New Apprentice. Any advice?

[KMORAN28]

Hi everyone, I've just recently been offered an apprenticeship and will have an induction day on Tuesday and start work on site Wednesday.

Any intial tips? I have already done a year at college studying a level 2 Diploma (essentially the theory you learn in the first year of an apprenticeship, but limited practical work) but this will be my first taste of the world of work.

I would say I'm a little nervous but also excited to finally start working instead of wasting another year at college!!

Many thanks

Kieran

 

[Andy78]

my apprentice was a bugger for being on the mobile at work but i could not sack him. i'm his dad.

Shouldn't have let that stop you.

 

[shanky887614]

my apprentice was a bugger for being on the mobile at work but i could not sack him. i'm his dad.

stupid lump ive been stuck with doesn't wont to learn and wont listen.

was trying to explain the physical difference between the two maglocks we had (we needed to try to find some unmonitered ones)

how ******* hard is it to look at them and if it has an led on the bottom put in one pile or if it has one put it in another.


got a call first thing this morning from an agency so ill call back tomorrow and as soon as i get paid i cant leave soon enough (paid monthly here)

im usually quite calm and will keep explaining on different ways till they understand it but some people just make my blood boil

 

[PEG]

Mostly covered above,but there is another vital skill - manners.

Use them whenever you can.

You can even learn to use them effectively,when dealing with the inevitable stick,abuse and ineptness,that will certainly come from more senior operatives.

I was leaving a company,many years ago,as a young fella,and went round to thank various members of the outfit...there was one such cantankerous,spiteful lifer,who had not liked or assisted me one jot...

In the presence of three of the directors,i shook his hand,and said "i would like to thank you,for all you have done for me..." and whilst still shaking his hand,i finished with "...which was exactly nothing"...

Three bright red directors,one speechless eejit,ones' manners intact. :smartass:

 

[Dave OCD]

my apprentice was a bugger for being on the mobile at work but i could not sack him. i'm his dad.

I'm just setting out on that very road, no problems at all with politeness and manners with customers and enthusiasm to help/learn, it just takes a good few shouts to get the bugger up in the mornings.

 

[telectrix]

I'm just setting out on that very road, no problems at all with politeness and manners with customers and enthusiasm to help/learn, it just takes a good few shouts to get the bugger up in the mornings.

jug of cold water is a good incentive.

 

[hightower]

Think it's been said already in most, but be keen and attentive. I've had apprentices under me in my current field (IT) - I expect no IT skills from my apprentices to begin with, but only look for the desire to learn. If they get that right, the rest tends to fall in to place.

Timekeeping is something else I find gets my back up. My motto is if you're not 5 minutes early, then you're late. (And likewise, when asked how long something is going to take don't say "30 minutes" if it's going to take 60. Be honest, and don't put pressure on yourself.)

Someone also mentioned about having tools ready - this is a very good tip. When I work with my uncle (I'm beginning L2) I try and predict the next tool he needs - I think it shows that although I'm not in at the deep end at the moment, I am there watching and paying attention and taking it all on board.

I think finally, as others have said, don't be afraid to ask for help. But on the flip side of this, don't be afraid to put ideas forward too - there's a few times my uncle has been a little stumped and I've offered the winning solution. It feels good when you come up with something like that, and massively aids in your own learning I reckon. Even in my IT work, my apprentice puts things forward that I sometimes haven't thought about and it makes him a much more valued employee. Even if it's not right or his idea doesn't meet regulations or tick the boxes etc, it allows me to think about the problem from another perspective - something I'm sure would be equally valued in most trades.

Get stuck in mate, and enjoy!

 

[ryanmc_14]

stupid lump ive been stuck with doesn't wont to learn and wont listen.

was trying to explain the physical difference between the two maglocks we had (we needed to try to find some unmonitered ones)

how ******* hard is it to look at them and if it has an led on the bottom put in one pile or if it has one put it in another.


got a call first thing this morning from an agency so ill call back tomorrow and as soon as i get paid i cant leave soon enough (paid monthly here)

im usually quite calm and will keep explaining on different ways till they understand it but some people just make my blood boil

Im willing to learn had previous experience in a factory , fancy giving me a chance

Ild kill for an apprenticeship

 

[markc123]

I think its nice you're classed as an apprentice i was always known as the little b1tch the first year or so

 

[PEG]

I think its nice you're classed as an apprentice i was always known as the little b1tch the first year or so

mmm Cat 6e whips and thongs made from VIR......i've seen that video...:smile5: