ETT's Study Guide for Apprentices

by David Richmond on 06 February 2012

Why Revise?

Here are three good reasons to revise -

You will be successful the first time, no need to do re-sits!
You will be meeting your personal training plan to become a qualified electrician
You are meeting your requirements to your employer, as an employed apprentice your continued employment is dependent on you staying on the apprenticeship programme

Where to Study

Creating good conditions to study in can help you make the most of the time you spend revising. Here are some suggestions:

Find a quiet place to study and make sure you are sitting comfortably
Make sure your desk is well lit
Keep background noise to a minimum
Avoid studying in an area where there will be distractions (like television!)
Have everything you need to do your revision to hand before you start

How to Study

There is no ‘right way’ to revise, as long as the method you choose enables you to gain a solid grasp of key facts and consolidate your knowledge. Some students are happy to read their classroom notes from start to finish, others prefer to simplify the information as much as possible, turning everything into skeleton notes, diagrams or mnemonics. In practice, most students find that mixing techniques suits the varied nature of the subjects being revised, and provides essential variety when studying. You could -

Write ideas and facts on to cards to use as ‘prompts’
Create memory aids such as diagrams or mnemonics (e.g. initial letters to make a word you need to remember or SMART objectives: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Realistic; Targets). These will help you remember key facts
Record yourself reading notes to listen to
Study with a friend and test each other’s knowledge

Revision Plan

The top tip for successful revision is to make a plan; otherwise it is easy to waste your precious revision time. We recommend that you should be spending at least 3 hours a week on home study.

List all your subjects and the amount of time you think you will need for each one. It is unlikely that the amounts will be equal. Many people find it advisable to allocate more time to the subject or topics they find the most difficult

Draw up a revision plan for each week

Fill in any regular commitments you have first and the dates of your examinations

Use your scheme of work as a starting point. Look at what you need to know and try to identify any gaps in your knowledge.

Divide your time for each subject into topics based on the units in the revision checklist or syllabus, and make sure you allow enough time for each one

Plan your time carefully, assigning more time to subjects and topics you find difficult

Revise often; try and do a little every day

Plan in time off, including time for activities which can be done out in the fresh air. Take a 5 or 10 minute break every hour and, go for a short walk or make a drink

Write up your plan and display it somewhere visible

Adjust your timetable if necessary and try to focus on your weakest topics and subjects

Dealing with Exam Nerves

It is natural to feel nervous before an examination. The more prepared you feel, the easier it will be to conquer your fears.

Create a revision plan to help you feel in control of the process

Plan your work carefully around the topics you need to focus on. Being aware of gaps in your knowledge can create nerves, but having a plan of how you will fill these will make you feel better.

Find out what is involved in the exam:

where and when it will take place
how much time is allowed
how many questions you need to answer

Remember to think positive!

Sitting the Exam

Be prepared; find out what is involved in each of the examinations that you are going to sit. Organise yourself the night before and get plenty of sleep.

Check you have the correct equipment with you before you leave the house (e.g. you will need photographic ID for the AM2 exam)

Leave for the exam in plenty of time

Pace yourself and allow enough time to answer all the required questions

Allow yourself time at the end to read through your answers and correct any mistakes

After the Exam

It is easy to fall in to the trap of wondering how well you performed and to discuss this with your fellow students. Your time would be better spent looking ahead to your next examination.

Don’t panic – you won’t be the only one who is anxious about their answers

Don’t compare your answers with those of other students – this can create negative feelings

Don’t rush to your textbooks to check your answers – there is no point at this stage

Focus on the next exam and how you might improve your exam technique