How to stick it out when it gets tough.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic launchpad into a world of trades and home building, but let’s face it, they’re not always a walk in the park for everyone. Some people start with bang only to find themselves hitting a wall and packing it in.

A 2020 HIA report revealed the top three reasons for apprentices to throw in the towel: dodgy work relationships, training troubles, and personal hurdles. Here’s our top advice in tackling these challenges head-on and keeping the finish line in sight.

Dodgy work relationships.

Ever heard the saying, “People don’t leave jobs, they leave bosses”? There’s some truth to that. “I didn’t get on with my boss or other people at work” was a top reason for apprentices jumping ship. But before you consider dropping out, remember this: the workplace is a bit like a family. Sometimes you’ll clash, have a spat, or even feel like you’re speaking different languages.

Take a deep breath and tackle the issue straight on. Open a conversation with your boss or colleagues. Most problems can be sorted out with a clear-headed conversation. Keep in mind, learning to navigate and communicate with people is a skill that’ll serve you in any job down the line. If you’re really stuck, your apprenticeship provider can often be a huge help.

Training troubles.

Not getting enough on-the-job training? You’re not the first one to say that. Don’t get us wrong, there will be times where you need to spend the better part of the day on the end of a broom tidying up the site, but this shouldn’t be how you spend the majority of your time.

This is another common trip-up that gets apprentices thinking about an exit strategy. It can be disheartening when the training doesn’t match up to your expectations, you have no idea what you’re doing, and your co-workers don’t care either.

But don’t let that get you down.

Remember, it’s okay to speak up and ask questions. Let your trainer know you’re struggling. They can’t read minds (even if they seem to when you make a mistake). Maybe you’re a hands-on learner stuck in theory, or the other way round. Once they understand your learning style, they can adjust the training to suit. Don’t be shy to ask for extra help if you need it. We’re all in this to see you succeed.

Personal Hurdles.

Personal reasons, especially health-related ones, can be tough. It’s hard to focus on the job when you’re sick, injured or feeling mentally unfit. If you’re dealing with health issues, it’s crucial to let your boss know. Most employers will be understanding and work with you to find a solution.

Remember your health comes first. You can’t pour from an empty cup, as they say. So take care of yourself, and if needed, seek professional help. Once you’ve got your health in check, you can come back to the grind.

To sum up.

Life’s not always a smooth sail, especially when you’re embarking on an apprenticeship. Clashes at work might happen, so learn to respect, communicate and have patience. Training giving you a headache? Seek clarification or additional training. Lastly, if you’re under the weather, take a step back, a breather, talk with your boss and come back stronger.

It’s a world of work, learning and adapting, but with the right perspective, game plan and clear communication, you can dodge the most common drop-out trap and be well on your way to a successful apprenticeship.