How to behave as an apprentice: Professional behaviour and conduct guide for learners

Your behaviour is your brand

Being in professional training doesn’t make you any less of a professional. That means that, even and especially when you are enrolled on a course of learning, your actions and attitudes count towards your progress just as much as any evidence course work you submit.

As an apprentice with The Childcare Company, you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that reflects the standards of your workplace and the early years sector as a whole. This includes how you interact with others, manage responsibilities, and maintain professional behaviour at work.

In this guide, The Childcare Company will talk you through the expectations of apprentice workplace behaviour, so that you can develop professional skills, know how to succeed in an apprenticeship, and be sure you are presenting your best self to colleagues and childcare recipients at all times, and delivering the highest levels of excellence possible.

Professional standards: what is expected of an apprentice

Apprentice responsibilities at work don’t vary from that of regular members of staff. Apprentices are just as much representatives of their organisation as regular employees. Therefore, it is imperative that you reflect that in the way you conduct yourself at work.

Workplace conduct for apprentices matters. How you treat others, and how you are perceived, all form a part of your professionalism. Therefore, the way you are with people is equally as valuable as any qualification you obtain.

So, how should an apprentice behave at work? What will help you know how to act in a childcare job? As an apprentice earning while you learn, you are expected to:

• Uphold professional standards in the workplace by following policies, procedures, and codes of conduct
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, service users, and stakeholders
• Maintain appropriate boundaries
• Work in a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory way
• Represent your organisation positively
• Be proactive in your learning and workplace responsibilities
• Show curiosity, ask questions, and seek guidance when needed

That last one is an important one to remember. If you are ever in any doubt as to what’s expected of you, ask your Line Manager and /or your Development Coach for advice. Asking for help is not a weakness. It demonstrates courage, as well as a willingness to be at your best.

Behavioural development for apprentices

Apprenticeships are a journey. Not only will you hone your knowledge and communication skills at work, but also your behaviours. This is especially important in childcare settings. The expectations of an apprentice are no less than the expectations of your teammates who aren’t in training. That’s why programmes from The Childcare Company prepare you for this and more.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will develop behaviours such as:

• • Accountability and responsibility
  • Communication and teamwork in the workplace
  • Problem-solving and initiative
  • Respect and empathy at work
  • Confidence in asking questions and learning from feedback

Developing this behaviour in childcare settings helps to keep things calm and safe for everybody. These aspects of your professional life are essential to your current role, your future career progression, and those receiving care from you.

Maintaining apprentice wellbeing in the workplace

Both your physical and mental wellbeing at work are extremely important. Balancing work and study can be challenging at times, especially in the childcare sector. So, it’s critical that you look after yourself just as much as you do others. That’s why The Childcare Company prioritises mental health for apprentices.

You are advised to utilise as much available support as possible, which is there specifically for  managing stress at work.

• Speak to someone if you are experiencing difficulties
• Raise concerns early with your employer
• Seek support if workload, stress, or personal circumstances are affecting your learning
• Ask questions if you are ever unsure about any aspect of your apprenticeship or role
• Know that support is always available if and when you need it

All of these things play a key role in achieving apprentice work-life balance. Professional behaviour and wellbeing are closely linked. If your wellbeing suffers, your behaviour in the workplace may be impacted. It’s crucial that you find contingencies and coping mechanisms to ensure that your career and your progression are not affected long term by bad days, lapses in judgement, or emotional burnout.

Why this matters

We all experience moments like these. You are only human. Experiencing these things is not weakness, or an indicator of incapability. The key to overcoming challenges like these is knowing what to do, what your body needs, and how to keep a positive mindset.

Maintaining wellbeing, and by association, professional behaviour, supports:

• A positive and safe working environment
• Consistent delivery of high-quality childcare or services
• Your ability to succeed in your apprenticeship and future roles
• A positive learning culture where continuous development and improvement are encouraged

Professionalism in early years matters just as much as your qualifications. The children receiving your care, and your colleagues, need you at your best. The more you look after yourself, the more likely it is that you will be at 100% in those moments they need you the most. Mastering your workplace professionalism skills will enable you to do this.

As an apprentice, you are already a professional

Being an apprentice is about so much more than apprenticeship skills and behaviours. A professional in training is still a professional. Maintaining apprenticeship professional standards is essential not only to your success, but the success of your team, the outcomes for children and young people receiving your care, your colleagues and fellow teams, and the early years sector as a whole.

As a sector-specific training provider, The Childcare Company is poised to provide tailored learning, expert guidance, and ongoing support. Everything you need to succeed and improve workplace behaviour is built into your programme, including guidance on how to be professional at work as a trainee. How you respond, react, and resonate with those around you is up to you.

You will have every tool you need at your disposal. If you have a bad day, just remember, it is not a bad career, or an indicator that you are bad at what you do. It only means that you are human like everyone else, and there are ways and means to get back to your best. The Childcare Company understands this, and so does your employer. The power to bounce back is inside you, and everyone around you wants to see you succeed in your apprenticeship. Don’t get downhearted in times of challenge. Believe in yourself, utilise all support available, don’t be afraid to ask for help if and when you need it. Communication in childcare environments is imperative to positive outcomes.

Most of all, never forget: the early years sector is stronger with you in it, and you are stronger than you know. The fact that you are training to be better at something that requires great discipline and skill, is proof enough that you are a childcare professional through and through. Embody this every day, and do all you can to demonstrate this through your behaviour, and there will be no limit to what you can achieve.