Apprenticeships: how to make the most of your experience

Apprenticeships have come a long way in recent years, offering young people a real alternative to university and a way to gain incredible, career-enhancing work experience.

They offer a great blend of practical training and learning support.

If you're thinking of undertaking an apprenticeship however, or know someone who is, it's important to remember that the company itself isn't the only one who has a responsibility to make the experience as useful as possible – you do too.

Here's how you can make sure you squeeze every drop of value out of your apprenticeship.

Choose one that suits you

It sounds obvious, but the best way to make sure you're fully-engaged with your apprenticeship is to become involved in one that's based in an industry that appeals to you.

There's more choice now than ever, in terms of the sectors in which these programmes exist, as you can become involved in programmes in fields as diverse as banking, engineering, IT and law.

Show apprentice recruiters that you're keen

At this stage, many school leavers are likely to have a fairly similar level of work experience, so there won't be much setting you apart.

It's for this reason that it's really important to show that you're passionate about the opportunity to work for the company and are interested in the industry, starting right from the interview stage.

If you show that you're really keen to become an apprentice and put a lot into the experience, your manager is more likely to hand greater responsibility to you.

For example, if you're interested in working in consultancy, show that you're up to date with everything that's happened in the sector and that you're aware of who the key figures are.

Show you have the skills that employers want

Companies need employees who possess certain key qualities, like the ability to communicate and work well with others.

If you can show that you have these skills and are able to apply them effectively to your role, your superiors will be more inclined to trust you to work on important projects.

Show that you're also willing to take on more responsibility and focus on developing your own ability, through practical work and studying.

Let your positivity shine through on an apprenticeship

From your first interview to the last day of your apprenticeship, it's always a good idea to show enthusiasm and commitment. This can be through your body language, attitude and how you interact with your colleagues.

It doesn't mean that you have to be the loudest or most outgoing person in the office, or that you should try to be something you're not.

Instead, it means you should always be willing to help, polite, courteous, engaged and co-operative. This will help you come across in a positive light.

Ask questions to learn

One of the goals of an apprenticeship is to develop as a person, as an employee and to learn valuable professional skills. As you're in the early part of your career, it's absolutely fine for you to ask questions – in fact it's expected and likely encouraged.

Don't be scared of asking your manager and colleagues questions. If anything, this will show that you're keen to learn and help you become a more effective member of the team.

Listen to your co-workers

Being surrounded by people who have many years of experience will automatically help you to learn a lot, so just being in a working office environment will be beneficial to your professional development.

However, if your colleagues offer you specific advice or insights, it's worth really listening to it and taking it onboard.

After all, these people have learnt from experience and will only be trying to help you by passing on their knowledge.