Where do I feel comfortable?
Prospective apprentices should also take soft factors into account when deciding where to go on their journey. After all, the atmosphere in the workplace and respectful behaviour are crucial for a successful apprenticeship.
Apprentices spend a large part of their young lives in the training company. The atmosphere in the workplace, the way work is carried out, the interaction with colleagues and the relationship with the supervisor: All of these factors determine how successful a working day is. And how satisfied you go home in the evening.
What is the atmosphere like at the training centre?
Some literally blossom in their new environment. On the other hand, if you listen to the reports of those who dropped out of their apprenticeship, the atmosphere in the company has a major, often decisive influence on their well-being at work. A bad-tempered boss, poor working conditions, rigid processes: there are many things that can turn days in the «business» into torture.
For example, you should ask yourself: Do clear hierarchies and instructions suit me or do I need a lot of freedom to organise my work?
A taster apprenticeship - preferably for a whole week - is the most realistic insight you can get. Some people even try out the same company twice before making a decision. It is also worth taking a look at very different companies and asking questions:
Also decisive: small business or large company
Do I feel more comfortable in a small company or do I like the atmosphere in a large company? Do I like clear hierarchies and instructions or do I need the freedom to organise my own work? Does it bother me to be constantly monitored, or does it give me more certainty that I won't make a mistake?
Spontaneous decisions should be considered calmly. But there is also nothing to be said against following your heart.
It is difficult to predict what the apprenticeship will be like. Career starters are joining a company for the first time and cannot draw on the experience of previous jobs.
Some are not yet sure about their career choice. Then they do a taster apprenticeship and realise: «I want to do an apprenticeship here.» Of course, you should think about spontaneous decisions in peace. But there's nothing to stop you following your heart.
