Quality Mentorship in Registered Apprenticeships

Mentoring in Registered Apprenticeship 

In a Registered Apprenticeship (RA), the apprentice is paired with a mentor who is an experienced employee at the company and can demonstrate how tasks are performed and serve as a role model to the apprentice. Since 80% of an apprentice’s learning happens on the job, this mentoring is a central part of their apprenticeship.  

Good mentors will be trained in both the occupational skills they will teach to the mentee/apprentice and also the social and professional skills it takes to build a trusting, reciprocal relationship. When choosing mentors for incoming apprentices, employers should choose experienced workers who understand the value of mentorship, are ready to be role models of the company’s culture and values, and have demonstrated patience, good communication skills, and a good sense of humor. Former apprentices often have a good perspective coming into a mentorship role.  

Best practices for apprenticeship mentors include: 

• keeping good records of the apprentice’s progress,  
• matching the teaching style to their style and background, and  
• helping build soft skills in youth apprentices.

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Posted by: Anna O'Connell
• Posted in: Apprenticeship Building America