Why Mentorship Matters in Apprenticeships

by Michelle Midwinter June 10, 2025

When people think about apprenticeships, they often picture learning how to do a job: completing tasks, gaining qualifications, and building experience.
All of that is true — but the part we don’t talk about enough is mentorship.

For me, mentorship has been one of the most important parts of my journey.

Learning vs. Being Supported

From the very beginning of my apprenticeship, I was surrounded by people who didn’t just want me to do the work, they wanted me to understand it, grow from it, and enjoy it.

That kind of support can’t be found in a course or a checklist. It comes from mentors: people who take the time to answer your questions, encourage your development, and see potential in you, even when you don’t see it in yourself yet.

Small Moments That Made a Big Impact

Mentorship doesn’t always look formal, it’s not always a scheduled meeting or structured review.
Sometimes, it’s:

Someone patiently explaining something for the third time without making you feel bad
Being trusted with a real challenge that pushes you
Getting feedback that helps you improve without knocking your confidence
Hearing “you’ve got this” at exactly the right moment

Those small moments have made a huge difference to me. They’ve helped shape the way I work, and the kind of professional I’m becoming.

The Mentors Behind My Journey

At PGL Beyond, I’ve been lucky to work with people who truly value apprenticeships — not just as a scheme, but as a way to grow people.
My mentor, Tony, didn’t just show me what to do. He explained the why behind it. He gave me room to think, test, and sometimes fail (safely), so I could learn through experience.
That support gave me confidence early on — and reminded me that curiosity isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged.

My training provider mentor, Helen from Learn-Tech, is phenomenal in the support she provides throughout our one-to-ones and reviews. She helps me stay on top of everything and has been absolutely invaluable when it comes to my project work.

Helen consistently pushes me to go further. She helps me shape my work so it hits all the relevant Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs), and she’s always looking for ways I can meet the distinction criteria. That level of guidance has made a huge impact on my progress and confidence.

I hope every apprentice has a Helen — someone who’s just as excited as you are to see what you’ll achieve and where your journey will take you. A mentor whose goal is to bring out the best in you, and who makes sure you have everything you need to succeed.

While I have two formal mentors (workplace and learning provider), I’d also count other people in my team as mentors - everyone is willing to give me their time, explain things clearly, and show me how to do things. They make sure I’m always learning, and that generosity has shaped my experience massively.

Mentorship Isn’t Just for Juniors

Here’s something I’ve learned: mentorship benefits everyone.
It’s not just about helping the apprentice. It builds trust, improves teamwork, and creates a workplace culture where people feel seen and supported.

Now, as I gain experience and confidence, I’ve found myself doing the same for others - answering questions, encouraging newer colleagues, and sharing what I’ve learned.
And that’s the beautiful thing about mentorship: it creates a ripple effect.

Mentoring Beyond the Office - On the Track

My love for mentorship doesn’t end at 5 p.m. When I’m not in the office, I’m lacing up my skates with Severn Roller Torrent, my local roller-derby league. Every season we welcome a fresh batch of rookies who arrive nervous, wobbly, and convinced they’ll never pull off a crossover or survive a full-contact jam. Helping them through that journey is one of the most rewarding things I do.

I teach the basics - how to fall safely, how to stop, how to communicate on track - but more than that, I get to watch confidence bloom. The grin that appears the first time someone nails a tomahawk stop or gets drafted into their first scrimmage is priceless. Each breakthrough reminds me what it felt like to be brand-new, and it pushes me to keep learning so I can answer the next question that comes my way.

And in the process, I grow too. Explaining footwork forces me to refine my own technique; demonstrating strategy sharpens my game sense. Mentoring the rookies keeps me humble, curious, and connected to the “why” behind the sport - the same qualities that make me a better apprentice at work. It’s another ripple effect: the track makes me a stronger mentor in the office, and the office makes me a stronger mentor on the track.

💬 Final Thought

If you’re taking on an apprentice, don’t underestimate the power of mentorship.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to care, listen, and support someone’s growth. Making sure they have the time they need to complete their apprenticeship commitments will help them succeed, and become a more valuable employee when they finish.

And if you’re an apprentice - find your mentors. Learn from them, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to be curious.

Because when mentorship is part of your journey, it’s not just about getting through your apprenticeship - it’s about thriving in it.

Have you had a fantastic mentor? Or has your experience been different to mine? Connect with me on Linked In - I’d love to hear if your learning provider is a Helen, or if you wish yours would offer more support.