Essential Tips For An Apprentice/Trainee

For a school-leaver, graduate or career changer, the job market can seem like a daunting place. Thankfully, however, there are plenty of ways to get your foot in the door – and signing up for a training course can be the first step towards a new career.

Depending on your chosen path, you may have the opportunity to earn as you learn. Although the average apprenticeship pays £4.30 per hour (Source: Gov.uk), training courses could deliver much more.

Through our  NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course, trainees must go out to work in stage two of their training as a paid trainee – with the average wage being £10 per hour.

While wages vary, any apprentice/trainee will gain invaluable skills, experience, and qualifications in their chosen field. And, there are several things you can do as a trainee to make the most of your training and take it to the next level.

Ask Questions

When working as an apprentice/trainee, if you are unsure of something, the best thing is to ask. You are there to learn, and your mentor is there to teach, so take advantage of their skills and expertise.

You need to know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and how to do it. It is much better to ask and do it correctly than to go into a task unsure.

Pay Attention

Take advantage of your mentor’s skills and expertise, so pay attention to what they’re saying and doing.

Working with and observing seniors in the profession is the best way to learn everything you need to know. You may also pick up a few extra tips and tricks.

Stay Organised

Whatever you may be using, whether it’s drills and screwdrivers or paperwork and pens, keeping your things organised shows professionalism and competency.

If a plumber turned up to a job with a messy van, they wouldn’t be doing a good job of convincing a customer they’re going to deliver high-quality work and a neat finish. Plus, it makes it easier to find things when you need them.

Be Enthusiastic

When your mentor asks you to complete a task, relish the opportunity. Taking on a job with confidence is an essential tip for apprentices.

Confidence is key, and practice makes perfect. The more work you do, the more you will learn and become skilled in your area of work.

Organise Your Time

As an apprentice/trainee, you may well have both theoretical and practical work you need to finish. Therefore, make sure that you make time to get all your work done for any deadlines you may have.

Leaving things until the last minute and rushing them can lead to poor quality work and mistakes that you could have easily avoided otherwise.

Network

Whatever your apprenticeship or training course, try to network and gain exposure. Attend meetings, training events etc.

Creating a network of people within the industry can lead to great opportunities in the future that you wouldn’t get otherwise.

Looking To Become an Electrician or Gas Engineer?

Here at Options Skills, we offer the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course and ACS Gas Training. So whether you’re looking to become a gas engineer or electrician, call us today at 0800 802 1326.