How to find and make the most of an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are a hot topic, and government incentives such as grants, have created a wide variety of opportunities in many different industries. There is a lot of competition for roles so it's important to ensure you stand out.

But what is an employer looking for in an apprentice? And once you have got the job, how can you make the most of it?

Application and interview

Most apprentices have no formal training or qualifications so recruiters look for people who are passionate about the sector they're applying to and will bring energy and enthusiasm to the job.

While you may not have direct work experience, you can demonstrate your interest and skills in other ways, including drawing on our hobbies if they are relevant. For example, someone applying for a role as an apprentice technician will fly through the interview if they can demonstrate their love of IT by showing how they use it in their spare time.

It's also important to demonstrate some of the other day-to-day skills required in the workplace, such as good communication skills and creativity or innovation. Give examples of how you have worked in a team and on your own. In short: show you are versatile. If there's an element of sales or customer interaction, talk about your experience of providing a great service in other areas of your life, demonstrate why it was good and what you have taken from this.

It's hard to juggle work and study so employers are also looking for individuals with a real hunger to learn more and who are committed to working hard.

Remember, it's not just about what you say or your application, body language is also key in an interview – something many apprentices forget. Make eye contact, sit upright in your chair and speak clearly without mumbling. Remember that your employer will be assessing how you might relate to their customers.

Be patient

Apprentices can sometimes make the mistake of trying or wanting to do too much too quickly and become impatient when things don't move as quickly as they'd like. This impatience can be mistaken for boredom.

You will be new to the trade so it's not uncommon to have to do some of the more basic tasks early on – initially, it should be about learning the ropes, getting a feel for the role and becoming familiar with the industry.

Know what you are getting into

Make sure you have a good understanding of what your employer and manager expect from you to avoid disappointment. Ask them whether you can speak to other apprentices before you start. This demonstrates great initiative, which employers will appreciate, and it will ensure you have a good insight into the business and apprentice role.

Admit your shortcomings

Being prepared to admit when things are not right for you is a must. So, if you hate sales and are not very good at selling then say so. It is better to find a career that suits you than try and self-impose one that doesn't. Employers will appreciate honesty and self-awareness as a sign of professional maturity.

By being honest with yourself you will have time to look for an alternative career path rather than spend a couple of years working hard in an apprentice programme that you don't enjoy.

Listen to your colleagues

As an apprentice, you are likely to come into contact with some highly-skilled individuals who are already working in the industry. They may be at a different stage of their life and have different hobbies, but make sure you spend time with them – their experience and advice can really help you to carve a successful career.

Don't make the mistake of pushing them away. See them as your mentors and draw on their skills and expertise. Ask them for advice and feedback to improve your skills, map your career path, raise your profile and boost your confidence.

Be confident and positive

Employers have to invest a lot of time and money in apprenticeship programmes and they want to see these programmes have a positive impact. It's important to demonstrate your hunger to learn, and your interest in the business. Don't be afraid to offer ideas.

The reality is that many employers will offer you a role at the end of your apprenticeship programme because they have got to know you and won't want to lose your knowledge.

But you need to demonstrate that you want to be there and are committed to what you are doing. Be positive, show you can use your initiative, aim to impress, and consider what are you bringing to the team.

If you get involved, work hard and integrate yourself into a team, you will succeed. Apprenticeships will set you up with the qualifications you need to enter the field, and offer priceless hands-on experience.

Joseph Blass is chief executive of WorkPlaceLive, which employs one fifth of its workforce as apprentices.

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