Every apprentice needs a workplace mentor – someone there every day who understands and supports their learning and development needs, and the concerns that go along with settling into a new role.
We spoke to Nick Nurock, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Application Developer at Transport for London (TfL) and Firebrand Training’s 2018 Apprentice Mentor of the Year, who is a mentor for apprentices on tech-related courses. Keep reading for his top tips on how workplace mentors can help apprentices succeed for themselves and the company.
Don’t assume it’ll be easy because you’re already a manager
It’s important not to underestimate the time required to help even the most self-sufficient apprentices prepare for their qualification. ‘Don’t let your manager tell you it’s something you can do on the side. You need to argue for a recognised amount of your time to be spent on it to do it justice,’ Nick advises.