How To Be A Rockstar Apprentice
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Starting an apprenticeship can be intimidating, especially if you’re younger and don’t know what to expect. After all, you’re going to be among folks who are seasoned and experienced in the craft you wish to learn. I remember my first day on the job as an electrical apprentice well. Having been a mechanic prior, I was used to always having a heap of tools readily available. So, I show up with my brand-new tool pouch packed to the gills. I had channel lock pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, you name it! My journeyman was a pretty good guy and took me aside: “hey, you’re gonna want to leave most of those tools here. You’re gonna be pulling wire all day.” It was a lesson learned before we even began work.
Nobody really tells you what to expect or how to prepare going into an apprenticeship, and you’re left guessing most of the time. Then there are the more subtle things like not showing up with brand new work boots, and a tool belt with the tags still on it. Over 15 years later I’ve had my share of new apprentices and can shed some light on what traits make a Rockstar apprentice. If that’s not enough, I also polled my Instagram audience as to what they felt made a great apprentice and that story is actually saved in my highlights if you care to check it out.
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- 1. Attitude. This is a pretty standard answer, but I want to elaborate a bit more on what exactly a good attitude is and how to have one. The idyllic image of master and apprentice is a working-class version of teacher and student, but rarely is this the case. Imagine being a tradesman with a dozen years under your belt and now they tell you that in addition to your normal workload, you need to teach the new apprentice with a very small knowledge base. This is the situation most are put in which isn’t exactly conducive to a good learning environment. The best thing that new guy can do is be eagerly waiting on their first day, and the first thing out of their mouth after an introduction and firm handshake should be “how can I help?”. That person now becomes a benefit rather than a hinderance. That’s someone I can use.
- 2. Leave your phone in your car! I can’t tell you how many apprentices have this issue and it’s a real problem. If you can’t help checking your phone every ten minutes, just eliminate the temptation entirely. It wasn’t that long ago when the only means of communication was a job trailer phone or a beeper, and I miss those times. The apprentice who is constantly looking at their phone is not only useless, but they can also potentially be dangerous. Know yourself. If you’re addicted to checking your phone, leave it in your car or lunchbox. Attitude. This is a pretty standard answer, but I want to elaborate a bit more on what exactly a good attitude is and how to have one. The idyllic image of master and apprentice is a working-class version of teacher and student, but rarely is this the case. Imagine being a tradesman with a dozen years under your belt and now they tell you that in addition to your normal workload, you need to teach the new apprentice with a very small knowledge base. This is the situation most are put in which isn’t exactly conducive to a good learning environment. The best thing that new guy can do is be eagerly waiting on their first day, and the first thing out of their mouth after an introduction and firm handshake should be “how can I help?”. That person now becomes a benefit rather than a hinderance. That’s someone I can use.
- 3. Show up early, leave late. At first this may sound silly. after all, you’re likely being paid by the hour so why would you ever work for free? The truth is that being “on time” is the same as being late. Ten minutes at the start and end of your day likely won’t make much difference to you, and the added benefit is that you have a time buffer against traffic or other circumstances. An apprentice who beats me to the job appears eager and prepared. An apprentice waiting with two coffees is even better still! Staying a few minutes to tidy up while others drive away is also noticed in a big way. Of course, if it’s not necessary don’t just stand around for ten minutes but be eager to pitch in even where it’s not expected of you.
- 4. Have patience. You’re not likely going to have a patient, understanding teacher. More likely you’ll have someone who treats you like you’re in the way. My first journeyman told me to just pay attention and try to learn because he doesn’t have time to stop and teach. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of work these days- margins are cut, timelines are shorter, and crews are run leaner. So often in the beginning you’ll just be trying to pick up what you can from observation. This isn’t a bad way to learn actually, and it gives you a sense of the pace of a job. The time may come where lessons can be taught but more than likely you’ll often be left to put the pieces together on your own. Apprentices might be asked to do menial tasks sometimes, but these are important to learn so that you know the job from the ground up. That way when you have an apprentice of your own, you know exactly how long it should take to sweep an area or go get the core drill. An apprenticeship isn’t forever, so have patience.
- 5. You may have noticed that I haven’t spoken much about gear. What about the boots, the tools, the clothes? Truthfully, these are pretty low on the priority list. Nobody has ever learned more because they had nice boots on their feet. It is a component which shouldn’t be ignored so here are a few things to consider:
- First, buy your clothing long before your apprenticeship starts. Want to spot the new guy? It’s easy when they’re dressed in brand new Carhartt from head to toe. Wear your stuff not only to break it in, but to see how it fits and how it feels. Knowing what clothing you should wear for the task or climate is key.
- Invest in essential, high quality tools. Ask a mechanic how much they have tied up in tools and they will likely give you a vague equivalent like “I could’ve bought a Corvette”. You don’t need every tool to start with but get the basics and the best you can afford. This will vary with each trade but find out what you will need and don’t skimp. The tools you use to make a living should be the very best you can afford, and they’ll likely pay you back many times over. I have a set of Snap-On wrenches that’s probably 20 years older than me and they still work flawlessly.
- Do not skimp on your boots. It’s pretty damned tough to be an eager and resilient worker when your feet are sore. Think of your boots like your tools, they’ll likely pay you back over time with rebuilds and resoles. Get the best you can afford (even if that’s not what you truly want) and upgrade when you can. After all, if you’re not in your bed, you’re likely in your boots. Don’t cheap out on either.
A successful apprenticeship requires hunger, patience, and humility. The best approach is to act like nobody owes you a damned thing and nobody cares who you are. This is when you start to make a name for yourself and build a reputation. You’ll have good days and bad, work with great people and some jackasses, and you’re going to make mistakes. That’s to be expected from anyone learning, so own the mistakes and learn from them. Always report a problem as soon as you can even if it’s your fault because the only thing worse than bad news is bad news late. The best apprentices I ever had went on to lead successful careers, and these five traits were really at the core of their success. You have the opportunity to build and shape your future in a very real way during an apprenticeship. People will talk about you and recommend you based on your attitude and quality of work. Now get out there and kick some ass.