What is the BEST approach to helping an apprentice who is struggling at a job?

Having an apprentice work with an experienced journeyman is the best approach to supporting them through their struggle on the job. This method fosters hands-on learning and provides the apprentice with real-time feedback and guidance. The experienced worker can offer personalized instruction, share valuable insights from their own experiences, and demonstrate techniques and best practices that are relevant to the apprentice's tasks.

Through this collaborative environment, apprentices not only acquire the necessary skills but also gain confidence and a sense of belonging within the team. This mentorship relationship can accelerate the apprentice's learning curve significantly compared to solitary or less interactive methods.

While assigning additional tasks may seem like a way to build confidence, it could overwhelm the apprentice instead of addressing their struggles. Providing written instructions can be helpful, but it may not suffice for those who require more practical demonstration and guidance. Suggesting that they work independently could lead to frustration and a lack of support, hindering their development. Working alongside an experienced journeyman creates an ideal setting for learning and growth.