PRIMARY SCHOOL - Realview

Feature | training8 Tips to Help You Get the MostOut of Your ApprenticesTraining apprentices allows you andyour company to effectively deal withskills shortages or high staff turnovers.Since they play an important roll inkeeping you ahead of your competition,you should think about how you andyour apprentice can gain the mostfrom the training. We have collectedsome general tips to help you achievemaximum results with your apprentices:1. Ensure a safe working environment!Health and safety at work is vital and it is your duty as an employerto make sure that the workplace is free from possible hazardsand that all regulations are fulfilled. It is mandatory that yourapprentices be introduced to all safety regulations, especiallyoccupational health and safety training at the workplace.6. Find the balance between being fun and authoritative.It’s generally a good idea to show your funny side (as far as itexists) and joke around with your apprentices but sometimesit’s better to wait for that time after work. Once at the workplaceyou should be professional and exercise your authority to ensureeverybody works in a similar professional manner.7. Practice what you preach and set a good example.Arrive at work on time, do a good job and don’t get distracted bypersonal problems.8. Find the right apprentices for your company.Now that the Australian industry is again facing massive skillshortages finding an apprentice that suits to the job and yourcompany is a crucial challenge. Group training organisations canhelp you to connect with the talents of tomorrow.Article reprinted courtesy of Apprentice Powerwww.apprenticepower.com.au2. Foster good working relationships with other colleagues!Make sure that new apprentices are introduced to and welcomedby staff. You may also consider team building activities, such asprofessional seminars or casual after work social activities.3. Give effective supervision and assign a mentor!Apprentices need appropriate levels of supervision. Nominatea workplace supervisor and assign a mentor to the apprentice.The mentor should have a vested interest in the development ofthe apprentice, should be able to communicate well, but aboveall, needs to be a strong role model. It is also important that youshow ongoing interest in your apprentices’ training efforts!4. Be a motivator!Being a good boss means you are able to motivate yourapprentices. There are plenty of ways like rewards, incentives andformal recognition. Keep in mind that everybody reacts differentlyon criticism and praises, but a good rule of thumb to follow is thatpraises should be done in public while it is better to keep criticismin private.5. Have an open ear and be a communicator!Communication is always a two way process and an importantpart of supporting your apprentices is listening, addressing andreacting to their problems and questions. You too should beopen to their feedback and criticism. Creating strong internalcommunication helps you to fix problems as they arise.26 | master builders tasmaniaTas Building Group AD.indd 112/10/07 11:28:38 AM