When an apprentice starts a new role they will be bringing their perceptions of what’s involved, but may not have a clear idea of how this will pan out.
Things they will be getting to grips with in the early days are:
- What are the rest of the team like – will they fit in? will they be supported by the team?
- How easy is it for them to get to and from work? Do the practical issues support a good working life and social life?
- What are the practical activities associated with daily work? Food, breaks, etc.
- How many of the practical issues are they comfortable with? Are there any they’re uncomfortable with?
- What does the role seem like in reality? Do they understand what’s expected of them?
As a mentor, you will need to help the apprentice put all of this into the context of:
- Their current role in the business
- Their vision for the future
- The challenges facing them and the opportunities open to them, both within the business and from outside.