If you’re starting out as an apprentice, here’s some apprentice advice from someone with 40 years in the trade. I began as a young apprentice, learned the hard way, and now mentor the next generation.
“The trade is more than work.
Treat it right, and it will take care of you for a lifetime.”
If you’re thinking about starting out as an apprentice, or just curious what life in a trade really looks like, here’s some apprentice advice from someone who’s been there for 40 years. I began as a young apprentice, learned the hard way, and now mentor the next generation. The trade has changed massively over four decades, but lessons about pride, patience, and respect never go out of style.
Apprenticeship: Learning the Trade the Hard Way
Back in my day, apprenticeships weren’t gentle. You had to be on-site by 8:00 a.m., which often meant a 5:30 a.m. wake-up and trekking through all weathers to catch a lift. Miss it, and tough luck—you were on your own.
There was also the rite of passage: a gauntlet where older lads chased you across rooftops to test your mettle. Brutal? Absolutely. But it taught me fast:
Respect had to be earned
Stand your ground and fend for yourself
Rushing through a job earned no respect at all
“You learned fast that respect had to be earned—and rushing through a job earned none.”
From Apprentice to Mentor
By my fourth year, I was trusted to run sections of jobs and guide younger apprentices. Somehow, I stayed relatable enough that they listened, laughed, and learned.
Eventually, I qualified as an assessor, and mentoring became one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Watching someone grow from a nervous apprentice to a skilled tradesperson is an experience that never gets old.
How the Trade Has Changed
Over 40 years, the trade has evolved dramatically:
Old systems vs. new tech: Back boilers, open-flued appliances, and gravity-fed systems are mostly gone, replaced by combi boilers and sealed systems
Hazards then vs. now: Asbestos was everywhere; health and safety regulations are far stricter today
Navigation: No GPS—finding jobs meant poring over a battered A-Z
Tools: Heavy transformers and wired drills have given way to cordless tools for nearly every task
Even with all this technology, the fundamentals remain: skill, attention to detail, and pride in your work.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
After four decades, a few lessons stand out:
Slow down. An old tradesman once told me: “You’ll be the richest men in the graveyard if you rush.” Quality work pays dividends over quantity.
Do it right, even if no one’s watching. I remember rushing a pipe under the floorboards as a young apprentice. It wasn’t square. My dad said: “In twenty years, when someone else changes that pipe, I want them to know a tradesman fitted it. Rip it out and tidy it up.” That philosophy has guided me ever since.
Take pride in your craft. Every pipe, boiler, or repair affects someone’s comfort and safety. Pride isn’t optional—it’s the mark of a true tradesman.
“Do a job that stands the test of time. That’s the difference between work and craftsmanship.”
Why Learning a Trade Is Worth It
Apprenticeships and trades offer more than just a paycheck:
Independence and hands-on skills you can use for life
Tangible results you can see and take pride in
Mentorship opportunities to pass on knowledge
A career in demand—tradespeople are needed everywhere
It’s the pride of doing a job properly and the responsibility of knowing people rely on you that keeps me going after 40 years.
“If you approach the trade with respect, patience, and pride, it will give back more than you ever expected.”
Top Lessons from 40 Years in the Trade
1. Slow down. Quality lasts longer than speed
2. Do it right. Even hidden work matters
3. Take pride. Your work is a reflection of you
4. Mentorship matters. Pass on what you’ve learned
5. Respect the craft. The trade rewards those who care
Final Thoughts: A Word from the Wise
Starting as an apprentice isn’t easy—but it’s a journey that teaches resilience, skill, and character. Stick with it, respect the craft, take your time, and always do work you can be proud of.
Forty years in, I can honestly say:
The trade isn’t just work. Treat it right, and it will take care of you for a lifetime.