Apprentices thriving at work: looking through an appreciative lens

Abstract

An appreciative lens has been used to explore the question: what is it in the performance of managers, other employees, vocational educators and apprentices themselves, which enables an apprentice to experience a sense of thriving at work? The apprentice is understood to be involved in a process of continually developing and becoming as their social identity as a tradesperson emerges. Previous researchers have noted how learning to both ask for, and offer, help is a key competence that successful apprentices develop during their training. This helps to focus attention on the social context of the apprentice’s experience. This study suggests that when managers, vocational educators and apprentices engage in behaviours that promote affiliation they have the opportunity to develop not only more meaningful relationships but also to experience a sense of thriving at work.