Your guide to crushing your apprenticeship.

Kick-starting an apprenticeship can feel like a ride on a roller coaster, thrilling yet nerve-wracking! But don’t sweat it. Here are the top pieces of friendly advice we’ve gathered to help you not just survive, but absolutely smash your apprenticeship journey.

Ears open, mouth closed.

You know the old saying, “we have two ears and one mouth for a reason”? It couldn’t be truer when starting your apprenticeship. The people around you, especially those seasoned old-timers, are like walking treasure chests of knowledge and experience. Every chat, every job, every mistake, there’s something to learn.

So don’t just keep to yourself, lend an ear to their stories, advice, and especially their feedback. You’d be amazed how much you can pick up. And if something sounds like a bit of a head-scratcher, don’t be shy to ask.

Asking questions shows that you’re keen to learn, and trust us, people respect that.

Show up ready-to-go.

Here’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating: Always show up ready. This means having all your gear sorted. Safety boots, high-vis jacket, helmet, earmuffs, sunglasses – the whole kit if you’re unsure. Because it’s not just about playing it safe, but showing you’re serious about the job.

Now, onto the less tangible stuff. Bring along your positive vibes. Some days will be a breeze, others might feel like you’re stuck in a hamster wheel. But remember, every task, no matter how tedious, is shaping you into a top-notch pro. So, keep your chin up, soldier through, and before you know it, you’ll be mastering tasks you once fumbled through.

Jot down the journey.

Here’s a secret…

Keep a diary of your apprenticeship journey. Not the ‘Dear Diary’ sort, but a record of what you’re doing on site, what’s stumping you, what you’re nailing, and the steps to getting a job done. This will be your personal cheat sheet – even just a note in your phone that you can refer back to.

Ever got halfway through something, leave it for the next day, you start again, and completely blank on what to do?

Just flip open your notes. Not only does it save you tons of time doing nothing, but it’s also a cracking way to see how far you’ve come.

All in all.

Embarking on an apprenticeship is like stepping onto a massive learning curve. There’ll be heaps to take in, some bumps along the way, but with every bit of advice you soak up, every challenge you overcome, and every note in your diary, you’re climbing that curve. So, strap in, keep your wits about you, and enjoy the ride.