When looking for opinions from industry relevant professional Journeypersons on what they thought defined a successful Apprentice Mindset, I was able to pick out a few common themes…

It’s about character…

Going through an apprenticeship is a character  building experience. Resiliency, grit, determination, motivation, and a desire to produce high quality work are important aspects of a successful apprenticeship.

It’s not always easy…

It’s not always easy. There’s a mixture of physical and mental toughness that needs to be there in a person for them to be successful in the trades, especially in the construction trades. Often expectations are placed on the apprentice for them to perform at a level slightly higher than they were the day or week before, and often in less than ideal working conditions, such as foul weather or working with an incompatible co-worker. A good apprentice is able to accept these demands, even in adverse environments, and view the challenge of bettering themselves as a tradesperson as a worthwhile challenge instead of an impossible request.

Financial ambitions always help…

Dollar hunger! Having a desire to get back to school, level-up in their apprenticeship year, and get the raises that are usually associated with the completion of another level of trades training drives many young apprentices to stay on top of their training schedules. If a young person should choose to enter the trades during or straight out of high school, they will be placing themselves in a very high, early workers earning bracket. As they progress throughout their apprenticeships, their earning potential grows. Substantial apprentice level completion grants increase the desire to stick with their official training.

Respect for the game…

For the trade:
A good tradesperson has respect for their craft. They don’t cut corners and hide their work in an effort to save time or money when the end result will be a compromised product

A mindful apprentice will have respect for their trade, and their overall physical and mental health as they gain competency in their chosen craft.

For yourself:
Respect for yourself will encourage you to seek beneficial roles on the job, and voice your concerns if your employer has you stuck in a role that is not advancing your skillset or competencies in your trade.

For co-workers:
A respectful individual will have a higher likelihood of encouraging helpful and productive advise from their more experienced and less experienced co-workers alike.

Keep the end goal in mind:
A mindful apprentice will have respect for their trade,  their overall physical and mental health, and their co-workers as they gain competency in their chosen craft. Sometimes, considering 4 years of college-level apprenticeship training and 4 years of consistent, on the job working experience can seem like a daunting task for the individual at the bottom of the totem pole. Keeping the end goal in mind (Red Seal Certification, the ability to find quality work at an international scale, financial advancement) will help with the “this is taking forever” blues.