To celebrate National Apprenticeship week an easy-to-use guide by Dickies Workwear has been created, revealing top tips to follow when looking for trade apprenticeships
With more companies across the UK embracing the opportunity to take on apprentices, specifically within the trades industry, the options are increasing for young adults. If you’re looking to start your career into high demand, flexible and physically challenging profession, this path might appeal to you and provide the best experience.
Just like any job application, the apprenticeship application process can seem daunting and stressful.
So where do you start?
Make sure you extensively research the career path
When deciding on a trade apprenticeship, research is key. From the specific field of interest to the day-to-day tasks associated with that apprenticeship program, having all the correct information and knowledge can help put you on the right path.
Apprenticeship training can also open future opportunities to start your own business later, so having a strong foundation from your apprenticeship experience will only benefit you in the long run.
Finding the right opportunities for you
One of the first issues you might come to face in your search is where to find the right listings for you. You can use a range of platforms, from generic ones like Indeed.co.uk and Gov.uk, or more trade specific platforms like Go Construct.
If you have specific companies in mind, take a look at their websites or get in touch directly to see if they run an apprenticeship program.
Leave a lasting impression from your CV & cover letter
As this is the first opportunity to stand out and make an impression, make sure your CV and cover letter shine.
Your CV should be organised from your most to least recent experience and tailored to your specific trade. Illustrating examples of soft skills, like teamwork and customer services, will give more insight to the type of employee you have the potential to be.
Brush up on your face-to-face interview skills
Once you’ve impressed the employers with your CV and cover letter, your next step is impress them face-to-face.
Remember to expand on your trade experience and skills further, giving employers further insight, but also don’t forget to speak about their company and why you would be a perfect fit for the projects they have.
Don’t be disheartened at any point of the process
While apprenticeship opportunities are increasing, especially within the trades, the process is still competitive and popular.
Take in all the feedback you can from each interview or rejection and build on it. They don’t say “practice makes perfect” for no reason!
Mark Tapper from Dickies Workwear said:
“Taking this first step into the trades industry can be daunting and stressful. Having a concise and detailed guide on where to start can definitely help young jobseekers take that first step!
As we continue to see the trades industry grow further, it’s great to see fresh talent take on these opportunities and get first hand, on-site training. Last year we sponsored SkillBuild, a skilled trades competition for young adults, and it was amazing to see the strong turnout of future tradespeople.
At Dickies Workwear, we encourage first-time job seekers to embrace trade apprenticeship programs and use these opportunities in the hopes of either joining companies as full-time employees or budding business owners after their apprenticeships.”
To view the full guide on how to get started with your apprenticeship journey, you check it out on the Dickies Workwear blog here.
