Make the most out of apprenticeship programs

A good apprenticeship program can make a person's career. Here are a list of tips on how to get the most out of one's apprenticeship program.

By Doug Plucknette February 10, 2014

Recently, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, visited Monroe Community College as part of a wider initiative to improve the American workforce. As is the case in this instance, the country’s skilled trades workforce is gaining more attention in Washington D.C. The Skilled Trades Apprentice program is one way maintenance technicians and other skilled employees are being trained.

For those who are now in the process of participating in an apprenticeship program, or are anticipating getting involved in one, a great apprenticeship program can change one’s career. Here is a list of my recommendations as you proceed with your apprenticeship to make the most of your experience:

•Pay attention to detail

•Seek out a program graduate as a mentor

•Try to work on as many different types of equipment as you can

•Hold on to your training materials

•Keep a daily or weekly diary of your experience and training

•Focus on completing precise work at all times because reliability begins at installation

•Remember safety practices

•Take pride in what you do

•Share your knowledge with others freely

•Treat your tools like a doctor treats his or her instruments. When combined with your knowledge, they can be worth a fortune.

– Doug Plucknette is a Principal, World-Wide RCM Discipline Leader at Allied Reliability Group. This curated post originally ran here.