Apprenticeship & Traineeship Applications | Youth Central

Applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship is pretty much the same as applying for other jobs. You'll find heaps of information about job applications in our Applying for Jobs section, including downloadable templates for writing a CV or cover letter, but here's a brief run-down on the basics.

Write a cover letter

Unless you're specifically told not to include one, your application should include a cover letter. Your cover letter should:

  • explain your interest in the job (and how you're suited to it)
  • encourage the reader to read your resume.

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.

Highlight your experience in your resume

Your resume needs to highlight any related subjects you studied at school and any relevant work experience. If you don't have any work experience, you could include school, community or sports projects you've been involved in instead.

Check out our How to Write a Resume page for more information, including links to templates you can download and use to create your own resume.

Get some referees or references

A referee is someone an employer can contact to discuss how well-suited you are for an apprenticeship/traineeship. Your referee could be one of your teachers, a family friend or your current employer.

References are written letters of recommendation that you can include as part of your application. The kind of people you can get to write a reference for you are the same kind of people you can ask to be your referee. 

For more information about finding a referee or someone who can write you a reference, check out our how to choose a referee page.

Avoid rookie mistakes

The most important thing when applying for any kind of job is to make your application as professional as possible. That means things like:  

  • making sure the application is addressed to the right person
  • avoiding spelling and grammatical errors
  • carefully reading and following ALL of the instructions in the job ad 
  • getting your application in by the due date (or earlier if you can).

For more tips about mistakes to avoid in a job application, check out our How to write a resume and How to write a cover letter pages. 

Get prepared for an interview

If everything goes well, you'll hopefully get called in for an interview to talk about the apprenticeship/traineeship. If this happens you need to be prepared. A job interview is your best chance prove that taking you on is worth the time and money.

In an interview you need show that you:

  • are the right person for the job
  • know about the company and the industry
  • have some relevant experience
  • are interested and enthusiastic.

Check out our Job Interviews section for more information on how to get ready for an interview, how to behave when being interviewed, and what kind of questions you might be asked.

Links

Australian Apprenticeships - My Gain
Watch video interviews with apprentices, trainees and employers to find out about the range of options out there for apprentices and trainees.

AusAppPathways 
Free app to help you explore careers that can begin through an apprenticeship or traineeship. Search for jobs and training and get advice on apprentice and trainee rights.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships
The Victorian Government has a range of guides and resources about apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria.

Australian Apprenticeships 
The Federal Government's apprenticeships and traineeships scheme.