It is important to understand the motivation going on at the apprentice’s level and their ability to become motivated in the right way. This is because it affects the choices the apprentice makes about his or her tasks and day to day work. They need help and support to persevere, particularly when they meet obstacles.
The three main precursors to motivation are:
- Other people value and recognise what you have done
- You perceive yourself as skilled and capable
- You have autonomy
Signs of motivation – what you see, hear and experience?
The performance and behaviours of your apprentices will invariably reflect how motivated they are.
Motivated
- Consistently high performing
- Energy, enthusiasm and determination
- Co-operation to overcome difficulties
- Willingness to accept responsibilities
- Enthusiasm for necessary change
Not motivated
- Apathy and indifference to the job
- Lateness and absenteeism
- Exaggeration of difficulties
- Lack of co-operation
- Unjustified resistance to change
The next section looks at four key ways you can increase your apprentice’s motivation levels, depending on their level of skill and level of will.
