Interview Questions Apprenticeship

• Securing an apprenticeship is an exciting step toward building your career, but the interview process can feel daunting.
• Whether you're applying for a position in engineering, electrical work, mechanical trades, or another field, knowing what to expect can give you a significant advantage.
• In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore common apprenticeship interview questions, expert tips for impressive answers, and strategies to help you stand out from other candidates.

Are Apprenticeship Interviews Hard?

• Apprenticeship interviews don't need to be intimidating. Unlike experienced professional roles, employers understand that apprentice candidates are often at the beginning of their career journey.
• They're primarily looking for potential, eagerness to learn, and a good attitude rather than extensive expertise.

As Jessica, an apprentice at Co-op, advises: "Ask about the kind of support you'll get. For me, once I found out that I'd be so well supported, I was much happier going into the apprenticeship. Don't be daunted."

What Questions Do They Ask in Apprenticeship Interviews?

Experience and Skills Questions

1. "Tell me about yourself..."

This classic opener helps interviewers get to know you and serves as an ice-breaker. Keep your answer concise (around one minute) and focus on relevant information.

Strong Answer Example: "I've always been interested in working in the automotive industry. When I was young, I used to help my parents fix their classic cars, which I really enjoyed. Currently, I'm working in retail and I like the people there, but I'm ready to pursue a career I'm passionate about. Last year, I completed a pre-apprenticeship through TAFE, which solidified my interest in this field."

Pro Tip: Avoid discussing controversial topics like politics or religion that might sway the interviewer's opinion.

2. "What are your strengths?"

This is your opportunity to highlight relevant skills and back them up with examples.

Strong Answer Example: "I think my biggest strength is my problem-solving skills. At my current job, I spend a lot of time figuring out how to fix issues that come up, and I've gotten very good at finding solutions quickly. This would transfer well to a plumbing apprenticeship because I wouldn't get stuck every time I encountered an unusual problem or needed to think outside the box."

3. "What are your weaknesses?"

Employers want to see self-awareness and a commitment to improvement.

Strong Answer Example: "I struggle to ask for help when I need it. I prefer to figure things out on my own, but that means I sometimes avoid asking for advice even though I know my supervisor could speed up the learning process. It's something I'm aware of, and I try to limit how long I work on a problem before asking for help. Doing that ensures I don't waste time when someone else already has the solution."

Pro Tip: Never say "I don't have any weaknesses"—we all have areas we can improve. Also, avoid giving weaknesses that sound like back-handed compliments, such as "I work too hard" or "I'm too efficient."

4. "What skills would you like to improve during this apprenticeship?"

This question helps employers understand your growth mindset and learning goals.

Strong Answer Example: "I'm really keen on improving my public speaking skills. I believe it's an important skill to have, especially when giving presentations and sharing ideas in meetings. I like that this apprenticeship encourages collaboration, which will help me develop in this area. I'd also like to enhance my leadership abilities. As captain of my hockey team, I already have some leadership experience, but I'm excited to learn more by observing how my potential manager leads."

Motivation and Interest Questions

5. "Why do you want this apprenticeship?"

This question tests your genuine interest in the position and the industry.

Strong Answer Example: "An electrical apprenticeship with your business would be a great opportunity for me. I saw online that you install smart home systems, and that's an area I'd like to specialize in eventually. Plus, I was impressed by the company culture showcased on your website, and I'd love to work with a team that values collaboration and innovation as much as I do."

Pro Tip: Although earning a wage can be attractive, employers will be more impressed if you highlight the learning opportunities and career development aspects of the apprenticeship.

6. "Why do you want to work for this company?"

Research the company thoroughly before your interview to answer this question effectively.

Strong Answer Example: "I would like to work for this company, over its competitors, because of the social and corporate values that run through the heart of the business. I was particularly impressed by your commitment to sustainability and your community outreach programs. This is a company I would enjoy, and be proud to work for."

7. "Describe a time when you overcame a challenge at work"

This question tests your problem-solving abilities and how you perform under pressure.

Strong Answer Example: "In my current role, we often receive multiple large orders at once. Recently, I was the only one on shift who could receive two orders that were accidentally scheduled for the same time. The delivery drivers would have been held up for a long time, so I asked my supervisor if I could have help from other team members. The others don't normally do this sort of work, but I was able to give them a quick lesson so we could get all the products unloaded and stored quickly."

How Do I Pass My Apprenticeship Interview?

Preparation is Key

1. Research the employer: Visit their website, social media, and blog to understand their values, projects, and culture.
2. Study the job description: Understand what skills they're looking for and be prepared to explain how your experiences, even if limited, have helped you develop relevant abilities.
3. Practice common questions: Rehearse your answers with a friend or family member to build confidence.
4. Prepare your own questions: Having thoughtful questions shows your interest in the position and the company.

On the Day

1. Arrive early: Plan to be at least 10 minutes early to collect your thoughts.
2. Present yourself professionally: Dress appropriately, give a firm handshake, and maintain good eye contact.
3. Bring supplies: Have a pen, notepad, and copies of your CV and application on hand.
4. Take your time: You don't need to answer questions immediately—pause to collect your thoughts if needed.

As Lauren, an employer at Tulip, advises: "Make sure you practice some questions, so think about what the employer is going to ask you – because really, the questions aren't going to be that different."

Why Should We Hire You as an Apprentice?

This question directly asks you to sell yourself as the best candidate. Focus on your:

• Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn
• Relevant skills or experiences
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to fit into the team culture
• Long-term career goals that align with the company

Strong Answer Example: "You should hire me because I have a genuine passion for this field, demonstrated by the pre-apprenticeship course I completed. I'm a quick learner, as shown by how I mastered three different point-of-sale systems in my retail job. I'm also reliable and committed—I haven't missed a single day of school or work in the past year. Most importantly, I'm looking for a long-term career in this industry, not just a job, and I'm excited about the opportunity to grow with your company."

Questions About Apprenticeships to Ask Employers

Asking insightful questions shows your interest and helps you determine if the position is right for you:

1. "What qualities have you seen in successful apprentices in your company?"
2. "Is there a permanent position available at the end of my apprenticeship?"
3. "What opportunities exist for further training and development?"
4. "How will my work performance be measured and reviewed?"
5. "Where do you see the company in the next 3-5 years?"
6. "What is the typical career path for someone in this position?"

Field-Specific Interview Questions

Engineering Apprenticeship Interview Questions

• "Why are you interested in engineering?"
• "What engineering principles are you familiar with?"
• "How do you approach troubleshooting mechanical problems?"
• "What safety considerations are important in engineering work?"

Electrical Apprentice Interview Questions

• "What safety precautions would you take when working with electricity?"
• "Do you have any experience with electrical tools or components?"
• "What would you do if you saw unsafe electrical work?"
• "Do you have any problems working at heights or wearing PPE?"

Mechanical Apprentice Interview Questions

• "What experience do you have with mechanical systems?"
• "How would you approach diagnosing a mechanical fault?"
• "What mechanical principles are you familiar with?"
• "Have you ever repaired or built anything mechanical?"

Final Tips for Success

1. Clean up your social media: Employers often check candidates' online presence before hiring.
2. Show genuine interest: Enthusiasm for learning and growing in the role can compensate for limited experience.
3. Be honest: Don't exaggerate your skills or experience—employers value integrity.
4. Demonstrate your work ethic: Highlight your reliability, punctuality, and willingness to put in effort.
5. Ask for feedback: If you don't succeed, request feedback to improve for future interviews.

• Remember, as an apprentice, employers aren't expecting you to know everything—they're looking for potential, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn.
• By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence, you'll be well on your way to securing that apprenticeship and taking the first step toward a rewarding career.