A guest blog from our partner cv-library as they share their thoughts on how to ensure that you have a full time job once you come to the end of your apprenticeship programme.
Undergoing an apprenticeship can be a great learning curve to gain hands on experience and valuable skills in the workplace. However, after you’ve completed an apprenticeship, your employer isn’t obliged to offer you a full-time position.
This means that you have to prove yourself and show what a key asset you are to their company. Below, we help you out by explaining the steps you need to take in order to turn your apprenticeship into a full time role.
Create a good impression
It’s important to establish positive relationships in the workplace, so making a bad impression could really set you off on the wrong foot. To avoid this, ensure you have a friendly can-do attitude. This means that if there’s a task you’re not keen on, you still need to put on a positive front. Not only this, but try to go the extra mile where possible. Anyone can do the bare minimum, but you want to show your employer that you’re a cut above the rest.
Alongside this, remain professional in the way you present yourself. There’s a reason that dress codes are in place after all and showing you respect it is professional and courteous. In addition, make sure you are punctual and always arrive to work on time. While the odd train cancellation is sometimes unavoidable, continued lateness is rude and suggests that you’re lazy and unmotivated.
Gain the key skills
Employers want to see that you’re learning and developing in your role. This means that you need to be aware of the key skills required and to practice these throughout your employment. Read up on anything you find difficult and ask for help and advice from fellow colleagues if you feel you need it.
Don’t let this overwhelm you - it’s perfectly understandable that this is a learning process and does take time. However, if you put in the time and effort, you should see results and will impress the employer with your new skills!
Maintain a professional relationship
Good communication is important for a smooth flowing and friendly workplace. To show that you’re approachable make sure that you’re welcoming and polite to everyone. Try to make small talk to get to know your employer and colleagues – you could ask them about their weekend plans to find out if you have anything in common.
Where possible, avoid getting caught up in office politics and gossip. This is unprofessional and could get you into big trouble if you get caught. Instead, build friendships and network with colleagues by familiarising yourself with the company culture. For example, if it’s a tradition to have drinks after work on a Thursday, or a team lunch once a month, make sure you get on board.
Show enthusiasm
Employers favour candidates that are enthusiastic and driven and the same applies for their employees. They need to see that you’re interested in the job and that you’re keen to do well. It’s likely that you’ll have a performance review when you’ve been there for a few months, but if not, try to organise a one-to-one catch-up with your manager. Here, you can discuss the areas you’re excelling in, as well as aspects that you could improve on.
Towards the end of your scheme, express how you’re keen to work in the company after your apprenticeship. While this can be nerve wracking, you shouldn’t automatically assume that you’ll be kept on, or leave it solely in the hands of the employer.
The main takeaway is that hard work and a positive attitude is the key to success. Remember, you have to show your employer that you want to develop your skills and are a valuable contribution to their company. This can help you be noticed and gives you a better chance of eventually being offered a full time position.
Tempdent is the UK's leading apprenticeship provider for Dental Nurses and Dental Practice Manager with outstanding success rates. Read more about our apprenticeships here Tempdent Apprenticeships
CV-Library is the UK’s leading independent job board. For more expert advice on careers and the workplace, visit their Career Advice and Recruitment Insight pages.
