What Should a First-Year Engineering Apprentice Know? A Beginner’s Guide to the Trade

Starting your engineering career with an apprenticeship is very exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, regardless of whether you’re stepping into the world of engineering for the first time or you have some experience to build off. So, what should a first-year apprentice know? 

What Are Engineering Apprenticeships In NZ?

First, you should get to know what your apprenticeship will actually be like. We at ATNZ offer many programmes for aspiring engineering tradespeople, so it’s essential to look at the specifics of the one you’re interested in.

In general, you can expect the following:

• Minimal Entry Requirements. Our programmes have few entry requirements; you must be at least 16 years of age (there is no upper age limit) and be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Please check the details of the specific programme you’re interested in for any additional requirements or recommendations.
• Compensation. As an engineering apprentice, you will be paid for your work. With less financial stress you are able to dedicate more time to completing your study. 
• Support. Every ATNZ Apprentice is allocated an ATNZ account manager, who guides and supports you through your entire apprenticeship. Account Managers are there from the day you start. They are available almost anytime by phone and visit you at least 10 times a year.

Key Aspects Of Engineering Apprenticeships That All Aspiring Engineering Tradespeople Should Know

You can improve your experience by making the right moves. 

Have A Willingness To Learn: Continue To Learn Throughout Your Career. Engineering is a field that is constantly evolving, so there isn’t an endpoint – even people with years of experience still have things to learn.

Never stop striving to learn new things. Even after you finish your apprenticeship, you should still continue practising and studying. Life long learners are highly valued employees they drive improvements in processes and productivity at work..

Always Prioritise Health And Safety. Engineering tradespeople handle potentially hazardous materials, machinery and tools every day. You should absolutely always prioritise safety for yourself and your coworkers, even if you’re performing a task you do all the time. This is especially important for new learners who are just starting and who are unfamiliar with workplace hazards.

You will undergo a thorough health and safety induction before you start your training. We strongly encourage you to stay communicative during the process in case you need clarification for any rules or procedures.

Even just one mistake can cause severe damage. So, always follow procedures, wear your protective gear, speak up when you notice a problem and keep an eye out for yourself and others.

Master Your Everyday Schedule: Create A Strong Daily Routine. Being on time is a key driver of productivity.  Whether that is being on time arriving at work, on time meeting clients, on time with your paperwork or on time completing you part of a project.  Create a routine that works best for you and communicate that with your colleagues and boss.  If you want to chat about some tips, tricks and tools then discuss with your account manager.

What should a first-year apprentice know? Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Show Up On Time. Arrive when you’re expected to. If you’re delayed, stay communicative and alert the right people so they know what’s going on. 
• Stay Prepared. What are you expected to bring to your host company? Be sure you have your tools, you’re dressed appropriately and wearing correct PPE and you have anything else you need. 
• Ask Questions When You Need To. Asking questions is a fantastic way to keep learning. Speak up when you need clarity, even if you’re asking about simple things – you’re new, no one expects you to know everything. 
• Take Notes. Taking notes during your training and while on the job can help you retain information. Take notes whenever you can safely do so, and review your notes at the end of the day. 
• Look After Your Equipment. Take good care of your tools, protective gear and anything else you use on the job. 
• Stay Organised. You can use a calendar, an app or your own notes to track assignments, tests and other important events. Make it a habit to review your upcoming schedule so nothing gets forgotten. 
• Prioritise Teamwork. You’re part of a team, so you need to respect your coworkers and supervisors. Stay friendly yet professional.

Follow Directions: Rules Are Rules For A Reason. There are many procedures you’ll need to follow as an engineering tradesperson, and you must develop techniques to clarify, understand and then follow directions. If you have questions or think certain steps are unnecessary, you can always ask about them and learn why they must be done. 

Not following directions can lead to issues down the track including lost earnings for your employer and possibly injury to yourself or others.

Prioritise Communication: Listen, Speak And Collaborate. Communication skills are critical for engineering tradespeople because you’ll work with many people throughout your career. You may have to discuss a project outline with coworkers, or maybe you’ll need to explain technical information to a client who doesn’t know as much about engineering as you do. Reflecting on conversations or email exchanges that got the right result as well as those that didn’t helps you identify where you already have communication strengths and where there are things to work on!

Use Your Support Network: Work Together With Your Mentor And Peers. Engineering can be a difficult industry to get into, but you’re not alone. Apprentices may have the chance to work with a mentor on site, but your ATNZ Account Manager will be your main mentor, supporting your progress and helping you stay on track throughout your apprenticeship. If you have any questions along the lines of ‘What should a first-year apprentice know?’ Your mentor will be there to help. 

Not just your mentor, either – remember that others will also be there to help. Speak with your coworkers and supervisors if you need support. You can also reach out to in-person and online study groups.

Mastering Your Engineering Apprenticeship With ATNZ

Every apprenticeship is a journey, and we at ATNZ are here to support you through every step. Visit our website to view the different programmes we have available.

Or, if you’re ready to start, you can book a chat at . 

ATNZ: Kickstart your career with an NZ engineering apprenticeship.