Going Above & Beyond in Your Apprenticeship

You’ve landed yourself an apprenticeship, congratulations! It may feel like you have a million and one things to think about, one of them being how you’re going to impress.

Firstly, breathe. Your employer is already impressed. That’s why you got the job in the first place! That doesn’t mean you should rest on that fact, though. Now’s the time to be like Keke Palmer and work.

There’ll be loads to get on with during your apprenticeship, but there’s nothing wrong with doing a little more, especially if you want to try and land yourself a permanent position once your apprenticeship ends.

Here are a few ways to go above and beyond in your apprenticeship…

• Show up on time
• Ask questions, lots of them
• Offer new ideas, suggestions and solutions
• Get to know your colleagues
• Do your job and do it well
• Get involved

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Show up on time

This is obvious, but oh-so-important. Being on time, or even better, early for your work day not only leaves a lasting impression on an employer but also shows a level of responsibility and commitment to your role.

You’ll also be able to get on with some much-needed admin such as;

• Organising your workspace
• Getting your to-do list together
• Replying to emails.

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Ask questions, lots of them

Don’t let anyone tell you that asking questions is a bad thing.

Questions are one of the vital ways you’re going to learn about your role. If something doesn’t make sense, ask a question. Want to confirm you’re doing it right? Ask.

It shows that you care about your apprenticeship and have a willingness to learn and improve.

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Yet to secure your apprenticeship? That’s okay! We’ve outlined the whole application journey, it’s packed with top-tier application tips.

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Offer new ideas, suggestions and solutions

Generating ideas for the business lets an employer know you care. Why? Because ideas and suggestions are the best way to improve a business.

Attend every idea meeting, even if you don’t have any ideas at first. Sometimes a colleague will suggest an idea that’ll set off sparks and light bulbs in your mind. Plus, the more ideas you take in, the more you’ll be inspired and contribute.

It seems scary at first, but once you drop in your first idea, or even get in on the conversation – the more your colleagues will see that you’re serious about the job.

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Get to know your colleagues

You’re going to be working with a pix’n’mix of people: other apprentices, senior and junior colleagues, and your bosses. Get to know them. Ask how people are, learn and remember their names.

If you’re in the office and you’re making yourself a hot drink, why not offer to make one for another colleague? Attend the socials and hang out with team members outside of your team. People are more likely to remember you if you make the effort to get to know them.

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Did you know you can make lifelong friends and meet new people during your apprenticeship? Read all about the Social Perks of Being an Apprentice.

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Do your job, and do it well

Another way to go above and beyond is to be the MVP of your apprenticeship.

You don’t need to suddenly grow several arms, clone yourself or grind yourself to the ground to get your tasks done, but it’s really important to make sure you’re doing your best work. There are loads of easy ways to do that, including;

• Organising your work according to priority
• Getting rid of any distractions during work time
• Taking regular breaks
• Setting clear and realistic goals
• Constantly learning and developing your skills.

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Get involved

Do absolutely everything. While you’ll have your own work to get on with, there’s nothing wrong with branching out and getting involved in projects outside of your regular day-to-day.

Is there a project that would do wonders in developing your skills? Do you enjoy organising events? Could you do a little more on a project you’re currently working on?

These are the kinds of questions you should ask yourself. Speak to your manager and they’ll direct you to the right places. If your workplace has a team that organises social events and you’re the company’s equivalent to a Kardashian party planner – join!

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“We routinely take part in team-building exercises to encourage enhanced employee engagement and better staff communication. These events are wonderful chances to better understand coworkers more closely and learn new skills.”

Marketer Apprentice, Apple

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There you have it, six very easy ways to make sure you stay in the minds of your employer and colleagues.

Even if you don’t land a permanent position, you’ll leave your apprenticeship knowing you did a fantastic job and 2000% get a glowing reference for your next opportunity.

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