How to Get Hired as an Apprentice

Working as an apprentice is a great way to learn about a job and decide if it's the right career path to follow. Apprenticeships give hands-on experience and can sometimes be used to earn college credit. To get hired as an apprentice, be willing to work hard, learn a lot and do the dirty work.

Instructions

1. Ask a few former employers that you're on good terms with to be references for your apprenticeship. Even if the work you did was in a different field, past employers can attest to your promptness, work ethic and dedication.

2. Be on time. The person you're trying to apprentice for is essentially offering to teach you their trade, so be respectful and courteous enough to be on time. This is even important during the interview, since this will be the first impression you'll make on your potential mentor. Your promptness will be a sign of responsibility and maturity, which could earn you a more permanent position.

3. Do the dirty work. As an apprentice, you'll probably get assigned a lot of the menial, tedious chores that no one else wants to do. But don't balk at sweeping up the shop or running errands to pick up supplies; these are tasks that everyone has to do when they're starting out until they've proven that they can handle responsibility. Make sure your potential mentor knows you're willing to do what it takes.

4. Listen and learn. The whole point of an apprenticeship is to learn a trade, so be willing to learn when you're trying to get hired as an apprentice. It's OK to have some knowledge going in, but don't leave your mentor with the impression that you think you know more than he does.

5. Express your good work ethic. Make it clear that you are a hard worker and dedicated to making the most out of your time as an apprentice. A mentor will be more willing to take you on if you're a hard worker and serious about learning.

Resources

• Read what's involved in becoming a registered apprentice.
• Find out if apprenticeships are available in your job field.