If you’re considering becoming an apprentice, there are a few things you should know before making the decision. Apprenticeships offer hands-on training and experience in a particular trade, while also providing classroom instruction. They can last anywhere from one to four years, and upon completion you’ll have a nationally recognized certification. So, if you’re thinking about becoming an apprentice, here are five things you need to know first.

#1. Don’t come in and think you know everything

If you’re thinking about starting an apprenticeship for a trade, it’s important to go into the experience with the right mindset. If you knew what you were doing, you would already have your license. While you may have some skills and knowledge related to your trade, you are still an apprentice and there is a lot for you to learn. Be open to learning from your journeyman or mentor and be willing to take direction. The great thing about the trades is that you have the opportunity to move up and do anything you want to, but understand that when you first get in, you don’t know everything.

#2  Don’t lie about your skill set in the trades 

If you’re an apprentice in the trades, one of the most important things you can do is be honest about your skills and abilities. If you tell your employer or supervisor that you know how to do something when you don’t, it can create a lot of problems. Not only will you end up looking bad, but it could also put your safety at risk. 

I know this sounds a lot like number one, but let me show you what I’m talking about here. If you ask an apprentice, “Can you do me a favor and go put those anchors in, or go drill a hole in there to set the anchors?” If you don’t know how to use a rotary hammer to set the anchor, don't tell somebody you do. If you’re an apprentice and a journeyman asks “Do you know what I am talking about? Do you know how to do that?” If you don't, say “Look, I'm not 100% sure,c an you explain it to me?:” Just communicate with them and be honest with them. Don't ever assume you know how to do something just because you’ve watched someone else do it. If you have questions: ASK. This is a big mistake that I see way too often.

#3 Don’t be a lazy worker

Being an apprentice is hard work. You’re learning a trade from the ground up, and there's a lot to take in. It's tempting to cut corners and take shortcuts, but trust me, it's not worth it in the long run. A good work ethic is one of the most important things you can bring to a job, and it's something that will serve you well throughout your career. You are there to help the journeymen you work with; you are there to help the entire team. 

I want somebody that comes out and busts their tail for me every day and shows me, “Look, I want to learn this trade.” When you've got somebody like that, that's who you keep. When you've got somebody lazy, well, that's the first one to get cut.

#4 Don’t disrespect the people teaching you

As an apprentice, you'll be learning from people who have years of experience in their trade. It's important to be respectful of the people who are teaching you - after all, they're the ones who will determine whether or not you succeed in your chosen field. Showing disrespect is a surefire way to get yourself kicked out of an apprenticeship program, so it's best to avoid it altogether. If you're having trouble with a particular concept, ask questions politely and listen to the answers carefully. With a little respect and effort, you'll be able to learn whatever you need to know to become a master of your trade.

#5 Do pay attention

Being an apprentice in the trades is a great way to learn a new skill while getting paid. This means paying attention, offering to help with whatever needs to be done, and not being on your phone or doing something else when you should be working. When you're on the job, you need to be focused and paying attention at all times. Your employer is trusting you to do your job properly, and if you're not paying attention you could make a mistake that could cost them time and money. If you show that you are willing to work hard and learn, then you will be more likely to succeed in completing your apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman plumber yourself.