Create a positive work environment
Give apprentices an upbeat, positive work environment. Encourage teamwork and idea-sharing. Make sure they have the tools and knowledge to do their jobs well. Be available when the apprentice needs you to be a sounding board. Eliminate conflict as it arises, don’t leave things. Give apprentices freedom to work independently as they show signs of progress and when it is appropriate.
Set goals
Help your apprentice become self motivated by helping him/her establish a goal for the day, or finishing something in time and make sure they have a chance to learn new things from others. Make sure goals are realistic and achievable so the apprentice doesn’t get discouraged. Encourage and recognise achievement especially when they hit notable milestones.
Recognise achievements
Celebrate individual achievements, for example, through some sort of small reward or make it public knowledge at a team meeting or on a notice board – e.g. star performer. Make a big deal out of accomplishments. Print a certificate that notes the success, issue news bulletins in company newsletters or reports or post a notice on the website with a photo of the apprentice.
Seek their input
Ask the apprentice regularly about their levels of satisfaction, how they are getting on. This will help you catch potential morale breakers before they get out of hand. Seeking input also shows that you care about their opinions and want to continually improve things.
Provide enrichment
Encourage your apprentice to apply their learning from their college course and give them time to do this. If he/she is motivated to an upward career path, offer job shadowing opportunities.
Provide regular mentoring and job support
A mentoring approach helps the apprentice find ways to resolve things, including motivation, for themselves, with your support, guidance and encouragement.
