Are you considering an apprenticeship or wanting to maximise your current apprenticeship?
If you are, you’re not alone. Apprenticeships are on the rise, and for good reason. They offer a great way to learn new skills while getting your foot in the door of your chosen career. However, it is important to take opportunities if you want to get the most out of it! In this blog post, I will discuss how you can do just that!
Here are some tips on how to make sure you maximise your apprenticeship experience.
Network
Learning is not just about what you learn in the classroom. It's also important to get out there and meet people! Join local groups, attend conferences or (if you're feeling adventurous) social events with professionals from different fields. Networking is a great way to make connections and expand your professional network. Who knows, you might even learn about new opportunities and challenges in the industry.
Ask the Most Stupid Questions (No one is judging)
Another great way to make the most out of your apprenticeship is to ask questions - lots and lots and lots of questions. Don't be afraid to look like you don't know what you're doing, no one is judging (except maybe your boss - just kidding). Asking questions is a great way to learn. Not only will you get the answer to your question, but you'll also learn how to ask better questions in the future - asking questions is a skill in itself! Asking questions also shows that you're interested in learning and that you're willing to put in the effort. This is a valuable skill that will stand you in good stead throughout your career.
Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, so don't be afraid to make them during your apprenticeship. Instead of worrying about making mistakes, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Take some time to reflect on each mistake you make and try to figure out how you can avoid making the same mistake again in the future. Mistakes can help us learn new things, figure out what we're good at, and develop our skills. They can also help us build resilience and increase our chances of success in the future. So don't be afraid to make mistakes during your apprenticeship - embrace them!
Reflect on Your Achievements
It's important to remember that there are many ways you can make the most out of your apprenticeship, not just by learning new skills and gaining experience. Taking some time every week (or whenever) to reflect on what you've achieved is a great way of making sure you know how far you've come as an apprentice. This could be anything from completing tasks before the deadline to impressing your boss with your skills and knowledge. Whatever it is, make sure you take the time to reflect on and celebrate your achievements!
Help Others!
Helping others is a great way to give back and expand your horizons (and network). Not only will you be able to help someone in need, but you will also be able to learn and grow as a person. Helping others requires you to put yourself in other people's shoes, which can help you understand them better. Additionally, helping others can teach you new skills and give you more experience. So if you want to make the most out of your apprenticeship, make sure you help others whenever you can!
Shadow Senior Colleagues
Shadowing more experienced colleagues is a great way to learn new things and develop your skills. It can also help you figure out what you want to do in the future. Seeing how other people work and hearing about their experiences can be really valuable, especially if you're not sure what you want to do with your apprenticeship. Additionally, shadowing can help you learn new skills and get more experience. It is a good way to see how they work and to learn new things.
Take Advantage of Any Training Offered
It is important to take advantage of any training that is offered during your apprenticeship, especially regarding your apprenticeship scheme/agreement. It could seem like a massive inconvenience at the time, however this will help you develop as a professional and learn more about the industry. This training may not be used straight away in your career - but it's always good to have an appreciation and understanding of skills that may be outside of your job role. Additionally, apprenticeship schemes/agreements usually have a set end date - making the most of available training will help you finish your apprenticeship with more skills and knowledge that can be transferred into your career.
Stay Motivated
I know this is easier said than done when apprenticeships can be so long (trust me, I know)! It is important to stay motivated in apprenticeship, especially if you want to keep learning. This means setting goals for yourself and always remembering the end goal - the reason you're doing all of this! It's critical to find a good work/life balance, take some time for yourself, and make sure you're enjoying your apprenticeship. If you're not enjoying it, talk to your boss or apprenticeship provider about why and see if there is anything that can be done to change that. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help - there are plenty of people who are happy to help apprentices learn and grow.
In this article, I have discussed how apprenticeships can be a great way to learn new skills and get your foot in the door of your chosen career. The tips shared should help you take advantage of opportunities during an apprenticeship and become an expert in your field (well.....probably)! If there is anything else I didn't mention here feel free to contact me for more information!
