You are now hired so let’s get you Certified!!!
Managing your Apprenticeship is essential to keeping your career moving in a forward direction. It is your responsibility to manage your Apprenticeship and it will entail many administrative and management tasks. Here are some of the tasks you get to look forward to and will need to do.
Planning – looking ahead and setting objectives
Being organized – keeping good records and properly recording hours worked
Researching – seeking information on the formal training
Communicating – discussions with employers and others
Scheduling – attending training and examinations
Coordinating – school expenditures, travel, residency, work
Financing – arranging funds for technical training and making applications for any available support programs and loans
Self-motivating – showing initiative by taking an active role and always maintaining a positive attitude
Problem solving – overcoming any barriers and knowing that the steps to success involve overcoming any issues that you may encounter
Looking at this list of responsibilities it’s plain to see why completing an Apprenticeship and obtaining Trade Certification is so valuable.
An Apprenticeship contract forms an agreement between you and your employer unless determined otherwise by another authority.
The typical Apprenticeship contract should detail the things that need to be completed to gain Certification. Some Apprenticeship Trades may have just hours but many will show a requirement for both months and hours.
Hours and/or months to complete each period
Technical Training required
Examinations
Now that you are hired and your employer has agreed to the Apprenticeship contract, it is critical at this point that you are clear on what is required to manage your Apprenticeship going forward. You would have already done the research in a previous step but it’s also important to check again to verify the Apprenticeship requirements.
Here’s a quick summary of some key points for planning after you gain employment and within your first 30 days on the job.
Understand all of the Apprenticeship requirements and timing.
Determine your employer contact for completing your Apprenticeship application.
Focus on your new job, show up on time and do your best.
Determine your plan for technical training school dates and schedules.
Learn about any sources of funding that are available prior to attending training so you have sufficient resources.
Make a tentative plan with your employer as to when you might attend the formal training.
Keep track of the hours you work.
Getting registered as an apprentice is a very important task.
The apprenticeship application requires information from you and a portion also needs to be completed by the employer.
Employers may manage the Apprenticeship application at different times. Some will tend to it right away while others may want you to complete a probationary period, which is a period of time to ensure you are a good fit with their team. If the employer requires you to complete a probationary period first then you must ensure that you are not working on any tasks listed as compulsory until the application is approved.
It’s critical that both you and the employer are clear on the activities you can work on to ensure compliance to the Apprenticeship requirements. Most employers are aware and will ensure that this is adhered to but it’s also important for you to know and understand this as well for your own safety and for the safety of others.
One of the most important people in the organization for you to connect with is the individual or team that manages the Apprenticeship application. Ensure you have all of your information completed and schedule the necessary time with the individual responsible for Apprenticeships in the company.
On the application there may be a section dealing with any previous experience where you can show what companies you worked for as well as tasks performed and hours worked. This can be important if you want to receive any credit for any past experience. Gather all of your previous records and document this information on your application, if applicable. Receiving any additional credit along your path to Certification will expedite you to success that much faster.
Once the application has been submitted, keep a copy for your records and follow up, if required. Typically, you will receive a positive acknowledgement unless there is information missing on the application.
Trades may have entrance requirements that vary depending on the technical difficulty of the trade. The entrance requirements are important to ensure you have the required basic knowledge to be successful in your Apprenticeship.
If you do not meet the minimum trade entrance requirements there may be an entrance exam alternative. It is your responsibility as an apprentice to investigate this information and submit transcripts and/or schedule yourself to take an entrance exam. This is necessary to become eligible to attend formal training. Remember, if you do an exam and do not pass, you’ll need to upgrade your skills/training and take the exam again. If necessary, repeat the process until you are successful.
Treat failing any exam as an opportunity to better your knowledge in the areas where your mark was below the passing grade. Failure is one stepping stone to success.
The timeframes associated with passing the entrance requirements differ so this task must be planned for accordingly.
Most of your Apprenticeship is learned on the job; however, the technical training teaches the technical areas of the trade and also reinforces correct procedures and methods.
An Apprenticeship is a training program which generally involves 80% on the job training and 20% of your time in formal training, regardless of the delivery method. Therefore, you are training while working and learning through the formal training to achieve a Journeyperson Certificate.
In order to get all the information needed to plan for your formal training, you will want to spend some time on the Apprenticeship and/or the training institute website to determine the where, what, when and how much.
The website will provide you with the following information.
When does the training schedule come available for the year and when, where and how is the training offered?
What are the fees for tuition and books?
Based on the information you’ve researched, you will be in the best position to determine when attending the training would be best for both you and your employer. You will also know what financial resources or programs you may be eligible for.
With all of this knowledge you can now have a discussion with your employer to agree on the best timing for you to attend the training. Review your proposed training schedule together to determine which dates will work best for the company. This is also a good time to discuss any financial assistance offered by the employer.
Employers have agreed to the Apprenticeship contract so they do understand the need and value of formal training. If during the conversation you sense some hesitancy, you can always draw on these points to ensure the benefits of training are well understood.
Productivity – training will help me boost my speed and production adding more value to the company
Competency – training will increase my ability to accomplish my work successfully
Quality – training will increase my level of excellence so that I’m providing a professional service to our clients
Credibility – training will benefit the company by improving trust which is important for repeat business and referrals
Depending on where the formal training is located, you may need to travel to complete this portion of your Apprenticeship.
You will already know if this is applicable to you based on your previous research.
If the training location is beyond the normalcy of a daily commute you will need to make the necessary arrangements to temporarily relocate for the training period and will need to ensure your finances are in order to pay for temporary accommodations, travel, food, parking and any other expenses that will be incurred.
Sometimes it’s important to remind yourself of all the reasons and benefits of continuing on, especially if you are experiencing challenges related to the job, your employer, co-workers, personal health, financial or family difficulties. Recognize that everyone has challenges and overcoming them is what builds good character and makes you a great Tradesperson.
Keep in mind the following benefits of completing the formal training:
To advance one level in my Apprenticeship.
To get a pay increase.
To learn the correct methods and become an expert.
To gain confidence in my work.
To improve my self-esteem and job satisfaction.
To be qualified to mentor/train other Apprentices.
To improve my chances for a company promotion.
To avoid loss of future income and career opportunities.
To achieve my goal to become a Certified Journeyperson.
Attending the formal classroom training means doing some financial planning to ensure you have funds for the tuition fees, books, living costs and travel, if required.
There are a number of financial support possibilities for you to pursue. It’s to your benefit to ask your employer and other agencies what financial options are available to you so please do ask and apply for those that are relevant. Here are some items for you to consider:
Your savings.
Family support.
Employee savings/payroll deductions.
Employer support for tuition fees, books or other costs.
Union support for tuition fees.
Trade association support for tuition fees.
Employment Insurance for Apprentices.
Loans from schools, governments, financial institutions.
Scholarships and bursaries.
Government support programs and grants.
Exams can be stressful and you may experience some anxiety. This is all quite normal. One of the best ways to manage these feelings is to be well prepared.
To help you get prepared for the exam it is a good idea to take plenty of notes during class, ask questions if you are unsure of something and studying with a partner is a great way to reinforce the content learned in class.
You may want to consider using flash cards as a method of enhancing your memory recall. Use whatever method works for you. Committing to and setting aside a pre-determined time for studying will make a huge difference. A good practice is to take some time to review your notes after each class as this will reinforce the days learning and you’ll be better prepared for the next day’s training.
Find a study partner, someone to brainstorm with, as this will benefit you both in many ways. You will share and discuss the training material which will reinforce the learning and better prepare you both for the exam.
On exam day, take a deep breath and reassure yourself that you have done your best. Good luck, you’ve got this.
There may be times when you find it challenging to stay focused on your goal and that is very normal. Stay the course and become a Certified Journeyperson.
Your hours worked, months completed, training and exams are all items that need to be recorded with the Apprenticeship authority as they will be issuing you the Journeyperson Certificate. Getting this information submitted and documented to your file on a pre-determined scheduled basis is an important task.
The employer typically records the hours and months depending on the rules of the Apprenticeship program you are enrolled in. They are recorded as specified in your Apprenticeship contract. If employment ends, make sure your work hours are documented and recorded with the appropriate authority.
The schooling and exams are done during your Apprenticeship and should be automatically recorded unless you completed a pre-employment program or have accreditation from other training (high school or college program) or another related Apprenticeship.
Keeping all of your records in a safe place for you to refer to in the future may make a difference if there is ever a discrepancy that requires correction. Please do not throw out any material related to your employment such as pay stubs showing hours worked and education and training receipts. It may be needed at some point to prove the Apprenticeship requirements were met.
Review your contract details after you receive the documentation from your Apprenticeship authority. Check for any errors in your contract and if they exist discuss them with your employer. Contact the Apprenticeship authority and take the steps needed to amend any errors, omissions or discrepancies in your contract.
Your employer has a reputation of quality work which is vital for referrals and repeat business. It’s important to learn the proper procedures and to do the very best work that you can.
As an Apprentice you are learning while working to become a Certified professional and an expert in your field. As you acquire the knowledge and skills by being mentored, you will become a more productive and valuable employee. This is one reason why Apprentices’ wages increase after completing each period of their Apprenticeship.
In order to achieve the best learning experience here are some key points for you to consider.
Stop and think about your work.
Ask questions; never be embarrassed about asking a question.
Seek expert advice and extra help when needed.
Ask what is better, what is faster and what is more economical to better understand the task at hand.
Learn the best sequence for getting the work done correctly.
Always think about working safely and wearing the proper personal protection equipment when appropriate.
Never do work when it’s unsafe or you lack the competencies to perform the tasks safely and correctly.
Every trade requires you to think about the work you are doing so you and those around you are always safe. Never do something that has an element of danger until you have received instruction from your supervising Journeyperson or experienced trainer. Attend the safety courses and meetings and always ask if there is something you are not sure of. The health and safety of workers in all trades is something that requires constant awareness and continuous practice by every employee.
Life circumstances may take you in a different direction, which could have an impact on your Apprenticeship. If you do find yourself in this position, it’s important to reach out to the Apprenticeship Authority to determine your options to remain as an active apprentice.
Delayed or incomplete record keeping may also impact the status of your Apprenticeship. Being aware of your responsibilities in advance can help you avoid the cancellation of your Apprenticeship. Your Apprenticeship active status could be changed to a cancelled status if you are in any of the following situations.
Not keeping your information current such as your contact and employer information.
Not progressing or dormant after a period of time such as not advancing a level within a prescribed period of time.
Not meeting the entrance requirements within a prescribed period of time.
Not attending training or not completing exams within a prescribed period of time.
Not having an active training contract with an employer such as leaving your employer to become self-employed or changing employers without notifying the Apprenticeship Authority and amending your training contract.
If your Apprenticeship does change to a cancelled status, you should contact the Apprenticeship Authority. There could be a small fee to be reinstated or you may need to complete a new application. If you do not want to continue with the completion of the Apprenticeship it is still a good idea to contact the Apprenticeship Authority and advise them of your decision.
You are now prepared to complete your path to success and are clearly determined to make it real.
You have a goal and are focused on achieving your goal.
You understanding the Apprenticeship program, the expectations and your Apprenticeship contract.
You are well informed, you ask questions or you’ve researched the required information.
You demonstrate your passion and desire to be successful.
You own and take the responsibility to manage your Apprenticeship by keeping track of your hours worked.
You have set up your finances and have applied for all financial assistance available to you.
You are executing your Apprenticeship contract as planned including working the hours and attending formal training and exams.
You are always showing up for work with the can-do attitude and are eager to do and learn.
You know the timing of the formal training or exams and have all the necessary logistics in place to attend along with the support from your employer.
You are always keeping your eyes on your goal.
Congratulations!!!
You have finished your final exam and you can now take a very deep breath. Now it’s the waiting game to see if you have passed. Whoever is overseeing the exam process will advise you when and how you are notified of your exam results.
You may receive an email with the results or perhaps you will be advised to go to an online portal with your account information to see your results. Whatever the outcome is, the learning experience itself is a major accomplishment.
You have one more important step and that is to follow up with the Apprenticeship Authority to ensure all your requirements are accurately reflected and your Certificate is being processed as proof of completion.