I’m a new apprentice and have been with my company for about a month now. Since starting, I’ve had two different guys tell me that maybe this trade isn't for me. My less can't really teach and it's more of me trying to do stuff while my lead is rushing to finish things on big projects.
They have me doing retrofits, so I’m currently trying to learn venting, gas black pipe, drywall, wiring, controls, terminology, and twinning all at once. I’m completely new to these tools, and while I haven’t damaged anything or caused any service backs, I am definitely slower than the experienced guys because I’m trying to be thorough while learning the ropes.
It’s gotten to the point where they’re telling me I’m "not even good enough to be a helper" and they just want me moved to a different crew. I’m showing up every day trying to get faster, better, and more efficient, but it’s hard to keep my head up with that kind of talk in my ear.
I’m curious to hear about everyone else's experience when they were green. Did you deal with guys like this? Is it normal to be "too slow" a month in, or should I be looking for a company that’s more willing to actually train an apprentice?