How do/did you apprentices cope ?

[solo53]

Hi all, might just be me but been an apprentice and getting the mick taken out of you everyday really gets to me somedays.

Just wanted your guys opinions of how you dealt with it if you was in the same position ?
As sometimes it makes me feel like just giving up.

Cheers

 

[Electricalserv]

Hi all, might just be me but been an apprentice and getting the mick taken out of you everyday really gets to me somedays.

Just wanted your guys opinions of how you dealt with it if you was in the same position ?
As sometimes it makes me feel like just giving up.

Cheers

Think of it this way, in 4 years you'll be taking the mick out of other apprentices.

Try and take the mick back., Play practical jokes on your seniors and try and get the other lads involved!!!

 

[Kamikaze]

Look at it as character building. A bit of tongue and check won’t hurt you. Once your qualified and out into the big wide world on your own, it will help you deal with all those that try and insult your intelligence. And believe me, there will be loads of it. Learn to give some stick back…lol If you get stuck, come back on here and we will sort them out for you.

 

[Sparky Ninja]

We all have to start at the bottom of a ladder, weather it's buying property, learning to drive or training for a new career. Just keep your head down with your studies and you will soon find yourself gaining more respect.
I myself started as an apprentice for the family firm, with my old man and grandad both being on the job. Needless to say I was made an example of with regard to apprentice duties. I kept to it and after a couple of years gained new skills that made me shine when compared to the skills of the existing sparkies. I then had my own apprentice, and have had a couple since. I treat them with respect as I know what it is like to be in their position. However some electricians do take advantage of their apprentice and it is quite often for the apprentice to be given the crappy end of the stick when it comes to manual tasks.

What's the problem in your case? Is it the way you are treated? The work you do?

 

[solo53]

Cheers for the replies guys, widdler, I dont have a problem doing all the crappy jobs, cleaning up, carrying etc.. its more to do with a bit of respect and how they talk to me sometimes really, I must admit sometimes ive got to bite my tounge.

And I dont think it helps with it been a 2 man company, who are best mates and have worked together for the past 11 years.
Suppose its just something ill have to deal with.

 

[Penance]

It can be tough mate, try to grin and bare it.
I had one guy who really had it in for me, drove off and left me on site more than once, had me round the throat against a wall, threw hammers at me and more. I hated that time but had to try and carry on.
I did eventually leave the company because of it, I don't recommend it as it stuffed my indentures.

 

[KWCFC]

I'm an apprentice.

I find that if you are willing to give a load of stick back, while running around and working hard at the same time. The sparkies will give you a break.

You have to remember that you need confidence and charachter to work on a building site or in a trade. I've often found that the lads without that are normally the ones who get the most stick.

 

[solo53]

kwcfc, yes I think thats where i struggle a bit as im naturally a quite person and only usually speak out if spoken to and have something to say.

 

[rocker]

KWCFC has pretty much hit the nail on the head......

If you really can't take the banter you're in trouble, cos there's always jokes and mic taking on sites between trades and you're going to get it for the rest of your working life. Just try thinking of what they are saying to you as them saying it to someone else, you may then see the funny side. Basically you need a good sense of humour, so if you ain't got one, develop one! Try and be confident in what you do - the key thing is to give as good as you get, BUT as KWC has said you need to be doing your job better than you're supposed to in order to do this. If you are, they'll respect you for it. If not, you'll just look like a lazy, chopsy little ********.

 

[simpson93]

hiya mate just look at it this way , they may take the **** but if they didnt want you they wouldnt keep you. should count yourself lucky to have a job at the moment, im sure they dont mean any harm in what they say.