25 Aug 2016

If you’ve ever thought about doing an apprenticeship, you should probably know that now is a really good time to do one.  The number of young Aussie’s undertaking apprenticeships has fallen 20 per cent over the last year, which means job titles like a carpenter, hairdresser, electrician, and chef are in high demand and will be in higher demand in years to come. Getting a trade is a great way to get paid while you learn and ensure your job security down the track.

We talk to a lot of you guys out there who are looking for apprenticeships. While a lot of you are doing all the right things, there are a few common mistakes that could be preventing you from locking down an apprenticeship. Here’s what you need to know to make that resume of yours look as irresistible as possible.

1. Have you done your pre-apprenticeship?

A pre-apprenticeship is a 12 to 16-week` course that sets you up for your apprenticeship. There are no pre-requisites, anyone can apply and you may be eligible for government funding while undertaking it. Employers generally prefer hiring apprentices who have already completed their pre-app or are willing to do before they start work. Some employers (especially in the electrical field) even require you to have finished your pre-app, so you should probably do one before applying.

2. What the hell is a white card?

If you want to be a carpenter, plumber, electrician, plasterer, roofer, tiler, painter or any other trade that requires you to work on a construction site, you’ll need a white card. If you don’t have the card you’re not allowed on the work site–simple as that–so it’s a no-brainer to get it before you apply. White cards vary slightly from state to state but can be in most cases the course can be done online.

 3. Riding shotgun ain’t gonna cut it

Most trades will require you to have your licence, and some your own car. This is how you’re going to be able to get to and from work sites on time, and potentially even transport various tools and materials for your workmates. Even in the rare case that a licence is not an absolute necessity, it’s certainly a good idea to have one, as it could certainly set you above the pack when it comes to getting hired.

4. What’s the difference between qualified and overqualified?

Some people undertake a TVET course at TAFE before doing their apprenticeship. This may sound like a good plan but in some cases, it can limit your options.  If you get a TVET qualification, you can slip straight into the second year of your apprenticeship, however, this means your employer will be required to pay you a second year wage straight away. In many cases, employers would prefer to take on an apprentice from the beginning and train them up from scratch. It’s more cost effective and it ensures apprentices are on the same page as employers from day one. Many employers simply look for apprentices who have qualifications no higher than a Cert II.

5. Is your attitude in check?

Coming straight from school into a trade can be a bit of a transition. You go from being one of the top dogs at school to the bottom of the food chain at work. This means you should probably change your email from heck_yeah69@hotmail.com to something a bit more professional, as well as that voicemail of yours that goes something along the lines of “hello…? hello….? Naaah just kidding!” You want to impress your employers, rather than simply obey them. You’re getting paid now, so you’ll be expected to pull your weight. The ideal apprentice is young and keen to learn.

6. Age is a factor

We’re not going to tell you to give up because you’re too old, but it’s true that you’ve got an advantage if you’re under 21. After your 21st birthday, you’re considered a mature age apprentice, which means you get paid more. While everyone wants to be paid more, older apprentices are less attractive to employers because they cost more in wages. If you’re serious about doing an apprenticeship, start early and don’t wait around.

In other words, an ideal apprentice will look something like this:

apprenitceshipsinfo