Taking on an apprenticeship or traineeship can make a big difference to your career. Not only will it set you up with skills you need for your chosen industry, but it will prove to future employers that you have practical experience and are qualified to complete certain tasks.
However, apprenticeships also have low completion rates, with the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) estimating that only 54 per cent of apprentices are completing their courses. For Queensland, the numbers were only slightly higher, with a completion rate of 56 per cent within the state. With such low completion rates, it is important to know what you are getting in to before committing to a long apprenticeship or traineeship.
So how can you ensure that you are ready to be an apprentice or trainee? Here are three steps to take entering a new programme of study:
Work out what to expect
Different apprenticeships and traineeships will have different requirements so make sure you have researched you options and understand how long your apprenticeship or traineeship will last.
Also, try and investigate the requirements of your apprenticeship or traineeship before you begin. Some apprenticeships and traineeships will require longer to complete than others, and each one will involve a different set of tasks and assessments before you can demonstrate your competence.
The NCVER found that not liking the type of work involved was one of the main reasons apprentices did not complete their studies. Doing your research before entering into an apprenticeship or traineeship can therefore make a big difference to your learning outcomes.
Find out the costs
Apprenticeships and traineeships can be expensive, so it is important to know what financial costs will come with your chosen path. While apprenticeships and traineeships are a great way to earn money while you learn a trade, it is important to also consider the costs involved.
If you need to purchase tools or have high course costs, you need to know how much these will be before your take on the commitment. Investigating financial support mechanisms will also help you succeed in your chosen apprenticeship.
Consult with an expert
There are many resources out there which can help you get your apprenticeship or traineeship on the right track. A dedicated service for apprentices will give you a good idea of which course is right for you and the requirements involved in each position.
its also a good idea to consult with resources which can assess your needs, such as the Harrison Online Career Assessment. These resources will give you a better idea of which areas you might want to consider pursuing a career in before you commit to an apprenticeship programme.
