PurposeThis research explores the training experiences of Australian apprentices in the workplace with a focus on workplace relationships and their link to interpersonal attributes and people-related generic skills among apprentices.Design/methodology/approachQualitative research is conducted, and the authors analysed interview data from 20 apprentices (17 men, three women; average age 25 years) who came from a range of industries and trade sectors.FindingsThese findings revealed common themes around the importance of communication, emotional direct cognition, self-awareness and teamwork during training on the job. This suggests that interpersonal attributes are central to apprentices' practices within their training experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate a need for greater emphasis on the development of interpersonal attributes in training both on the job and within training packages.Practical implicationsThe paper extends the literature on the role of interpersonal skills in the apprentice experience, presents information about young people's challenges in training and points to further investigations needed to explore this phenomenon.Originality/valueAn authentic detailed account is presented of apprentices' interpersonal attributes and people-related generic skills in their training experiences.