For many young people looking to start an apprenticeship, the hardest part is deciding which industry to work in. With so many different skills to potentially specialise in, finding the right career for you is a big challenge.
While many people already have some idea, there are plenty of resources out there which can help you get on the right track. Services like the Harrison Career Assessment will give you some insight into which areas you might want to pursue.
But once you have found the right industry for you, how do you actually find an apprenticeship in that area?
As soon as you know which area you want to try and find employment in, it is important to speak with service providers who can help you get towards that industry. If you are still in school, talking to your careers advisor is an easy way to get some idea about how you can progress in your chosen area.
Even if you aren’t in school, there are still career services you can access which will give you a better idea of the options available for you. Investigating what services exist in your area can give you a good starting point when you are looking for an apprenticeship.
Once you have got some good advice under your belt, it’s time to make sure you have all the right tools to help you find a job.
Start with your resume – this is your most valuable tool for finding an apprenticeship. Even if you haven’t had a job before, make sure that you include all of your relevant experience, like courses you have taken in school. Including these small details will give you an edge over other applicants.
Once you have done this, consider making an online profile with an apprenticeship service. This will give you greater opportunities to find the right job for you, while also increasing your visibility for those looking to hire a new employee.
The last step for finding an apprenticeship is to be proactive in your job search. Contacting potential employers and leaving copies of your resume may seem like a daunting prospect, but it can also be one of the best ways to find work. Going out and finding employers is an easy way to make sure that your career has the strongest possible start.
Finally, make sure you are also doing your research beforehand. Often employers looking for apprentices will have taken steps to attract candidates, by building their own online profiles for example. These resources will give you a much better idea of what employers are looking for.
