6 Things To Know Before Starting An Apprenticeship
Starting an apprenticeship is a big step—and it probably feels a bit daunting. You’re entering the world of work, learning new skills, meeting new people, and figuring out how it all fits together. It’s exciting but also overwhelming at times.
Before starting an apprenticeship you probably can’t think of everything you want to know. So, if you’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship—or you’ve just started one—this post is for you.
Here are 6 honest, helpful things to know before starting your apprenticeship.
1. You don’t need to know everything already
One of the biggest myths about apprenticeships is that you must come in knowing it all. You really don’t. In fact you should have no prior experience. The whole point of an apprenticeship is to learn while you work. That means it’s absolutely fine (and completely normal) to ask questions, make mistakes, and not have all the answers on day one.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to speak up. Everyone knows you’re there to train and grow—that’s the whole idea!
2. You’ll need to get good at managing your time
When you’re juggling work tasks and off-the-job training, time management becomes really important. I found that out the hard way when I left a big assignment until the last minute and had to scramble to get it done on time (never again).
Your apprenticeship will include things like coursework, workshops, reviews, and assessments. If you don’t plan your time well, it can quickly feel like too much.
Tip: Use a planner or digital calendar to track deadlines and training sessions. A little organisation goes a long way.
3. Imposter syndrome is real—but it fades
In the first few weeks, you might be thinking, “Do I even belong here?” Everyone seems so confident and capable. You’re a complete beginner and that’s okay.
Imposter syndrome is something loads of apprentice's experience. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it just means you care about doing well. Over time, as you settle in and start to see your progress, that feeling fades.
Tip: Keep a little list or journal of things you’ve achieved or learned each week. It’ll remind you how far you’ve come when you need a confidence boost.
4. Your progress won’t always be linear (and that’s okay)
There’ll be days when everything clicks, and you feel like you’re smashing it. There’ll also be days when nothing makes sense, and you wonder if you’re cut out for this at all. That’s normal. Progress isn’t always a straight line.
What matters most is that you keep going. Ask for support when you need it, take breaks when you need to reset, and remember learning and growth take time.
Tip: If you feel stuck, speak to your training provider or manager. At IPS International, for example, you’ll always have someone in your corner to guide you through.
5. You’ll learn just as much about yourself as the job
One of the unexpected perks of doing an apprenticeship is how much personal development comes with it. I’ve learned how to communicate better, how to handle feedback, how to stay calm under pressure—and even how to speak up in meetings (something that used to terrify me!).
Apprenticeships aren’t just ticking boxes. They help you grow into a confident, capable professional.
Tip: Reflect regularly. What have you learned about yourself? What would you like to improve? These questions can help you stay on track and feel more in control.
6. It’s the start of a journey—not the final destination
When I first started, I thought the apprenticeship was the end goal. But it’s really just the beginning. Completing your apprenticeship opens the door to more opportunities—whether that’s a full-time role, another apprenticeship at a higher level, or even a new career path you hadn’t considered before.
It’s your chance to build a solid foundation, gain experience, and figure out what you enjoy. And that’s something to be excited about.
Tip: Don’t rush the process. Focus on learning, growing, and making the most of the experience. The next steps will follow naturally.
Starting an apprenticeship can feel like stepping into the unknown—but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do. You’ll learn, grow, make mistakes, bounce back, and become more capable than you ever thought you could be.
If you’re thinking about taking the leap (or you’re already on your way), just know: you’ve got this. And there’s a whole support network out there—including providers like IPS International—ready to help you succeed.
Thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
IPS International offers a wide range of apprenticeships across industries like marketing, engineering, customer service, and more. Whether you’re fresh out of school or looking for a career change, there’s something for you.
???? Drop us an email at [email protected]
???? Or give us a call on 01634 298808
Let’s find the right path for you.