Step-by-step guide to applying for an apprenticeship

If you're keeping up with us lately, we're focused on helping you find and join an apprenticeship. We recently covered how to find an apprenticeship. Now it's time to start applying.

The good news is, applying for an apprenticeship is a lot like applying for any other job -- sometimes with a few extra steps.

Prepare in advance

There are a few components to your preparation, many of which we covered in our how to find an apprenticeship article. Generally speaking,

• Know what you're looking for in terms of industry, location

• Know the application schedule so you know when to apply

• Know how your industry usually takes on apprentices -- a union training center? An employer that puts you into the apprenticeship?

• Know whether you need any experience. Some apprenticeships can be more of a second, than first, step depending on the industry

Your targets, timing, and needs can vary widely depending on whether you're in a largely union vs. right to work state, whether you're looking for a traditional trade or a new collar apprenticeship, and where you are in the hiring cycle.

Build a Simple Resume

You don’t need a polished, five-page resume to get into an apprenticeship. Most programs just want to see that you can show up, work hard, and learn. You may not need this depending on the industry but both having and creating a resume are solid preparation for building your career. Maybe this leads you directly to a job while looking for an apprenticeship? Maybe it helps you stand out from others who wont put in the effort? Now, what goes into a resume when you're early in your career with little to show? Almost anything that demonstrates your ability to work hard and show up on time such as:

• Education (high school or equivalent)

• Any work experience (even part-time or summer jobs)

• Volunteer work or school projects that show reliability or teamwork

• Hobbies or skills that might be directly relevant

Keep it to one page, clean, and easy to read.

Join a Pre-Apprenticeship

If there's an option for a pre-apprenticeship before you apply for an apprenticeship, take it. Pre-apprenticeships are typically 6-10 week programs that will help jumpstart your education in your field, build good habits, and give you exposure to potential apprenticeship options. For example, programs like San Francisco's CityBuild expose pre-apprentices to a variety of apprenticeable fields. You'll find pre-apprenticeships in almost any field that has apprenticeships these days -- from building trades to healthcare -- but they can be a bit less regulated. Some states require they're registered, others do not. If you're done step 1 in your preparation, just try similar searches for pre-apprenticeship as you did for apprenticeship. Pre-apprenticeships demonstrate exactly what's expected of you, give you something you can immediately put on your resume, and they connect you to a variety of different apprenticeships after your'e done.

Apply

This should be obvious, but since you've done your homework, you need to apply as instructed by the program.

In-Person

A lot of traditional trade programs require in-person applications. You'll often need to fill out the application in-person or have filled it out previously. This is the first step in demonstrating you're able to meet the requirement of the job -- can you get places on your own? Did you bring the paperwork they asked for? Multiple forms of ID? A resume?

Online

Unlike college, you're unlikely to find a common application that works in multiple places. You will need to enter information a few times in a few different places to apply to multiple programs. Online applications vary from a simple Google form to a traditional employer website's application.

Tests + Interviews

Tests

For many programs, the application form is just the first step in the application. Many electrical apprenticeships, for example, get far more applicants than they have spots. You'll often need to take an exam to demonstrate proficiency in standard mathematical concepts as a way of sorting who makes it into the apprenticeship program. Some programs may include physical tests to ensure you can lift heavy objects, climb, and more. Again, if you've done your homework in advance, you should expect the exam and prepare for it.

Interviews

Often, you apply to the apprenticeship, but the employer is the final say on whether or not you're hired. This typically true outside of trade programs so you'll have a job interview just like anyone else for that company. Since it's unlikely you have experience, you're going to want to prepare answers for why you want the position, whether you know what it entails and what type of experience you have already that makes you a good fit. Be yourself. The employer's looking for someone that'll fit their culture. If you fake it to be someone else during the interview, you'll struggle being yourself on the job.

Rinse. Repeat.

Even if you nail your first application, you might not get in right away. Many programs only take new apprentices once or twice a year. Follow up politely if you don’t hear back and keep applying to 2–3 programs at a time. Persistence pays off.

Bottom Line

Applying for an apprenticeship is mostly about showing you’re reliable, ready to learn, and motivated. Take it step by step: pick an industry, prepare a simple resume, apply widely, and keep trying until you land a spot. Once you do, you’re officially on your way to earning while learning.