Asked to train Apprentice - should I refuse?

rosiecomelately

Hi

At my workplace we've recently had new Contracts and new Job Descriptions issued to us. I've been asked to train an Apprentice we're going to employ, but I've never trained anyone before. Also my new Job Description makes no mention of any requirement for me to undertake line management of anyone, nor does it say I must offer advice/help/guidance to other members of staff.

My gut feeling is to refuse, as it's not in my new job description - what do you all think?

Rosie

asajj

Why you want to refuse?
Clearly managing someone is an important skill where you can use in the future. Also your contract probably makes reference to additional duties given by management and doesn't have to specifically say about help/guidance to other staff.

Wouldn't you expect to be trained yourself if you start a new job/company?

[Deleted User]

I wouldn't refuse, think of it as an honour?
You can always bring it up in the next review for a little pay increase, change of title etc

Years ago I went on a Pitmans Supervisory Skills course - that was really helpful

Unfortunately this sort of ill feeling is just why new starters don't last long

owlet

It will give you something very worthwhile to add to your CV & you never know what other doors it may open. At the end of the day, it's your decision but if it was me, I'd do it. It will also add a variation to your normal work role, which you may enjoy :-)

Johno100

rosiecomelately wrote: »

At my workplace we've recently had new Contracts and new Job Descriptions issued to us. I've been asked to train an Apprentice we're going to employ, but I've never trained anyone before. Also my new Job Description makes no mention of any requirement for me to undertake line management of anyone, nor does it say I must offer advice/help/guidance to other members of staff.

You must be great fun to work with.

silverwhistle

No, don't refuse, be enthusuastic even, but express your reservation to management (in writing, of course) that you are aware of your lack of experience in this aspect of your work and would appreciate some training to do a good job.

As others have pointed out it's good experience on many different levels. You may also find your own understanding of the job improves when you have to explain it to someone else.

R_P_W

rosiecomelately wrote: »

Hi

At my workplace we've recently had new Contracts and new Job Descriptions issued to us. I've been asked to train an Apprentice we're going to employ, but I've never trained anyone before. Also my new Job Description makes no mention of any requirement for me to undertake line management of anyone, nor does it say I must offer advice/help/guidance to other members of staff.

My gut feeling is to refuse, as it's not in my new job description - what do you all think?

Rosie

Surely offering help advice and guidance to your coworkers is implied and expected from any normal human being!?

If you worked for me and refused a reasonable request just because it isn't in your job description......well I wouldn't plan on you being around much longer.

TELLIT01

There is a difference between offering help, advice and guidance and being expected to be responsible for the training of an apprentice. If the OP doesn't think she has the skills to do the job then refusal is the right thing for both her and the apprentice.
Nonetheless, I wouldn't discount the idea immediately or totally. Speak to your manager to clarify exactly what they want and to express any reservations you have. Raise the point that it isn't in your role description and that it might impact on your other work.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

are you frightened that the apprentice, once you have him/her trained, may be more proficient at the job than yourself, and company may no longer need you, or move you to another position where you yourself might need, advice/help/guidance?

Sharon87

I would say if you are good at your job then you should be ok to train someone else. If you don't feel confident at your job maybe tell your boss. One of my previous jobs, it wasn't in my job description to train new people, but I did it. It's just part of working. In that sector it showed that management had confidence in my work, and if I stayed in that sector it was the first step to moving up the ladder, a couple weeks before I left they made me a 'training buddy', so it did have some positive impact in helping to train newbies.

CrowCrow

TELLIT01 wrote: »

There is a difference between offering help, advice and guidance and being expected to be responsible for the training of an apprentice. If the OP doesn't think she has the skills to do the job then refusal is the right thing for both her and the apprentice.
Nonetheless, I wouldn't discount the idea immediately or totally. Speak to your manager to clarify exactly what they want and to express any reservations you have. Raise the point that it isn't in your role description and that it might impact on your other work.

Does this not depend what job we're talking about? Is this an 'admin apprentice' for example? If so, it's hardly a huge burden to show someone how to use a photocopier.