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 being accepted onto an apprenticeship or signing up for a training course, like the Options Skills electrical courses and gas courses, is the first step made towards a new career.

Depending on your chosen path, you may have the opportunity to earn as you train, such is the case on the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course and with apprenticeships, under 19’s can expect to earn £3.70 an hour. While wages vary, what any apprentice/trainee will definitely gain is invaluable skills, experience and qualifications in your chosen field.

It’s important for an apprentice/trainee to make the most of their training. Whatever field you may be going into, there are a number of tips that are beneficial and can take your training to that next level.

Ask Questions

When working as an apprentice/trainee, if you are unsure of something, the best thing to do it ask questions. 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

As we said, 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 tools you may be using whether they are 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, a customer wouldn’t be convinced they were going to deliver high-quality work and a neat finish.

Be Enthusiastic

When your mentor asks you to complete a task, relish the opportunity. Taking on a task with confidence is an important 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 that needs to be completed. Make sure that you make time so that you are able 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 can lead to mistakes that 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.

Are you looking to become an apprentice/trainee and learn a trade? Here at Options Skills, we offer the Domestic Installer Award, NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course and ACS Gas Training. Whether you’re looking to become a plumber, gas engineer or electrician, call us today at 0800 802 1306.