APPRENTICESHIP GUIDEFIND, APPLY, PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

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October 2014 v3

An apprenticeship includes both on-the-job training and classroom training. Once the apprentice completes the required hours and coursework, they can take a certification exam.

What are the benefits?

Earn while you learn.

Receive mentoring from professionals/journeyman.

Develop industry skills that are transferable within the industry.

Earn credentials through certification testing.

FIND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

Use the Registered Apprenticeship Search

Use Training Programs Search (keyword apprenticeship)

Search the Internet

Contact Trade Associations

Join Student Trade Associations

Talk to Employers

FIND REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

Select a career or search by keyword.

Look at Occupation Summary for Job Demand & Wages, Skills & Training, and Jobs & Information.

Look for programs in Illinois.

Find a sponsor near you.

RESEARCH THE CAREER AND INDUSTRY

Look at Careers, Wages and Trends to learn about the industry and trade. Why do you want to work in the trade?

Follow associations on social media. What are the trends? What are they posting or talking about?

RESEARCH THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Learn about the apprenticeship program. What is their mission?

Things to consider:

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Is a driver’s license required? Do you have to have your own transportation?

What type of aptitude tests are required? Do you need to brush up your Math or English skills?

Are you physically able to perform the daily tasks?

Is a drug test required?

What classroom training is required?

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

These positions are competitive. Apprentices are chosen by selection committees made up of senior employees. Be prepared to answer these questions.

Why do you want to work in the trade? Have you ever applied to this trade or any others?

What do you know about the trade?

What do you know about the apprenticeship program?

What kind of work experience do you have?

PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Put the information together so that you can paint a picture for the interviewers in about 1 minute. Make sure you include why you want to have a career in the industry.

Be able to respond to “Tell me about yourself.”

Think about: What experience do you have?

What skills or talents do you have that are related to trade?

What are your strongest soft skills?

Is there any aspect of the trade that you are passionate about?

GET A JUMP START

If you are waiting for an opening in a program, take steps to give yourself a jump start.

Are you able to take classes to make sure you meet the academic skill requirements?

Can you start taking courses to the gain the required technical skills?

Can you get an entry level job or volunteer to get work experience?

Prepare your resume and explore other options for getting into an apprenticeship program. In some industries, you may be able to find an employer that is willing to take you on as an apprentice rather than entering through an association.