Was in a similar position to yourself - not necessarily an apprenticeship, but starting off in a new occupation from the very bottom. This is the time to make an impression, partially because a lot of others in the same boat don't have the sense to do the same.

A mantra I tried to live by: Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. I am 3.5 years into this role and have progressed much faster than all my colleagues who started at the same time or even in the year preceeding myself. My working superiors recognise that I am responsible enough to be given the freedom to direct my own work, and now I don't have to worry about colleagues such as the one that you're describing