How to Land a Great Apprenticeship (And Not Waste Your First Years on Site)

Landing the right apprenticeship early can shape your entire trade career. The boss you start with, the culture on site, and whether someone actually takes the time to teach you all matter more than most people realise. The early years are tough. The pay is low, the learning curve is steep, and mistakes come fast. That’s exactly why starting in the right place matters more than people think.

The right apprenticeship can set the direction for your entire trade career.

Before you send a resume or rock up to a site gate, make one decision: you’re in it for the long haul. An apprenticeship isn’t a short-term hustle. Whether it’s a three-year Cert III or a four-year pathway, you need to decide early that you’re going to see it through.

The first couple of years are the hardest. Money is tight, progress feels slow, and you’ll question yourself more than once. That’s normal. Locking in your commitment upfront helps you push through the rough patches instead of jumping ship for the wrong reasons.

What Bosses Actually Look For in an Apprentice

Here’s the reality: you’re not being hired for your skills. You don’t have many yet, and no one expects you to. Trades take years to learn properly, and even longer to master.

What bosses care about is attitude. Turning up on time. Listening properly. Taking feedback without getting defensive. Owning mistakes and learning from them instead of making excuses. Reliability builds trust. Asking questions shows interest. Taking small responsibilities seriously proves you care. These are the things that make a boss willing to invest their time and patience in you.

“Early on, effort matters more than speed.”

First Impressions Matter More Than Your Resume

In the trade world, a flashy CV won’t beat a solid first impression. If a boss meets you and sees someone who’s keen, switched on, respectful, and easy to talk to, you’re already ahead of most applicants.

Being organised counts too. Having your white card sorted, reliable transport lined up, and a short, honest cover letter explaining who you are and why you want the trade shows maturity. Talking about team sports, labouring work, or hands-on hobbies helps as well. It shows you understand hard work and how to operate in a team.

Practice talking about yourself without sounding rehearsed or cocky. Be ready to explain why you want the trade and what you’re prepared to put into it.

Think Like the Boss

Taking on an apprentice is a big commitment for a business owner. Especially in the first year, you’re slower, you need supervision, and you’re learning on their time. It can take years before they see a real return.

If you understand that, you’ll approach the opportunity differently. Show them you’re worth the investment. Be consistent. Be respectful. Be hungry to learn.

When it comes to finding opportunities, don’t rely on just one path. Word of mouth still works. Turning up to sites can work. TAFE coordinators often have connections. Group Training Organisations like MEGT or BUSY At Work are solid options. Job boards, Facebook trade groups, and the Intrade community all open doors if you’re proactive.

If you really want to stand out, getting your white card early or completing a Cert II pre-apprenticeship shows you’re serious and ready to hit the ground running.

Get the Start Right

A good apprenticeship can set you up for life, but only if you treat it seriously. Get your mindset right, chase the right employers, and show up every day ready to learn.

If you want help navigating your options or getting connected with tradie bosses who are actually looking for apprentices, the Intrade crew has your back. Careers are built early, and a solid start makes all the difference.