Full-time work. Extra study in the evenings. Looking after family and finding the time to catch up with mates. Juggling everyday life and the demands of an apprenticeship can be seriously tough.
In among all that, it’s very easy for one person to get lost in the mix – you. However, it’s essential to look after yourself to get the most out of your study experience – and it’s doesn't have to be hard. Here’s how.
Get into a (new) groove
One of the hardest parts about starting out as an apprentice is getting your routine down pat. Chisholm Apprenticeship Support team leader Jarrod Flanigan says there’s a lot to juggle between early mornings, busy work days and TAFE studies.
He says it’s essential for apprentices to allocate time to complete assignments and structured tasks for their TAFE workbooks.
Start by planning, using either a physical calendar or the one on your phone, when you are going to do the assignments or update your workbook. Knowing you’ve got everything under control will help you drastically reduce stress and make you feel like you are on top of your workload.
Jarrod also suggests planning to arrive at work 10 or 15 minutes early, allowing time for traffic or public transport delays. “If you’re consistently late, you could lose your apprenticeship,” he says.
"Knowing you’ve got everything under control will help you drastically reduce stress and make you feel like you are on top of your workload"
Embrace sweat o’clock
Are you a rugby tragic? A netball lover? A gym junkie? Then keep at it! It’s really important that apprentices stay physically fit which means making sure you are regularly working up a sweat, in whatever way you enjoy most. (Even going for a leisurely walk with the dog will do wonders for your body and mind.) After all,regular exercise has been proven to help improve your energy and lower your stress levels.
Get enough zzz’s
For those coming straight into an apprenticeship from school, Jarrod says it can be difficult adjusting to 6am starts when you’re used to a 9am school bell. “It’s essential to get to bed early and get plenty of sleep,” he says.
Start by working out what time you (realistically) need to get out of bed and then working backwards so you know what time you have to switch off Netflix and hit the sack. Plus, getting seven to eight-hours of sleep a night has been scientifically shown to improve your memory and creativity.
It’s a good idea to prepare as much as you can the night before – you’ll sleep easier knowing your food is packed and you don’t have to dig around for clean clothes.
Talk it out
Like anyone with a busy job and lifestyle, Jarrod says apprentices can struggle with mental health and anxiety. If something is upsetting you, he says it’s important to speak to someone, whether it’s a mate, family member or mental health professional.
Making the leap to life as an apprentice can be tough, so it’s important to know that there are lots of people ready and willing to support you. “If you want someone to talk to, please get in touch with our team,” says Jarrod. “The Apprentice Support Officers can help with a lot of different issues involving your apprenticeship and we have the ability to put you in touch with the right support network.”
Chisholm students can contact the Apprenticeship Support Officers on 0423 826 745 or aso@chisholm.edu.au.
This blog was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated.
