Trainees spend a large part of their day-to-day lives at work. The way work is carried out there, how colleagues interact with one another and how managers lead shape their day-to-day experience.
People who feel taken seriously, are allowed to ask questions and receive support are more motivated and develop more effectively. This also includes good guidance: vocational trainers who take the time to explain things clearly and provide regular feedback make the transition much easier.
An open, supportive culture boosts self-confidence.
The atmosphere within the team also plays an important role. Do you feel welcome? Are there other learners? And how are mistakes dealt with? An open, supportive culture boosts self-confidence. Fear of making mistakes, on the other hand, can undermine it.
Cases of apprenticeships being abandoned highlight just how crucial the working environment is. A negative atmosphere, a lack of support or limited scope for action can lead to a loss of motivation – even when the chosen career path is actually a good fit.
Take the working environment into account when making a decision
A taster apprenticeship is the best way to get a realistic insight into day-to-day working life. By getting to know different organisations, you'll be better able to assess what suits you best: a small, family-run business or a large company? Clear guidelines or more personal responsibility? It's also helpful to speak to current apprentices and hear about their experiences.
Nevertheless, there remains a certain degree of uncertainty – for many, this is their first step into the world of work. This makes it all the more important to listen to your gut feeling as well as weighing up the practical considerations. A decision should be well thought out, but if a place feels right, that feeling should certainly be taken into account.
