How to prepare for your apprenticeship
An apprenticeship could be your first taste of life in the workplace – here are some hints and tips to help you succeed in the work environment. Remember, your employer will expect this type of commitment from you.
Timekeeping
We suggest you arrive at work at least 10 minutes before you are due to start. This will allow you time to prepare yourself for the day ahead. If, due to unforeseen circumstances you are late for work or returning from your break, ensure sure you have a contact name and number to call to let someone know.
Attendance
It’s really important you attend work for your agreed working hours. If, due to unforeseen circumstances you are not able to attend work, make sure you have a contact name and number and call them to explain the reason for your absence. Individual absence policies for each store will be discussed with you as part of your induction.
Dress code
How you dress is one of the first things people notice and is the first step in portraying yourself positively to your colleagues and customers. Always arrive at work clean and smartly dressed in sensible footwear. Your employer should explain the dress code and uniform requirements.
Communication
Good communication skills are essential. You need to be confident, polite, make eye contact and be aware of your body language. The store team are all there to help and support you but it’s important that you let them know if you do need any help.
Getting to know your colleagues
Take time to introduce yourself to your colleagues and get to know what they do, and how they can help you and how you can help them.
Learning
During the first few weeks you’re going to be experiencing information overload. This is because you will be meeting lots of new people who will be explaining and demonstrating what they do. They also may use words you are not familiar with. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by what you are learning and all the information you are given.
Your Apprenticeship is all about learning lots of new skills, knowledge and behaviours. These are learnt in a wide range of ways that contribute towards your off the job learning.
- Observing/shadowing colleagues
- Practicing what you have seen with a colleague
- Talking to your colleagues
- Attending training sessions (121, hubs, team sessions)
- Asking questions
- Attending workshops
- Completing Onefile and BKSB tasks
- Spending time with your Assessor Coach
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm and passion don’t go unnoticed. When you’re starting out as a new apprentice it’s one of things that you have from day one. It’s the one thing that you need to learn. A positive approach to anything you’re asked to do will demonstrate that you are keen to learn and develop.
Respect
You should always respect people’s feelings and beliefs, even if it doesn’t mean anything to you personally. It could mean everything to them. You have to give respect to get it back
Organisational skills
Starting a new job can be difficult so always make sure you plan and organise your day and week. By doing this you will know what needs to be doing and by when.
Teamwork
By working as part of a team we can pull together everybody’s abilities and experience.
T = Together
E = Everyone
A = Achieves
M = More
Attitude
Sometimes it’s hard to hide how you are feeling and this can be misinterpreted as a bad attitude. Things as simple as a look, or a stance can say so many things. Remember, people make a decision about you in the first 10 seconds of meeting.
Phone etiquette
Your phone will need to be stored away during working hours – you will be able to check your phone during breaks. You will be informed of the store’s etiquette during your induction.
Professionalism
Remember to use appropriate language to suit the age of the customer. If you are not serving a customer, stay busy. You can find out from your store what you can do when not with a customer.
Customers
Be responsible for the customers you meet and see any issue or enquiry through to the end with them. If you can’t help, refer to a colleague and let the customer know. Our customers are the life blood of our business.
If you think a Specsavers apprenticeship is right for you then click here to find out more.