- Get to know the people you work with
This will happen naturally over time, but it’s good to make a special effort to find out about the people in your team. Be sure to ask for everyone’s names and job roles (you might want to take note of this if it’s a big team); your company might even have a ‘Meet the team’ section on their website which will also help with this. Knowing the people you’re going to be working with is the perfect way to build bridges and make connections.
- Organise your time
Your day will be organised for you by your manager, with each task having a set deadline. This will allow you to finish them in priority order. However, you’ll also need to allocate time for your coursework. Some employers will allow you to do this during work hours (meaning you’ll need to fit it around your normal weekly tasks) whilst others will require you to complete it in your own time. Having an idea of what’s expected of you will enable you to organise your time accordingly.
- Ask for help
If you find there’s something you’re stuck on, or you’re not entirely sure what you’re supposed to be dong, then be sure to ask your manager or a colleague for some more direction. They’ll love your initiative and will expect you to have questions; the more you ask the more you learn. They won’t expect you to understand everything after your first day so don’t worry about your questions sounding silly, they’ll be happy to help you.
- Take note of how senior staff members work
You can learn a lot from those higher up in the business. Take the time to find out how they organise their time, how they speak to customers and colleagues, what they’re involved in and what their approach to work is like. It’s a great opportunity to find out how others have thrived in the company and you might even pick up a few tips along the way!
- Be enthusiastic
Showing your enthusiasm will not go unnoticed and when you’re starting out it’s vital to show an interest in what you’re doing – first impressions count! Having a positive approach to the tasks you’re set will help people to remember you for the right reasons. It’ll open up lots of doors, giving you the opportunity to get involved in different projects and groups. There's lots to learn as an apprentice but getting positively stuck in and having a ‘can do’ approach will help you go far.
Are you looking to start an apprenticeship? Check out the link below for more information!