5 Top Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship schemes are a great way to grow professionally and as an individual. After a rigorous search, research and applications, you successfully get accepted but you still need more preparations to ensure you nail your first day and the entire time you will be in the programme. If you are excited about the possibilities of earning a competitive wage, the responsibility that comes with on-job learning and earning credentials at the end of it, then here are five top tips that can help you prepare even further to make your experience  of an apprenticeship after GCSEs a success.

1. Get Organized

First, you will need to find out about the tools of work provided by your organization. You can contact your line manager who can then inform you if you will need a laptop or they will offer you one. This is especially important so that if they do not offer you one, you can prepare yours and install the necessary software to avoid an awkward first day at work moment. You can also purchase extra stationery and a new laptop bag in case they will need you to carry your laptop home.

You will also need to be organized when it comes to the study equipment required. It may feel like you are starting a new year in a new school which is similar so you will need to have your pens, notebooks, folders, sticky notes safely packed for your new learning experience. You may also contact the education representative to find out exactly what you will need in terms of reading materials. This allows you to prepare in advance financially, so you do not miss any important item on the reporting date. Ensure you have all documents requested by your employer.

It is also important that you practice time management skills so that you are able to schedule tasks on the side that otherwise may affect your new learning opportunity.

2. Shopping

This is mostly about your dressing. You need to look the part when you step into the office on that first day. However, you will need to consult your line manager on the dressing code because some organizations such as those in the financial sector prefer official outfits while other industries are just okay with the casual attires. Bottom line, be presentable and smart as within a few days you will get to understand the dressing code when you interact with other colleagues. On top of it, purchase those office items you may require early in advance.

3. Research

While you spend most of your time researching the application process, your dress code, your working hours and your travel options to and from the location, you need to find out more about the job role and the company culture. You will spend your time in the company and you need to understand how their culture, will influence your behavior and mindset and also find out if career growth is valued in the organization. Check their social media platforms for the latest news and achievements so that you are more informed about the company.

While at it, research online about individuals who started off the same level as you are and how they have progressed in life. Show initiative to learn and let your line manager see and  understand you are interested in learning. You will need to be clear on your job description and seek clarification on areas you don’t understand to ensure you are working towards a defined goal.

4. Plan Your Commute

Sometimes, one is not always lucky to find an opportunity close to where they live. You will need to have a plan in place on how you will get to work and the cost it will have on your pocket. If your work place is quite far from home, you need to plan on leaving early. If you leave work late, ensure your neighborhood is safe or plan accordingly.

If using the train, then you need to find out the nearest train station and if the train has discounts even better for you. If you  are driving, then you can find out the nearest routes that are traffic free or less traffic and also find out where to park and parking fees.

5. Finances

It is important to manage your expenses as this will be something new to you. After the deductions, you now have an amount left which you can now budget on. Once you make the necessary deductions such as lunch and commute expenses, you can now use the remaining funds to pay for your cable and gym subscriptions not forgetting your insurance. Do not forget to save for a rainy day.

Final Word

While it may be an exciting time for you, it may also be nerve wrecking trying to wonder how to behave on your first day and the following days. These tips will help you adjust since your employer will always make contact with you before hand. Make sure to always find out about the reporting time, working hours, dressing code and who to ask for once you report to work.

Show enthusiasm once you are there and try as much as possible to fit in their work culture as this will promote team work. You should be in a position to network with clients and stakeholders whom you will be in contact with as they may be in a position to help you open doors in future once your complete the apprenticeship programme.

All the best as you put into practice the above tips and prepare for your apprenticeship programme.