Pressure to pass

[Suzie95]

Hello!
I started an apprenticeship in a computer repair shop about 2 months ago now and my manager is complaining that I'm not ready to complete my A+ AND Network+ exam. I knew nothing before hand about computers and have learnt a lot to be honest, but no where near enough to pass the exams. I'm not sure what to do, I don't think he appreciates the fact I'm an apprentice and still have a lot to learn :/ I've tried bringing this up with him but he doesn't seem to have a good track record of keeping apprentices (Think I'm about the 4th in the same role in the past 12 months!) Any suggestion of what to do? Or anyways for it all to go in? I've been watching professor messer and cbt nugget videos but still only get about 60% on the exams questions I've found online.
Help!!
Suzie

 

[Ralston18]

Well if he is complaining that you are not ready then you both need to sit down and work out a plan/agreement as to what he deems to be a sign of "readiness".

Maybe he is afraid that once you have your certifications you will demand more pay and/or take another job.

Not at all uncommon in business. Employers train employees only to have the employees leave shortly thereafter.

Could be the reason for the past apprentices leaving - he is/was holding them back.

And after losing 3 other apprentices could be that other employees and customers are starting to "talk".

However, he may really like the work you are doing and the progress you are making....

Maybe you can work out an agreement with him. Once you pass the exams he will reimburse your exam costs if you stay onboard for some certain length of time. Then it will be on him to pay a competitive salary based on your knowledge, certifications, and experience.

Just be sure that you get everything in writing with witnesses to some degree. Or find someone you both trust to arbitrate.

Be sure to always hold up your end of bargain.

And it is good that you also recognize that you are not ready. May take a couple of tries to pass the exams - likewise not at all uncommon.

He could make passing the exams by a certain date or period of time a contigency of some sort. So you have reason to pass and succeed.