How honest can I be in probation meeting?

[Peasandmash]

I've got a probation meeting coming up and I was contemplating raising the issue that I feel I haven't had much support/training to do the role. I've been given a lot of work but as this industry is new to me, I'm taking a long time to complete it as I am mostly teaching myself how to do it. I really need this role so I didn't want to come across as being out of my depth (although I do feel it). Is it better to keep schtum knowing that at some point I'll be able to keep up with the others with some experience?
Also so as not to drip-feed, the boss has been quite defensive in the past if I've pointed out that I haven't got what I expected to be given to do my role so unsure if it's futile raising another issue really.

I think it’s fine to mention, in the context that you’re enjoying the role and all you’re learning but think you’d benefit from further training, be specific

Yes as long as you're specific you can ask for more training/support.

Its absolutely fine to raise this.
Your Manager should be receptive to feedback from new staff. They cant fail your probation for being honest.

Absolutely raise it. Try to frame it positively by saying something like 'I've really relished the challenge and have had a lot to learn in a short space of time, I've made the most of any training opportunities but would really benefit from xyz to give the most to the role.'

I wouldn't wait to raise it in a probation meeting. Have you already raised your need for training?

@FinallyHere it's been difficult to do as mostly everyone is wfh and there's not been many opportunities to raise it face-to-face (I'd prefer face-to-face as I am aware sometimes tone doesn't translate well in written messages).

I think I'll do as advised above and frame it in a positive way and be specific about what would help. Thank you all for your advice.

Yes definitely ask for specific things like training courses, training from colleagues, mentoring or shadowing on particular tasks or areas.

Phrase it positively, because otherwise you may sound defensive yourself.

Eg. Ask about opportunities for training, not “I haven’t been given training.”

Good point @FarEast .

I mentioned stuff in a probation meeting once and they extended it... they literally said they was going to approve it until I spoke up about lack of guidance on one of the teams I was meant to be supporting. It's definitely a risk if you really want the job.

Oh dear @workoholic this is what I'm afraid of. It's really tricky to navigate. I'll have to phrase it really positively I think. I'll report back next week about how it went....

It honestly depends how much it means to you, and if you have a suitable 'remediation' prepared, if it is unrealistic then it won't go down well. If its quite easy to be fixed then go for it... I think you just need to be careful about. sounding too inexperienced to do the job, as you've said above yourself that you haven't got much experience of the industry, so could throw yourself under the bus. You might just be better to do it like "still learning".

Hownslty I would mention it and make sure it’s documented.

I have spent a year- mentioning it a few times here and there but it was never documented in those words and I didn’t think much of it.

Now a year on my managers manager has seen that some of my work isn’t what she’s have expected (I’ve been wfh, having everything signed off so obviously no one’s been checking anything tbh) and everyone is acting all surprised that I have said that the support has been lacking. Now somehow it seems to have been flipped on me for not raising it.

So yeah mention it, pinpoint exactly what support you need to ‘progress’ and make sure this is document d. But don’t make a big drama out of it x

been difficult to do as mostly everyone is wfh and there's not been many opportunities to raise it face-to-face (I'd prefer face-to-face as I am aware sometimes tone doesn't translate well in written messages).

I get that you want to do this F2F but I'd still want to have on record (casually no fuss but to cover myself) that I had asked for a face to face meeting to cover training needs.

Think of it from the managers point of view. They give you stuff to do. It's a lot easier to manage people who flag up when they need support. Much, much better than if they don't, or are waiting for the right moment.

Absolutely on a positive way. Not 'I can't do this because' and much better I've done x and now need y in order to complete this.

It might not seem fair but making life easy for your manager is what the game of working g is all about.

If you need support in order to get anything done, it's much much better to ask for ghat support. And if you find yourself somewhere where the culture doesn't work like that, then it really is up to you to find someplace else to work. Good luck.

Just posting with an update: The review went much better than I expected. They're actually happy with what I've managed to get done so far and they've arranged some upskilling time. I was careful to highlight my postive experiences so far and raise my 'concern' in between (bit like what is commonly referred to a sh*t sandwich on here) and they took it on board with a plan on how to improve my learning going forward. So thank you everyone for all your advice. I'm glad I posted as I was veering between just blurting things out due to how stressful it has been or not mentioning my challenges at all in case it had a negative impact and you've all helped me approach this in a calm, professional manner. Onwards and upwards!

helped me approach this in a calm, professional manner.

Thank you for the update.

Hurrah for MN at its finest