How Hard is it to Get an Apprenticeship?

Getting an apprenticeship is similar to applying for any job. You will typically go through a resume screening, aptitude testing and an interview process. How competitive it is depends on the trade, the location and the time of year. With the right preparation and the right attitude, your chances are better than you might think.

The Reality of Apprenticeship Applications

There is a common perception that apprenticeships are difficult to get into, particularly in popular trades. The reality is more nuanced. Some trades and some locations are more competitive than others. Electrical apprenticeships in major cities, for example, tend to attract strong fields of applicants. Other trades in regional areas may have positions that are harder to fill.

What is consistent across almost every apprenticeship application is this: employers are not looking for someone who already knows the trade. They are looking for someone with the right attitude, the work ethic to see a three to four year training program through, and the aptitude to learn.

That levels the playing field considerably for candidates who might feel they lack experience or qualifications.

What Makes an Application Competitive?

Attitude and genuine interest

This is the most consistently cited factor by employers and recruiters assessing apprentice candidates. A candidate who can clearly articulate why they want to pursue a particular trade, who presents themselves professionally and who comes across as reliable and motivated will outperform a candidate with better qualifications but little enthusiasm in almost every situation.

Before you apply, make sure you actually know something about the trade you are applying for. Understanding what the day-to-day work involves, what the qualification is and why it appeals to you signals genuine interest rather than a scattergun approach to job applications.

Preparation for aptitude testing

Most apprenticeship applications involve some form of aptitude testing, typically assessing numerical reasoning, mechanical comprehension, literacy and sometimes spatial reasoning depending on the trade. These tests are not designed to trip you up. They are used to identify candidates with the cognitive foundation to learn the trade successfully.

The good news is that aptitude tests are something you can prepare for. Practice tests are freely available online, and familiarity with the format can make a meaningful difference to your performance. Candidates who have done no preparation and sit these tests cold consistently perform below their actual ability.

A clean, well-prepared application

Your resume does not need to be impressive in the traditional sense. Employers hiring apprentices are not expecting a long work history. What they are looking for is evidence that you have made an effort, that you can communicate clearly in writing and that your basic details are accurate and presented neatly.

A short, genuine cover letter that explains why you want this specific trade and why you want to work for this specific employer will set you apart from the majority of applicants who send the same generic application everywhere.

Relevant background

While prior trade experience is not required, any relevant background is worth including in your application. School subjects like mathematics, physics, engineering, metalwork or automotive are worth mentioning for technical trades.

Any work experience, even in an unrelated field, demonstrates that you have operated in a professional environment.

Voluntary work, sport and other structured activities can all signal qualities that employers value.

If you have completed a pre-apprenticeship program, include it prominently. It demonstrates genuine commitment to the trade and gives you practical exposure that most other candidates will not have.

Competition Varies Significantly

Not all apprenticeship applications are equally competitive. A few factors that affect how hard it is to secure a particular role:

Trade type

Some trades attract higher volumes of applicants than others. Electrical apprenticeships are consistently popular and can be competitive, particularly in metropolitan areas. Trades that are less well-known or located in regional and remote areas may have fewer applicants relative to the positions available.

Location

Major cities generally have more applicants for every position than regional areas. If you are flexible about location, your chances of securing a position improve.

Many trades in regional areas offer strong wages and career opportunities that are just as good as, or better than, city-based roles.

Time of year

Larger employers and Group Training Organisations typically run structured intake programs that recruit toward the end of the calendar year for a January start. If you miss an intake, the next opportunity may be six to twelve months away with some employers.

Staying across the timing of intakes in your preferred trade and getting your application in early is important.

The employer

Some businesses and GTOs are more selective than others. Applying to multiple employers across different business types, including both direct employers and GTOs, gives you more opportunities and a better chance of finding the right fit.

What to Do if You Don't Get in First Time

Not getting an offer the first time around is common and does not mean you are not suited to the trade. Most successful applicants can point to at least one rejection on their way to securing a position.

If you are unsuccessful, ask for feedback if it is offered. Understanding where you fell short allows you to address it before the next application.

Common areas for improvement include aptitude test preparation, interview presentation, and the quality of the written application.

In the meantime, consider a pre-apprenticeship program in your preferred trade. These short courses build foundational knowledge, demonstrate commitment and can significantly strengthen your next application. Some pre-apprenticeship graduates are offered apprenticeships directly by the RTO delivering the course or by employers who partner with them.

Registering your interest with MIGAS is also worth doing even if there is no suitable role currently advertised. When a position comes up in your trade and location, you will already be in our system.

Ready to Apply?

Browse current apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities on the MIGAS Jobs Board and apply online.