For someone starting an apprenticeship or traineeship, there’s a lot to learn beyond the job itself.

They could be stepping into a full-time workplace for the first time, learning how things are done, figuring out when to ask questions and getting used to being part of a team.

The person supervising them can make a big difference to that experience.

CCGT recently partnered with Training Services NSW to run a Supervisor Workshop for our Host Employers and apprentices and trainees nearing completion.

We caught up with facilitator Mikhaila Halford from Training Services NSW afterwards and asked her to narrow a whole workshop down to three practical tips for supervisors.

1. Get to know the person

Mikhaila’s first tip was simple: get to know the person you’re supervising.

That means understanding how they learn, how they communicate and what they might need from you while they’re finding their feet.

“For new people entering the workforce, it’s really challenging for them. They’re the most vulnerable people in our employ, so getting to know them is really important,” Mikhaila said.

Not everyone learns or communicates in the same way. One apprentice might happily put their hand up when they don’t understand something, while another might be reluctant to admit they’re unsure.

Taking the time to understand that can help supervisors work out how best to teach, communicate and give feedback to the person in front of them.

2. Know where to go for support

Mikhaila’s second tip was to know when and where to ask for support.

“You don’t need to do it alone. You’ve got Central Coast Group Training here supporting you. You’ve got Training Services here to support you.”

There’s support available when you need it, whether you have a question, something isn’t working or an apprentice or trainee needs some extra help.

For CCGT Host Employers, our team is there throughout the apprenticeship or traineeship, providing ongoing support as they learn and progress in the workplace.

Knowing who you can call, and reaching out when you need to, is part of supervising someone well.

3. Make time for their training

The learning happening in your workplace is only one part of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Mikhaila’s third tip was to make sure off-the-job training actually has a place in the calendar.

“Make sure that you free up the space and time in your calendar to make sure that they are actually getting their off-the-job training as well as their on-the-job training,” she said.

When work gets busy, it can be easy for other things to take priority. But that formal training is part of developing the knowledge and skills someone needs alongside what they’re learning on the job.

Both are important parts of completing an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Learning from both sides

The workshop brought together CCGT Host Employers and apprentices and trainees nearing completion, so there was plenty of perspective from both sides.

When we asked what supervisors wished apprentices understood, communication came up quickly.

Former CCGT apprentice Lachlan Critchley, now Foreman at Brian Hilton Motor Group Gosford, spoke about wanting apprentices to feel comfortable coming to their supervisor when something outside work might be affecting them.

“A lot of the time, as a supervisor, I wish that my apprentices would come to me about those things and keep me informed, so I can work with them and help them out.”

For those nearing completion, it was also a chance to hear how supervisors in different workplaces approach their role.

As William Andrikidis, a fourth-year CCGT apprentice at Tuggerah Auto Group, told us: “It was just good to be around current supervisors, because I’m still an apprentice.”

Lachlan also saw value in hearing how other workplaces approach supervision.

“It was good to hear from other supervisors and different trades about what they’re doing as well, and see if I can incorporate that into the automotive industry.”

A big thank you to Mikhaila Halford and Training Services NSW for facilitating the workshop, and to our Host Employers, apprentices and trainees who came along and shared their experiences.

If you’re a local business and need support with an apprentice or trainee in your workplace, talk to our team on (02) 4353 2655 or get in touch below.