[fargle]

"it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills" - Malcolm Gladwell

That's 5 years of full time. I estimate that it often takes 6-12 months for a new hire just to even become positive in terms of net impact to the team, let alone mastery. This will vary depending on complexity. In other words, when does that extra set of hands contribute more than it costs in terms of extra communication, training, mistakes, etc.

Be honest, ask for help when appropriate, be a good listener, take notes, learn. Be the one ready to take on any job. God gave you two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak.

In a year or so, you'll be the journeyman helping the next crop of newbies.