Starting an Apprenticeship or Traineeship is a great way to set yourself up in a sustainable and rewarding career. There’s no shortage of options as to which industry you want to work in – from a hands-on trade like building and construction, or electrotechnology to non-trade industries like business or education.
But with so many options, it can be hard to know which path to choose. That’s why we’re here to help. Below are five important questions to ask yourself which will help you make an informed decision on which Apprenticeship or Traineeship is right for you.
Before we begin – let’s start with the difference between Apprenticeships and Traineeships:
Apprenticeships involve learning a trade industry such as construction, plumbing, electrical and automotive. Traineeships involve non-trades like business admin, healthcare, IT, education and hospitality.
Now to our advice…
What are your interests?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying ‘do what you love, and never work a day in your life’. It’s cliché, we know, but it’s a saying for a reason. There’s truly no better job than one you’re passionate about. When trying to decide which industry to commit to, consider what you enjoy doing in your free time, what subjects you’re good at, or what things you continually find yourself wanting to learn more about.
Do you love being outside? Being a chippy might be perfect for you. Do you want to stay inside and work on computers? IT is your future. Maybe you love helping people? Education support, or healthcare are for you!
What are your skills?
While being interested in something is the best way to create a future you love, it’s also a good idea to consider what comes naturally to you in terms of skills. Working as a sparky involves dealing with intricate wires every day. If you’re patient and have a great attention to detail, then you could set yourself up for a successful career in this industry.
Are some jobs in higher demand?
Some industries are experiencing a labour shortage and are encouraging people to get qualified to fill vacancies. The building and construction industry has seen a decline in apprentice numbers recently which has resulted in government incentive schemes like funding and other subsidies. There’s also been a call for more people to begin training in the education support space. Other roles – like plumbers – are always in-demand. If you’re tossing up between industries, learning about industry demand and schemes could help you make the decision.
Not only could these factors increase your chance of gaining employment and lead you to a thriving career, they could also lead to higher wages and more business in the long term. Industries which have less available workers mean your skills will be more in-demand and employers will be more desperate to hire you. Leading to competitive salaries and more work for you!
What’s required to get a job in this industry?
All Apprenticeships and Traineeships have an element of study, if it’s a qualification you’re after – expect some learning, but some are considered more hands-on from the first day (education support, building and construction) while others place more emphasis on classroom lessons (electrotechnology).
Is where you work important to you?
Where you work plays a huge role in your overall job satisfaction and work-life balance. Reducing your travel time to and from work means more time to yourself to spend how you choose. If working close to home is important for you – explore local connections. Check out local job boards (at supermarkets or online searches), upcoming projects on your council website, approach local job sites or go to community centres and ask if they have any vacancies.
Whatever industry you choose, be prepared for the time and work you’ll have to commit to it. Apprenticeship and Traineeships require learning as well as the practical experience over about four years. Don’t be scared off, it’s one of the best ways to get qualified as you get to learn on the job rather than in a classroom and it’s an investment that’ll pay off for many more years to come.
To find out more about choosing an apprenticeship or traineeship go to https://skillhire.com.au/apprenticeship-traineeships/where-you-can-specialise/
