It also involves being aware of any issues the new apprentice may be experiencing in the workplace or during off-the-job training.

Training Agent Tips  

how to Manage Apprentices

Training agents have the responsibility of providing on-the-job training for the apprentice.  By training apprentices you are making a key investment in your company’s future. 

Here are some tips which will help you manage your apprentice training program:

Start Right

• Take the time to carefully select potential apprentices to ensure that they will adapt successfully to your company and will remain with the business
• Conduct an orientation—explain your company’s policies and workplace safety
• Identify your training objectives—review your employment contract with them to develop a basic understanding of your expectations and skill requirements.

Monitor Progress

•  Communicate regularly with the supervising journey workers and the apprentice to ensure that a proper level of supervision and training is taking place.  As the apprentice progresses in the trade, they will develop more confidence and will require less supervision.
• Conduct regular performance reviews.  Offer new challenges and vary the job duties to ensure well rounded training.  The apprentices will stay interested in the work and your company will benefit from an overall increase in the skill base.

Keep Records Up-To-Date

• Maintain proper records.   On-the-job hours are tracked on a monthly progress report due to the apprenticeship office by the 10^th of each month.    Systematically track your apprentice’s on-the-job training hours to make sure that they are developing the skills they need to become a well rounded journey level worker.

Schedule Work Appropriately

• Remind your supervisors and those who schedule your workforce that apprentices must be released from work to attend related training instruction one night per week.
• Take the apprentice's skill levels into account when planning work
• Provide opportunities for the apprentice to practice new skills under proper supervision Allow the apprentice to gain as broad a variety of experience as possible

Be Supportive

• Educate your staff concerning the value of training and the importance of having apprentices on the jobsite.  
• Reduce your training costs by fostering a positive working environment where apprentices feel that they are making a contribution to the success of the company.
• Find ways to recognize and reward your journey level workers for taking on the additional responsibility of training apprentices.