July 16, 2024 – Whether it goes well or poorly, taking on an apprentice in your electrical contracting business is a big commitment. What can you do to (hopefully) achieve a positive outcome, for both yourself and the apprentice?

In the June 2024 edition of Electrical Business Magazine, we asked a variety of industry professionals “What advice would you give to an electrical contractor when taking on an apprentice?”. They happily shared their advice and experiences with us which, collectively, make up our Apprenticeship Survival Guide.

Here is what Graeme Aitken had to share…

YOU MUST CONSIDER your reason—the purpose—behind taking on an apprentice in the first place. Are you doing this to simply get a job or task completed, or to grow your business and launch someone’s career, thereby investing in the future of both?

I would hope it is about the future of your company… and the apprentice’s!

There are a number of important steps to ensure you get the best experience for both, and one of the first is to make sure both parties understand the other’s expectations.

For example, the contractor can reasonable expect the apprentice to learn, work diligently, ask questions, attend school and periodic training courses, and provide honest feedback. The apprentice can reasonably expect to be provided with opportunities to learn the trade, advance accordingly, have time to attend school, and receive mentorship.

Properly mentored apprentices generally become great mentors themselves, extending beyond trade knowledge to include your company’s processes and procedures.

Most importantly, an apprentice must feel like they belong. Don’t just invite them to the party… ask them to dance.

You’ll find all Back Issues of Electrical Business Magazine in our Digital Archive.