Training Tips
One of our jobs at the BCITO is to make your job easier - some of our Training Advisors have come up with some tips which will help you as you work towards achieving your national certificate!
Keep it together!
If you are working on a project onsite go home and do the theory - working on the theory module while you still have the practical aspect fresh in your mind means you get to find out why we do it as well as how to do it.
Stay on top of it!
Set time aside regularly to update your ‘Record of Work' [ROW]. Trying to rush your documentation or think back to what you did makes life a whole lot tougher than it needs to be.
Get proactive!
Seek regular assessment. Ask your assessor to look at your books regularly. By being assessed regularly you will spread the load which should keep everyone happy and motivated.
Get verification regularly!
One of the keys to keeping your apprenticeship on track is to have your ROW evidence verified by your on site trainer on a regular basis. Leaving verification or ROW entries to the last minute makes things tough for trainees and assessors. Get onto it while the work is still fresh in your mind.
Support your evidence!
Written comments from your onsite trainer build a stronger ROW.
Photos and sketches!
Also support your written work by including photos and sketches. Use your mobile phone camera, keep a disposable in your toolbox or get sketching. They don't have to be an artistic masterpiece but photo's and sketches are good evidence to support written ROW entries and they are great to add to your portfolio and CV.
Don't be afraid to ask questions
Always ask questions if you need to! And keep asking until you understand the reason why you are performing a particular task. That way next time you will be able to transfer your skill to any similar situation.
Be solutions focussed
Before you go to your supervisor about a problem onsite, try to think of some possible solutions. This way you can not only tell the boss about the problem but also show that you have thought about how to fix it - a great way to show off all the knowledge you are learning!
Learn the basics
Focus your energies on learning your trade. When you have learned to do a task well the assessment becomes easy!
Get active
Completing your practical unit standards means showing your assessor you are commercially competent at the task. Don't just go to work to eat your lunch! Get stuck in and show your boss you can do the job to the required standard on your own and you will get your practical units signed off sooner rather than later.
Make a plan
If you are completing your theory units through the integrated learning package set aside a regular time to work on the books. Just like a regular sports training session, or the night when you work on your car, set aside at least one night a week as study night, and stick to your plan.
Help is at hand
If you are not making progress with your theory units talk with your training advisor about attending night classes (or block courses in some areas). These provide you with extra support and tuition, a regular time to get the work done and the assessments are completed by the tutor.