Supporting apprentice success
Apprentice and trainee success doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built by having the right support at the right time. Access to tailored support services is playing an increasingly key role in improving apprenticeship retention and completion rates, helping individuals navigate not just their training, but the real-life challenges that we all face.
We spoke with Erin and Lucie to explore how MEGT’s Mentors are helping apprentices and their employers stay on track and succeed.
Can you tell us about your role at MEGT as a mentor?
E: In my role as a mentor, I support and guide apprentices and trainees as they build both their practical skills and confidence in the workplace. It’s about empowering them and helping them develop the strategies they need to advocate for themselves and succeed.
L: I provide guidance and reassurance to both apprentices and employers. A typical day involves checking in with apprentices, understanding their experiences at work and study, and supporting them through challenges, as well as celebrating their wins along the way.
What are the most common topics you help apprentices with and how does this impact their success?
E: Common challenges include financial pressures, personal barriers, and educational support. If these aren’t addressed early, they can become overwhelming and impact an apprentice’s ability to continue.
L: We often support apprentices with confidence, workplace challenges, and balancing study. That might mean helping them develop a study plan, communicate with their employer, or simply providing a listening ear and practical strategies they can use day-to-day.
Can you share an example were working one-on-one with an apprentice has made a real difference?
E: I worked with a trainee who had taken on too much responsibility, leading to stress and burnout. Through mentoring, we helped them communicate with their employer and adjust their workload. Following these changes, the trainee chose to remain in the traineeship. The experience also helped them build resilience, strengthen their self-advocacy skills, and gain a clearer understanding of their entitlements as a trainee.
“Life doesn’t pause during an apprenticeship.”
— Lucie, MEGT Mentor
Why is mentoring so important for improving apprentice retention and completion?
L: Without support, apprentices can suddenly feel overwhelmed when challenges arise. Mentoring provides simple, practical steps to address such issues across work, study, and personal life. It helps build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills — all of which are critical to staying engaged and completing their training.
Why is investment into support for apprentices so critical?
E: Apprentices are balancing technical learning, workplace expectations, and personal development all at once. Structured support reduces overwhelm and improves confidence, motivation, and productivity — strengthening workforce capability.
L: Life does not pause during an apprenticeship. Investment in support ensures apprentices have access to guidance, reassurance, and the right tools to overcome barriers and stay on track.
At MEGT, supporting apprentices is more than helping them complete their qualification — it’s about helping them build confidence, resilience and strategies for long-term personal and career success. Find out more about mentoring here.