If you are finding it difficult to pick a career path, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Making such an important decision often takes time and a lot of research.
There are various tools that can help you identify your natural job strengths and weaknesses, such as the Harrison Online Career Assessment. Simply complete a questionnaire and your answers will be cleverly matched up with hundreds of Australian apprenticeships and traineeships to give you an overview of the roles to which you are most suited.
However, for those who already have an idea of what profession they want to pursue, a pre-apprenticeship course can be a great way to remove any lingering doubts.
What is a pre-apprenticeship course?
A pre-apprenticeship, as the name suggests, is a course that you can take before committing to a full apprenticeship. Generally lasting between three and six months, they provide you with an early indication of what working in your chosen industry could be like.
Some employers prefer you to have completed a pre-apprenticeship before taking you on as an apprentice, so it is worth checking available vacancies in your area to see whether this is an issue in your industry. The construction and electrical sectors are particularly keen to hire applicants who have already gained a pre-apprenticeship.
To learn more about apprenticeships or traineeships in Australia, visit Apprenticeship Central and sign up to access useful tools and resources that will guide you on the path to employment. Furthermore, you can utilise our comprehensive search options to identify nearby opportunities and contact businesses.
Benefits of a pre-apprenticeship course
Aside from being looked upon favourably by potential employers, a pre-apprenticeship has a number of other advantages that may appeal to you.
Firstly, you can learn valuable skills and gain experience in the industry you’ve chosen, which will stand you in good stead should you decide to continue onto a full apprenticeship. A pre-apprenticeship course can also reduce the amount of time required to complete an apprenticeship.
This kind of course could also help you build up a network of contacts that could prove useful in your career, while giving you the chance to obtain a recognised Certificate II qualification that will bulk up your resume.
Ultimately, if you eventually decide that the profession you have chosen didn’t quite meet expectations, you won’t have invested as much time or resources unnecessarily as if you’d committed to a full apprenticeship.
