National Apprenticeship Week: Guide Provides 5 Tips to Get You Started on Your Skilled Trades Apprenticeship
Posted by: electime 6th February 2020
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.
To celebrate trade apprenticeships and encourage more to research this opportunity, a handy, easy-to-use guide by trade lifestyle experts, Dickies Workwear, has been created. It reveals top tips to follow when looking for the best apprenticeship program for you!
Just like any job application, the apprenticeship application process can seem daunting and stressful. However, using this 5 step approach can help hopeful apprentices get on the right track.
The 5 steps include:
- Extensively Research – 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.
- Using the right platforms – 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.
- The state of your CV and 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 into the type of employee you have the potential to be.
- Brush up on your interview skills – Once you’ve “wowed” employers with your CV and cover letter, your next step is to impress them face to face. Expanding on your trade experience and skills further will give 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. Try to take 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.
