Apprenticeship Season has started!

This is the time of the year when organisations start their recruitment programs for Vacation Work (for under-graduate university students) and Apprenticeships. 

In my previous role with a major industry employer, I recall how fierce the competition was for the Apprentice intake; some 400 plus applications for a total of 19 opportunities.   This is not uncommon and it does mean applicants have a tougher job standing out from the crowd.  At the time, this company recruited candidates of all ages, both genders, and who were internal and external to the company.  Again, this is quite typical of most organisations in the industry, so don't not apply because you believe your age or gender works against you.

What is important is that you: 

• Present a short, succinct CV that is aligned to the Apprenticeship discipline/trade that you are most interested in - don't present a five page CV of ‘fluff'.
• Have worked in environments that may be similar, eg labouring, manufacturing, outside, shift work etc.
• Ideally, have some level of pre-vocational training or work experience - this demonstrates interest and a level of skill in the trade that is likely to surpass other applicants. The candidates that stood out for the company I refer to had completed some form of pre-vocational training or their work experience had been completely aligned with their trade interest.

Whilst it may not always be the case, the fact that organisations receive so many applications, means they have a preference for recruiting ‘locally'.  This means if you are applying from interstate, your competition just increased significantly.

To obtain an Apprenticeship or Traineeship, the screening criteria will often include: 

• Satisfactory results in English, Maths and Science to a minimum of Year 10 level;
• Enjoy practical and mechanical work and technical activities;
• A commitment to safe working practices and the ability to work to safety guidelines;
• An ability to work successfully as part of a team and to work independently;
• A willingness and capacity to learn new skills;
• Accountability for your actions and output;
• An ability to work shift work;
• An appropriate standard of health and fitness, and
• No skin allergies or reactions to grease, oil or petrol;
• Strength to handle materials, tools and machines;
• Good hand-eye coordination.

For those under the age of 18, the legislation currently requires a guardian/parent to be bound by the relevant Apprenticeship Agreement until the apprentice attains the age of 18 years.  

No apprentice under the age of 18 is permitted to work underground on a mine site.  This is a requirement of the Mines Regulations, not the industrial training Act.

The school leaving age rose to 17 years of age on 1 January 2008, however undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship is an approved option.

Seek further information from:

http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/

http://www.skillsforthefuture.gov.au/

http://www.det.wa.edu.au/apprenticentre/

We also recommend that you think carefully about every touch point the recruiter may have with you during the recruitment process.  Consider what your email address and voicemail message say about you for example.  When you answer the phone, give your name and above all, do not have a parent call on your behalf to enquire about the job.  This will be the first signal that you do not have the maturity or confidence to work on a site. 

Good luck with your application!