How to Stand Out When Applying for an Apprenticeship

Locking down the ideal apprenticeship can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting out after finishing school. 

Every week, MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees posts new opportunities on our jobs board, and some roles get hundreds of applications. When you’re competing with that many other keen tradies-to-be, you’ve got to find ways to make your application stand out.

Fortunately, there are ways to help your submission get to the top of the pile. The MIGAS and MiRecruit team shares their best advice on getting noticed when you’re applying for a trade apprenticeship.

Get Your Hands Dirty Before Applying

An Australian Apprenticeship is the beginning of a qualification in many industries, though that does not mean that your formal training should be the first time you pick up the tools. 

Having some relevant experience on your resume definitely catches the eye of employers. Working as a Trades Assistant or in similar roles that give you an understanding of work fundamentals and work practices will strengthen your application.

If you’re still at school, other ways to gain experience are apprenticeship programs like School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) that will see you complete a Certificate I or II in your chosen trade, which is an ideal starting point. 

Likewise, Pre-apprenticeship Courses are also available to candidates keen to get started in a trade, giving you both work experience and theoretical training in a shorter format than an apprenticeship. Not only does a pre-apprenticeship help you decide if the trade is the right fit for you, it’s an excellent addition to your resume when applying for an Australian Apprenticeship.

Any experience in your selected trade will make you a quality candidate, and it will also give you confidence in your own abilities throughout the recruitment process.

Nail Your Resume and Cover Letter

This is the obvious one, but so easy to get wrong.

The best resumes make it crystal clear what kind of job you’re after. If it looks like you’ve sent the same one to McDonald’s, Bunnings, and the local mechanic, recruiters will think you’re just throwing mud at the wall to see what sticks.

Focus on:

• Neat presentation: Your resume doesn’t need to win design awards, but it should be clean, error-free and easy to read
• Highlighting relevant experience: Even if it’s just school projects or hobbies related to the trade
• Your motivation: Explain why you want this specific apprenticeship and why you’d be great at it
• Keeping it short and sweet: Say everything you need to in a single page

Bonus tip: Create a tailored cover letter to show you’ve actually thought about this role, not just any apprenticeship. It really helps you stand out as many applicants will skip the cover letter, especially for apprenticeship roles. Including one immediately sets you apart from those who don't bother.

Line Up Solid References

You need dependable people who can vouch for your work ethic and character. These should generally be people you’ve worked with, ideally someone who was your supervisor.

Some key points to remember:

• Your mates and family aren’t good references (even if they think you’re amazing!)
• If you’re fresh out of school with no work experience, ask a teacher or sports coach
• Double-check all contact details – "Sorry, wrong number" happens way more than you’d think

Showcase Essential Soft Skills

Your technical skills matter, but so do your "soft skills". How you get along with others and handle workplace situations are critical to any apprenticeship.

While your hands-on abilities are important, employers also care about:

• How you communicate with workmates
• Your work ethic (showing up on time, putting in effort)
• Your commitment to safe work practices
• Your eagerness to learn new things (that’s what an apprenticeship is all about)

Prepare for the Interview Process

When you progress through the initial application process, you will be asked to participate in an interview. This can be via the phone, in an online meeting, or face-to-face. 

Not every interview process is the same, and typically the whole process will include 1-2 interviews for most roles.

To give yourself the best shot:

• Be yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not
• Do your homework on the company: Know what they do and what you’d be doing
• Be ready for common questions: "Why do you want to be a [trade]?" or "Tell us about a time you solved a problem."
• Come with your own questions: Shows you’re genuinely interested
• Look the part: Clean clothes, tidy appearance, good hygiene
• Be prompt: If you’re not early, you’re late!

The Bottom Line

Putting in the effort upfront before applying for your apprenticeship can greatly improve your chances of landing the role.

To keep it simple, make sure you:

• Get some hands-on experience
• Create a solid resume and cover letter
• Find good references
• Develop your people skills
• Prepare properly for interviews

Want to stay in the loop about new opportunities? Register with MIGAS for updates on available roles.