How to Land a Great Apprenticeship
Landing a good apprenticeship early on can change the trajectory of your whole career. The boss or mentor you start with can make or break your development. If they’re willing to actually teach you properly and invest time into your growth, not only will your skills improve faster, but you’ll be more satisfied day to day. Apprentices don’t earn a lot in the first couple of years, so if you’re stuck with a toxic boss or a company that doesn’t back you, it’s going to be tough to stay the course.
Before you start looking, make a commitment to yourself: you’re going to stick it out. Whether it’s a three-year Cert III or a four-year Cert IV, decide now that you’ll see it through. This mindset helps weed out the wrong reasons to jump in. Because let’s be real — the early years can be tough. The pay is low, living costs are high, and the learning curve is steep.
What Makes You an Appealing Apprentice?
Once you’re committed, the next step is to take stock of what makes you appealing to a potential employer. You’ve got to be real about it — you’re coming in with little to no experience and a long way to go. Most trades take 3–4 years to become competent, and many would argue it takes a full decade to be truly sharp.
Compare that to an office role like marketing where you might feel confident within a year. Trades are different. You’ve got to work your way up, learn by doing, and take feedback on the chin.
The biggest thing in your control? Attitude.
Show up with:
Punctuality
Respect
Willingness to learn
A humble attitude
Don’t be defensive during feedback. You’re going to make mistakes. That’s part of the game. What matters is how you respond, how you learn, and whether you turn up on time the next day ready to go again.
Be reliable, ask questions, and try to take on responsibility wherever you can. The more you show you care, the more trust you’ll earn.
First Impressions Matter More Than Your Resume
In this industry, a polished CV won’t get you half as far as a good first impression. If a potential boss sees you’re keen, respectful, well-spoken, and show initiative — you’re already ahead of the pack.
✅ Have your white card
✅ Be clear about your transport situation (is it reliable?)
✅ Have a short, honest cover letter explaining who you are, what trade you want to pursue, and why
✅ If you’ve played team sports or done hands-on hobbies, mention them — they show work ethic
Run through common interview questions with your parents or a mate. Be ready to talk about yourself clearly and confidently.
Understand the Boss's Side of the Equation
Hiring an apprentice is a big deal. It’s a 3-4 year investment for a business owner. You’re slower on-site, they have to teach you, and it takes time before they see a return on that investment. Usually, not until year two or beyond.
So you’ve got to understand their perspective. Show them that you’re worth the investment.
Where to Find Apprenticeship Opportunities
Here are your best bets:
Word of mouth – still one of the strongest ways to find a gig
Rock up to job sites – especially in resi work, ask the tradies directly
TAFE connections – speak with your course coordinator, they often have industry links
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) – like MEGT, BUSY At Work, Skill360
Cold call or email – reach out to the companies you admire
Facebook groups – local trade job pages often post apprentice roles
Job boards – SEEK, Indeed, and trade-specific platforms
Intrade community – we’ve got thousands of trade business owners, many looking for apprentices just like you
Level Up Before You Apply
If you really want to stand out:
✅ Get your White Card
✅ Complete a Cert II Pre-Apprenticeship Course
A Cert II gives you solid basics on tools, safety, and how a job site runs. It proves to employers you’re serious about a trade career and not just looking for a paycheck.
Final Thoughts
Apprenticeships can set you up for life — but only if you treat it seriously. Get your mindset right, show up with a top-shelf attitude, and go after the right employers.
If you need help or want us to connect you to our network of tradie bosses, reach out to the Intrade team. We’re here to help the next gen get on the tools and build a life worth building.
