1 Learn the concept
The end of an apprenticeship is an opportunity to finish on a stellar note and gain a strong reference. Many apprenticeships end quietly and the chance is lost. In this lesson you learn best practices for offboarding: hand over your work, share your results, say thank you and ask for what you need.
2 See it in action
- Hand over: document your work so it can continue without you.
- Share results: write a short final report with outcomes.
- Ask: request feedback, a reference or a LinkedIn recommendation.
- Stay connected: agree how you will keep in touch.
Worked example
A reference request
Message: "Thank you for three great months. I learned how to run a monthly report and how to write for your customers. Could you write a short recommendation about my work? Here are three results I achieved, in case they help."
Include: the three results with numbers.
Follow up: thank them when it is posted.
Result to look for: a recommendation that names specific results.
3 Study an example
Example scenario
In her last week, an apprentice delivers a handover document and a final report, thanks her mentor for specific help, and asks for a LinkedIn recommendation. The mentor writes it within days, naming the results the apprentice achieved.
4 Apply it and download
- List the work that needs a handover.
- Draft your final report outline.
- Write your reference request and complete the offboarding checklist.
Worksheet Offboarding checklist and reference requestOpen, print or save as PDF