Staring an apprenticeship is a big step, and the company you pick will have a huge impact on the direction you take. Not every workplace is set up to support apprenticeships, even if it may sound good on paper. Here’s 10 green flags I’ve found in companies who want to genuinely support apprentices.
1. They clearly explain the work.
When your supervisor is able to clearly explain and goes through the type of work that you’ll be doing. I’ve learnt that many Tradespeople are not great teachers. Quite often don’t have the patience or people-skills to teach apprentices. Make sure that you’re not left guessing, or mind reading. Especially in. your first year, you shouldn’t be expected to ‘just know’ things.
2. They hire apprentices for the long term gain.
The best companies ensure that their apprentices are trained and retained in the company, not just for short term hire. It’s a good sign that there’s always work lined up. Many Tradesmen stay in the company that they have trained in.
3. They have a respectful team culture.
The company is always looking out for each other. They always remind you that you should be keeping safe, and respect your viewpoints. It’s not just about who has done the most hours, or about ‘toughening up’. There’s genuine empathy and concern for your well-being in your team.
4. Tradesmen and Supervisors encourage questions.
My supervisors alway ensure that I don’t leave the meeting table if I sound even slightly unsure. Always ask questions. You should be in an environment where you feel safe asking questions. Early into my apprenticeship, I worked with a guy (different company) who got punched in the stomach for asking too many questions. Just remember, asking a question is alway cheaper than fixing a f*k up.
5.They spend time teaching you.
Your company takes the time to sit you down and teach you. I’ve personally spent so much time in the workshop, learning about relays and breakers. My Tradesmen will always draw out diagrams, write notes, and show me photos of how my work should be like. I’ve learned that Tradesmen are not trained teachers, so many of them do not have the ability (or patience) to teach apprentices.If you do find a good teacher, learn as much as you can from them.
6.There’s different types of people in the company.
Having a diverse group of individuals adds to the value of the company. By this, I mean gender, age, race, and industry work experience. The electrical field is so wide that it’s very beneficial to have people who can think in all sorts of different ways. The best companies recognise that having a variety of outlooks will grow the company.
If you are being hired for ‘diversity’ please ensure that you’re not just there to fulfil a checkbox. You’re not just a number.
7. Supervisors are always telling you what you can do to improve.
You’re not going to improve unless you have someone constantly critiquing your work – and I don’t mean criticising. Tradesmen should be teaching you how to do things better and more efficiently, not just telling you what you did wrong. Always ask for advice on better techniques.
8. There’s proper supervision by the right people.
Working beside qualified tradesmen has made all the difference to my electrical apprenticeship. I wasted years working next to senior apprentices and trade assistants (who aren’t qualified in NZ) who have taught me the wrong habits. Make sure that you’re spending everyday being taught by correct people.
9. The team are focused on the work, and less on the company drama.
You were hired as an electrical apprentice to work – don’t get caught up in the co-worker drama. I’ve found that companies with constant gossip (yes tradie companies are terrible at gossiping) and politics have internal trust issues. This affects the communication and workflow. It’s mentally taxing working along side someone and double guessing if you can trust them. Would you want to work next to someone who talks badly behind your back?
The best companies are the one who are locked-in and focus on their work – the next task, the next big project, getting the next contract.
10. The Boss checks in on how you are doing.
It’s essential that your supervisors do regular check-ins to see how your apprenticeship is going, and what you’re struggling with. They also rely on their Tradesmen to be the eyes and ears of the company, so regular check ins are a good sign of constant communication. You should not be ignored as an apprentice.
I get calls daily by my boss, checking if everything is alright, and asking about how the job went. This is something that I will always be grateful for.
You’ve made it to the end…
Choosing a good company can be challenging, and matters just as much as getting the apprenticeship itself. Paying attention to these green flags can help you avoid poor learning environments, and find a place where you’re genuinely supported. It’s worth waiting for the right company to come along, rather than picking anyone who will take you.
Above all, trust your gut and take your time in deciding if this works for you.
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