How to find an Australian Apprenticeship

There are many ways to learn more about Australian Apprenticeships and to find a job. You can contact an AusNAC Centre in your region who will be able to assist you in your search, contact employers in industries where you would like to work, contact your or discuss Australian Apprenticeships with your career adviser.

Market yourself

• Tell everyone you know, include your parents and friends that you are looking for a job.
• Phone each company and find out the name and title of the person responsible for hiring.
• Put together a list of potential employers note down the names and contact details of local employers and check the Yellow Pages.
• Write them letter explaining who you are and that you are enquiring about doing a Australian Apprenticeship with their company include the benefits to them of taking you on as a Australian Apprentice.
• Many job vacancies are not advertised. They are filled because people make direct contact with employers. You can telephone, write or visit an employer, even if they are not advertising vacancies or you have not heard about a specific job. Many employers rely on these direct approaches to fill their vacancies.

Write job application/apply for positions

Tell them why you believe you would be a good employee and detail any work experience you may have. The Job Guide website www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au provides some great tips on how to write a job application, letter and resume.

The Interviews

The interview is your chance to convince the employer in person that you are the best person for the apprenticeship. Employers look for people who:

• are enthusiastic, interested in the field they are applying for
• will do the job - have the motivation, attitudes and career goals
• will fit into the team - have a cultural match with the organisation

Preparing for the interview

As the interviewer will be comparing your skills and abilities with those of others, it is essential that you prepare so that you can present yourself well. Careful preparation for the interview will also help you to feel more confident.

• Research the organisation, its products and services.
• Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer that show your knowledge of and interest in the industry.
• Practise interviews with friends or family.
• Take your job application folder to the interview.
• Re-read your application letter, the job advertisement and your resume.
• Be sure you know how to get to the interview location.

At the interview

The interview may be conducted by a personnel or recruitment officer, a manager or another person in a senior position. Sometimes there will be a panel of two or three interviewers.

Remember that there is likely to be a large number of applicants. You will have to present yourself in the best light in order to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job.

Most interviewers realise that you will be nervous and will make allowances for it. You can create a good impression by being:

• on time: be at least 10 minutes early. This will also give you the chance to familiarise yourself with your surroundings (which may help you relax).
• well prepared: take your resume to the interview.
• Positive: present a positive attitude whenever you speak or answer questions. Look interested, smile and shake hands when you meet the person who will interview you.
• thoughtful: take time to think a question through and then answer in a clear and logical way.
• positive: being positive about your skills and abilities shows the interviewer that you can do the job, will do it well and will fit into the organisation. You may not have a great deal of experience in the industry you are applying for but any experience is worthwhile mentioning
• confident: ask the interviewer to repeat or explain a question if you do not understand it. And make sure to ask what you day to day job would involve so you can get a clear understanding of the position.
• calm: an interviewer may ask you a difficult or unexpected question in order to test your ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. Try not to get flustered. Answer in a calm, polite and positive manner.

Treat each job interview as an opportunity to learn something and improve your interview skills.

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*Case studies courtesy of www.AustralianApprenticeships.gov.au.