Don’t feel like you have to struggle alone with your apprenticeship. Both your employer and your training provider can support you if you’re struggling with your learning.
Communicate any challenges you are facing with your learning is a BIG positive step forward!
If you’re having a problem in achieving any milestones and targets set at the start of your apprenticeship, don’t feel bad about sharing the difficulties you’re facing. Think about why’re you’re struggling, and discuss the reasons for this with both your line manager and training provider as soon as possible.
It may be that you need to have your plan adjusted. Then again, you may need extra support from your employer or training provider. In which case, if they know about the nature of the problem, they are in a good position to give you the support you need.
Feeling overwhelmed?
An apprenticehsip is a different world from where you’re coming from. You could be falling behind or missing deadlines for all kinds of valid reasons. Are you feeling overwhelmed by your workload, your training or by commitments outside work? Discuss the challenges you’re facing with your line manager, your training provider and/or your workplace mentor if you have one.
You will not be the first apprentice that’s had a lot on their plate to deal with. Your employer and training provider should understand. Once they know the issue, they can give you extra support, or bring some flexibility into your apprenticeship so that you feel less pressure and feel in a better space to continue and successfully complete your apprenticeship. In addition to tweaking your work/training structure, there is always the option of transfers, restarts, or breaks in learning.
You can also read through Youth Employment UK’s mental health guides for advice and support relating your wellbeing.
Your employer and training provider can help you adjust existing plans – nothing is set in stone
If you miss deadlines, it’s often for a good reason. At the beginning of your apprenticeship you will, with your employer and training provider, agree a training plan that’s confirmed in your commitment statement and includes important milestones and progression targets. This plan gets regularly reviewed by all three of you, and changes can be made as needed to reflect your current situation and needs.
Don’t try to struggle through it alone
Your employer and training provider are there for you. They won’t judge you for telling them about the challenges you are facing with deadlines and workload. They will understand and try to help.
