National Apprenticeship Week: A week in the life of… an apprenticeship mentor

Wednesday  

Next morning, I’m out and about in the south of our operating area, in the village of Withington, on the outskirts of Hereford. I’m here to perform an inspection at two properties undergoing work, and to make sure that apprentices are working safely and using the right PPE for the job. Today I’m conducting a facial fitting test for masks, making sure that everyone is properly protected.

Not all faces are the same, and the only way to really tell if the seal is good is by checking it. Breathing in dust or fumes could lead to serious lung diseases, such as occupational asthma and chronic bronchitis. It needs to be done right, or it can end a career before it has started. 

I finish on site by checking over some pipework, installed by an apprentice earlier that day. Once that’s done, it’s time for a quick cuppa and then off again to a plumbing job just down the road.  

Thursday  

Thursday is when our essential training takes place, and today I am at Connexus’ head office in Craven Arms, Shropshire, for a course aimed at increasing mental health awareness. 

Mental health is something I’m passionate about. In the rural places we operate it, there aren’t always that many opportunities, and life can be tough. Poor mental health is something that affects almost all of us at one time or another and we all know someone who’s struggling. 

Today’s course has given me new insights into how best to support my team: learning some of the subtle signs, and how to effectively talk to people about mental health and well-being. To have that honest conversation has been useful and something we all need to pay more attention to.

Friday  

At the end of a busy week, I’m at one of Connexus’ hubs near Hereford, catching up with other supervisors and members of the team to see how the apprentices have been getting on. 

I try to make sure I catch up at least weekly. Every apprentice has a dedicated mentor, based on their qualifications, location and skills, so they’re best placed to judge how their trainees are doing.  

I’m pleased to hear it’s been a good week, and our new intake are gaining confidence. With the skills they’re developing and the bond they’re forming, they are quickly becoming valued members of the team.  

I just have time to review the work carried out on empty properties so that they can be made ready for new residents, and schedule work for the upcoming week, before handing over to the weekend out-of-hours team.