Apprentice Series – What To Do If You Feel Overwhelmed In Your Apprenticeship

Leaving school and starting your adult career can feel overwhelming. You went from kicking a ball around with your mates at school, to now getting 40 year old Jono a left handed screw driver. You’d have to be made from concrete if you didn’t shit yourself from nerves or pressure at least once.

This blog post is for you new apprentices, people thinking about an apprenticeship or if you want to understand your apprentice better. This blog is to help you if you’re feeling stressed, unsure of yourself or overwhelmed.

The first few months of a new apprenticeship can be completely overwhelming. Not only do you have to work full-time, but you're suddenly expected to handle new projects, learning new skills and adjusting to the work climate.

It is completely normal to feel lost and like you have no idea what you are doing, we’re here to lend a hand!

Be Patient

With any new venture it’s important to take your time and don’t rush new tasks. If you need extra help or time on a task, ask your mentor as that’s what they’re there for. There’s no such thing as a stupid question! (Well there is, but still better to ask!)

And if you feel nervous about asking, always remember that your mentor had to start from somewhere too.

Get Organised

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when all your shit and tasks are all over the place, you may find you struggle to prioritise tasks. The sooner you get organised and find a system that works for you, the easier your work life will be. Write daily task lists, get a calendar and if you need to set daily reminders for whatever tasks you need to do, then do it!

Just don’t set 3 alarms for one reminder or you’re getting yeeted.

Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself

Starting a completely new role is nerve wracking for the best of us. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to perform every task, perfectly right away. Rome wasn’t built in a day right? A good employer isn’t going to expect you to know everything on your first day, you are going to make mistakes but it’s all about getting comfortable with that and grow. But still put in the effort to do your best!

Learn from your mistakes but celebrate your wins too!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP

Time to leave your ego at the door for this one! We can’t stress enough that people won’t tear you to shreds for asking a stupid questions (well, maybe a little). But it is going to be so much worse if you say you know something and you don’t. Behaving like that is a waste of your time, your company’s time and potentially their money.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or extra training, PLUS people love their ego stroked so keep that in mind.

It Gets Easier

Some days are going to be harder/easier than others, it’s all about building up your confidence - which takes time. On the harder days try and keep your long-term goals in the back of your mind to keep you going.

If you're interested in support during your apprentice check out these resources:

Australianapprenticeships.gov.au

Apprenticesupport.com.au

Australian Apprentice Support Network

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