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Looking for a sure fire way to fit in at your new apprenticeship? A new apprenticeship or traineeship, like any new job, can be a daunting adjustment. You have to find your place in a new work environment, learn new work processes and skills, and fit in with the other staff. Well, here is a recipe to help you cook up something to take the edge off of being the “new guy” (or gal).

Ingredients:

• Courage
• Sociability
• Effort
• Patience
• Determination

Method:

1. Don’t be shy. Be friendly and outgoing. Share with your co-workers who it is you are. Make conversation; the more open and friendly you are towards them the more open and friendly they will be towards you.
2. Adopt a new friend. Show that you can get along with others by befriending a co-worker as soon as possible. Have lunch with them, help them with a project, or sit with them in the break room. This will help you to connect with other employees.
3. Work at it. In order to fit in you must put in some effort. Remembering people’s names is a small but very important part of your new work environment. Calling someone you have just met by their name makes a huge impact! If you need to, write them down or make up creative ways to jog your memory when it comes to matching a face to a name.
4. Be patient. It will take time to get to know your co-workers and feel comfortable with them. Not only will you be trying to get used to your new duties and surroundings but you will also be faced with the task of ‘fitting in’ and this takes time.
5. Show people that you deserve to be there. By working hard and showing your co-workers the skills you have (without being cocky) you will earn their respect. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share your input and ideas.

Notes:

Finding the proper balance between trying to fit in and trying too hard can be difficult. The most important thing to do is remember who you are and to be yourself!

Just follow these five easy steps and you will have no problem fitting in at your new workplace.

Image by pasma