1 Learn the concept
The key to success in life and work is great relationships. With your mentor and their business, a strong relationship can last beyond the apprenticeship and lead to references, referrals and job offers. This lesson shows you how to build trust through reliability, curiosity and generosity.
2 See it in action
- Be reliable: do what you said you would, when you said you would.
- Be curious: ask about the business, its customers and its goals.
- Share progress and give credit to others.
- Stay in touch: a short update after the apprenticeship keeps the relationship alive.
Worked example
Staying in touch after the apprenticeship
Month 1: a thank-you note naming something specific they taught you.
Month 3: a short update with one result you achieved using their advice.
Month 6: share an article you thought they would like.
Result to look for: when they hear about an opening, you are the first person they think of.
Check: put the three dates in your calendar before the apprenticeship ends.
3 Study an example
Example scenario
A former apprentice sends her mentor a short note every few months with a result she achieved and a thank-you. When the mentor hears of an opening at another company, she is the first person recommended.
4 Apply it and download
- Write three ways you will show reliability this month.
- Plan one question to ask your mentor about the business.
- Record your actions in the communication tracker.
Worksheet Personal communication trackerOpen, print or save as PDF