Applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship is just the same as any job, so you need to use the same care and attention to detail:
- Avoid poor spelling and grammatical errors
- Make sure the application is addressed to the right person
- Follow the instructions provided in the job advertisement - all of them
- Get your application in by the due date
Use a cover letter
Employers are looking for apprentices or trainees who are reliable, enthusiastic and willing to learn. Use your cover letter to highlight that you're this type of person.
Check out our How to write a cover letter page for tips on how to put together cover letters, as well as links to sample cover letters you can download and use to create your own.
Get yourself some references
Get a reference from someone who can support this - a teacher, family friend or current employer. References arewritten letters of recommendation that you send copies of to your potential employers.
You could also just get someone to agree to be your referee. That means they agree to let youinclude their contact details on your resume (see below), so that they can be contacted by employers who want to talk to them about your skills and experience. Check out our Who Can Be My Referee? page for more tips on getting a reference.
Highlight your experience with a resume
In your resume, highlight any related subjects you studied at school (such as VCAL or VCE VET subjects) and relevant work experience.
If you don't have any work experience, focus on any major school, community or sports projects you've been involved in and clearly state your role and contribution to the team. Check out our How to Write a Resume page for more information, and links to some templates you can download to create your own resume.
Prepare for the interview
If you get an interview you need to prove that training you is worth their time and money. Show that you:
- Should be hired
- Know about the company
- Know about the industry
- Have some experience
- Are interested and enthusiastic
Visit the Job Interviews section for more information on how to get ready for a job interview, and what to expect.
Links
Skills Victoria - Apprentices and Trainees
A range of guides and resources about apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria.
Australian Apprenticeships
The Federal Government's apprenticeships and traineeships scheme (formerly New Apprenticeships).
