What Employers Are Looking For: Apprenticeship Candidates

If you're considering applying for an apprenticeship program in the trades, you might be wondering what qualities and skills top employers are looking for in potential candidates. We have spoken with dozens of employers offering industry leading apprenticeship programs, and have found that there are a few consistent traits they are looking for.

First and foremost, employers want to see that you are serious about pursuing a career in the skilled trades. You should not view this as just another job, but rather a career. Apprenticeship programs are a significant investment for employers, so they want to know that you are serious about your career and your desire to succeed. To use an electrician apprentice an example, this would typically mean you are committed to the goal of becoming a licensed journeyman electrician, a ~4 year process.

Another important trait that employers look for is a strong work ethic and perseverance. While you don't necessarily need to have any direct work experience to get an apprenticeship, employers want to know that you will be willing to put in the time and effort to learn the trade. This includes showing up to work on time, being willing to take direction and feedback, and consistently providing high-quality effort. Attendance and punctuality are very important.

In addition to a strong work ethic, employers also want to see that you have a positive attitude and the ability to work well with others. Working in the trades often requires a lot of interactions with coworkers and customers, and having a positive attitude and good communication skills can go a long way in making you a valuable member of the team. Reputable employers value safety and teach the importance of being comfortable calling others out for unsafe behaviors.

Finally, experience working with your hands can also be beneficial when applying for an apprenticeship. While it's not required to have direct construction experience, it can be helpful if you have experience building or creating things with your hands. This could include working on cars, building furniture, completing a project in shop class, or simply working with tools. This experience can help to demonstrate that you have the interest, skills and aptitude to succeed in the trades. 

Overall, if you want to succeed in an apprenticeship program, it's important to have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, a commitment to pursuing a career in the trades, and you gain enjoyment working with your hands. These qualities and skills can help you to stand out as a top candidate and build a successful career in the industry.

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