An Apprenticeship is a great path to choose after school because it gives you hands-on experience, an income and valuable workplace skills – all while you get a Nationally Recognised Certificate. More people are choosing to get into a trade instead of pursuing the more traditional route of university and you can even begin your Apprenticeship while you’re still at school with your training counting towards your high school certificate.
If you’re interested in a trade career, there are steps you can take to get you ready so you can hit the ground running from day one. From speaking to someone in the industry to selecting the right subjects at school – these are our top five tips that’ll help you get set-up in your Apprenticeship.
Do your research
Yes, go online and learn everything you can about the industry you’re curious in. Look into the different trade schools in your area, scroll Reddit threads and stalk your local trade schools online to get an understanding of what life could be like for you.
But the best way you can research a specific trade career is to talk to tradies. There’s no better way to find out about a career than getting first-hand knowledge from someone immersed in the industry daily. Got an uncle who’s a sparky? Give him a call. Getting your car serviced? Pick the mechanic’s brain. What do their days look like, what is rewarding and challenging about their role, how did they get into it, did they always know they wanted to pursue this path, or did they unexpectedly stumble upon it.
Lean on your school resources
Speaking to your school’s career adviser can open the door to opportunities you hadn’t even considered. Not only can they point you to valuable resources of information, but they can also connect you to people or businesses in the trade you’re interested in.
Career advisers have long-standing relationships with educational institutions which could lead to programs that give you an insight into what your future could look like in this industry. Our try a trade program is a great idea if you’re interested in a trade career, but don’t know which trade suits you. You’ll get experience in construction, carpentry and bricklaying which can help you make a more informed decision about your future.
Select the right subjects
If you know what industry you want to be in, you can get ahead of your study by choosing relevant subjects. Subjects like maths will assist you if you’re interested in becoming an electrician, while science and technical subjects – like woodwork, metalwork, design and technology – will be relevant in most other trades.
Develop soft and hard skills
Soft skills are personality traits which compliment your hard skills (actual education and experience that relate directly to the job) and they’re not to be underestimated. Having the right training and qualifications opens the door for you, but having the right attitude could land you the role. If you have a reference, or proven track record of being an efficient worker, possess a great attitude and take initiative in your work, you could be chosen over a candidate without these traits. Yes, even banter could play a part in landing a job or not. You can work on your soft skills at school and in your daily life.
Start a school-based Apprenticeship
There’s no better way to get experience in the field you imagine a future in than just starting. With us, you can start an Apprenticeship in Year 10 while you’re still in school and your trade training can count towards your high school certificate. We offer students as young as 15 the chance to get their start in their career through our school-based Apprenticeship pathway.
At Skill Hire, we believe in making things easy. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Apprentice and Employment Service (AES) (formerly referred to as Group Training Organisation (GTO)) we make your journey into the workforce easy!
Speak to one of our team members today on 08 9376 2800, or email [email protected]
