FIND YOUR RIGHT FIT
THE WAYS JOBSEEKERS CAN GET AN APPRENTICESHIP
NOW is the ideal time for anyone considering an apprenticeship or traineeship to put their plan into action.
National Skills Week began on Monday, featuring events that raise the profile of vocational education and training (VET) and showcase the careers available.
Apprenticeships are the starting point for more than 500 different jobs and allow workers to earn while they learn. There are a few different ways to get one:
CONTACT EMPLOYERS DIRECTLY
Jobseekers can go straight to an employer by responding to a job ad, such as those listed in the Careers section, or by introducing themselves and asking if there are any roles available.
They may also be able to find a position through their network if they have a relative or friend who owns a trade business and is looking to hire.
REACH OUT TO A GTO
A group training organisation, or GTO, employs apprentices and trainees, then finds a suitable host for them to work with day to day.
Businesses that may not be able to employ an apprentice or trainee for the full length of their training can host them for a nominated period and then they can be placed with another business.
MIGAS Apprentices and Trainees chief executive David Hoey says aspiring apprentices can think of GTOs as their support partners while completing their apprenticeship.
“MIGAS is there from commencement to completion with a dedicated team member connecting with the apprentice regularly by phone and at work,” he says.
“(We) support the apprentice through the wins and challenges that come along with learning a new trade, studying and, in many cases, taking on their first job.”
DO A SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIP
These allow year 10, 11 and 12 students to undertake vocational qualifications as trainees or apprentices while still finishing their high school education.
They typically work one or two days a week, putting them half a year ahead in their training compared to if they had started their apprenticeship after graduating high school.
DO A PRE-APPRENTICESHIP
This is an entry-level course – such as a certificate II qualification – comprising classroom learning and hands-on work experience.
Hoey says pre-apprenticeships can help to improve literacy and numeracy skills as well as develop essential work-related skills.
“These skills can help you be better prepared for work and be a standout job candidate,” he says.
CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING
Aspiring apprentices can also get a taste of a trade by doing work experience with an employer for a short period of time.
Hoey says this is useful as an apprenticeship can be a three- to fiveyear commitment.
“Volunteer and offer your time for work experience to help you decide whether it’s the right career for you,” he says.
HAVE THE RIGHT SKILLS AND ATTITUDE
Hoey says 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,” he says.
“Attitude, motivation and keenness are fantastic attributes that we look for when meeting apprentice candidates,.”