What You Need to Start an Apprenticeship
Securing an apprenticeship is just like applying for a job.
It’s a competitive process and all about demonstrating a genuine commitment to both working and learning.
Attitude, motivation and keenness are fantastic attributes that MIGAS looks for when meeting apprentice candidates, especially for school leavers who may not yet have the relevant work experience under their belts.
You don’t need technical experience in a trade to become an apprentice, but here are a few suggestions to assist you in the application process.
1. Spend the time putting together a professional cover letter and resume – it really does make you stand out. If you’re lacking work experience, then demonstrate you’ve researched the trade area by reading up about the qualification and what type of work it involves.
2. For budding apprentices, look at doing a pre-apprenticeship course. Pre-apprenticeships can assist in improving literacy and numeracy skills as well as focusing on developing essential work-related skills. These skills can help you be better prepared for work and be a stand-out job candidate.
3. Having a driver’s licence is a big tick. In apprenticeships, getting yourself to and from work, and often to different work sites, is a plus for employers.
4. Some trade areas can be very technical. Evidence of good results in maths for undertaking an electrical apprenticeship is a common example. It’s a good reminder that doing a trade apprenticeship requires both brain power and practical skills.
Tips for Apprentice Candidates
It’s important to understand that an apprenticeship can be a three to four-year commitment. Think about the experience as an investment in your future career.
If you’re interested in a particular trade area, volunteer and offer your time for work experience to help you decide whether it’s the right career for you.
There’s no need to be nervous about the job application process. Phone screening and face-to-face or online interviews are your opportunity to share your enthusiasm and commitment to an apprenticeship.
But if you do find yourself apprehensive about applying for a role, remember:
- You might feel out of your comfort zone but you had the courage to show up
- You’re being your authentic self
- You care about the outcome, and the opportunity is important to you
- You followed through on a commitment made in the face of feeling nervous
Applying for a role with MIGAS begins with registering an account on our website and finding a job vacancy if interest. Apply online with a resume and cover letter – here are some tips for how to write a cover letter that stands out.
If you are shortlisted for a role, a Recruitment Officer will be in touch to discuss the apprenticeship with you.
If you don’t find a role that you want to apply for right now, you can update your MIGAS profile with trade areas of interest and we’ll let you know via email when we have a match.
Start your apprenticeship job search now.