Why become an apprentice?

Apprenticeships and industry training are great ways to get set for life.

• Get great skills – apprenticeships offer well-planned training that gives you the skills you need to do the job well.
• Get paid, no student loan – earn as you learn, without the worry of paying back a student loan.
• Get set for life- when you have finished your apprenticeship, you’ll have skills that can take you in any direction:
  • Overseas travel
  • Start your own business
  • Move into management.

You’ll be set on a path of lifelong learning that lets you update your skills in an ever-changing world.

How do I get an apprenticeship?

There are three main ways to get an apprenticeship:

1)  Contact the Industry Training organisation (ITO) that trains people in the job you are interested in. They may be able to connect you with an employer.  Visit employers in your area and ask them if they are willing to take you on.  Look for positions which are advertised in the paper or listed with your local youth employment agency.  If you are at school, speak to your careers advisor.

2) Do a pre-trade or pre-apprenticeship course – many employers recruit directly from these courses. Check your local paper or the internet for information on organisations that hold these courses.  Contact your local  Polytechnic for details (CPIT or SIT)

3) Be employed by a training trust, which will find an employer for you work with and organise your training and assessment.

Apprenticeship Flow Chart Adobe Acrobat Document: 15.6 KB, 2 seconds @ 56kbps

Will there be expenses?

There may be. This depends on the industry and your employer. You may have to pay for some of the costs of:

•             Training
•             Equipment for the job
•             Safety equipment
•             Study materials
•             ‘Hooking on’ to the National Qualifications Framework.

You need to discuss this fully with the employer before you begin your apprenticeship or training.