanted responsibility, to be ‘thrown in the deep end’ and tested, and that’s exactly what I did. All things considered, managers are just people, and although I was a bucket of nerves, my manager took my words on board and assured me that he would support me in getting the most out of my apprenticeship.
Point 2. Check in with your Apprenticeship Network rep regularly.
A good start doesn’t always equal a consistent experience throughout your apprenticeship. Following from setting expectations with my manager early on, I found myself involved in interesting and rewarding work. However, when you are new to the world of adult careers, it can be difficult to know if you are performing at an adequate level. It can be difficult to identify if you are producing the work that will be impressive on CV’s. Work that will help you land that next job. Thankfully, an Apprenticeship Network rep is never far away, and my advice is to use your rep as often as possible!
Apprenticeship Network reps are highly trained in your specific job role, and in career readiness. They are the perfect one-stop-shop for supporting your needs. I set up a bi-weekly meeting with my rep and used this time to chat about my work, my relationship with my manager and more. (See here for a great article on managing your manager!) My rep helped me to understand what I could improve upon strengthening my work connections and building trust with my colleagues. He also helped me understand how to present my work, and how all of the above would create more opportunities for myself within the company. Use your Apprenticeship Network reps, they know what they’re talking about.
Point 3. Attend the Apprenticeship Network training courses!
Do you want to make a consistent impact in your role? Demonstrate that you can take on responsibility and be a valuable team player? Then ensuring you have the skills to match your ambition is absolutely crucial. Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Apprenticeship Network hosts training courses once a month, with distinct modules relevant to helping you excel in your job role. By attending these you will learn more about your role. You’ll be able to apply new learnings to your work, and you’ll see your work steadily improve. There’s no better way to be given more opportunities than to continually demonstrate your desire to apply your learnings to your job role.
If, like me, you’re looking to aim high and do real, impactful work in your new role, then Apprenticeship Network is perfectly positioned to help you achieve this. Follow my three points, and make your own three points along the way! No experience is like the other, but one constant is that Apprenticeship Network will be ready to support your ambition and help you make the most of your apprenticeship, just as they did for me.
For more advice on whether apprenticeships are the right fit for you, click on to read ‘4 Types of People Who Should Avoid Apprenticeships’
