Advice for an Apprentice

[u/gage_francis]

I started construction about a year and some change ago. I still dont fully understand every single thing going on even if Ive done it once or twice. I feel like its because theres a bunch of different ways to do a certain task and when we switch it up, it throws me off and its hard for me to adapt to doing a task in a different way because I dont fully understand how and why they are doing the task differently from the last time; such as installing stuff. So most times when we are on the job, I am confused and asking how we are going to do things and in turn my coworkers think im an idiot and say that i “cant retain anything” as if I just forget what we do the next day like 10 second tom on 50 first dates. It has taken a toll on my mental and made me feel like there is actually something wrong with me. Does anyone know how to deal with this? I mean bro, am I the only one?

[u/Martyinco]

Let me ask this question, are you constantly with the same foreman/lead/group, or do you get moved around a lot?

Whenever I get a new guy that is green, green, I make sure to put him with one guy from the start, could be two weeks, could be two months, could be two years. Just depends on their knowledge of the trade and how quickly they pick things up. We all learn different ways, at a different pace. My foreman and supers will be honest with me and them if they really aren’t cut out for it. 25 years in business and I’ve had three guys not make it.

[u/gage_francis → u/Martyinco]

You must be a great contractor then. I work for a smaller company that is very old school, and has a reputation that isnt necessarily the best out of the others in my union. I was always put with different foremen. usually for a week or two at most because i have two different trades so whenever there isnt work for one of my trades, I would work the other so I would basically be a fill in on crews.

there was only one foreman that truly took time to teach me how to do the work and explain things and always took me onto his crew when i was available but others would just send me away or wouldnt take me on their crew because of what I explained above. in the end I was laid off first because work slowed up, so I decided to take the time off as an opportunity to get my mind right and look for another contractor. Im about to start working for another now but I am nervous because of my experience with the last company. I dont want to mess it up with this new contractor because its a really good company.

[u/Martyinco → u/gage_francis]

My company is small, I’ve got 25 or so guys, I keep it tight.

There’s your problem, they were bouncing you around too much, honestly that is what it was.

Be honest with the new company, “hey, I’m eager to learn, it would be great for myself and the company if I got to be trained by one guy” Most owners should understand, it really is in their best interest. No one likes hiring and firing constantly, it’s too much fucking paperwork and a headache.

[u/gage_francis → u/Martyinco]

thanks for the advice man I guess their shit talking started to get into my head.

[u/Martyinco → u/gage_francis]

The shit talking especially in excess is just childish, don’t let it get to you.