They may have all the gear, and somewhat of an idea, but how passionate is your teen about their apprenticeship or traineeship?
Realistically, the early afternoon knock-offs and cheeky parmi’s are enough to seal the deal for them. But working as a tradie means more than just that. It requires strategic thinking, problem-solving and working in a team!
Being an apprentice/trainee is only half the story. For your teen to kickstart their career after their apprenticeship or traineeship, we bring you our top five tips and tricks along with our mates from Skills NSW to have your teens job applications spick and span(ner).
1. Having a positive attitude
Their applications can only go so far on paper. Employers want to know why they’re passionate about what they do, why they’re excited about their trade and where they see themselves in the next few years to come. Plus, nobody wants to work with a negative nancy! Once they get their ducks in a row and come out of their apprenticeship wanting more, a positive attitude should come naturally!
2. Willingness to work and try new things
No two days are the same as a tradie. Sure, tasks and responsibilities stay the same but a new employer or boss might just throw a spanner in the works! We encourage newcomers to be open to new things and step up to the challenge, because who knows what doors they might open for them!
3. Complete extra accreditations or formal study after the apprenticeship or traineeship
After their initial apprenticeship, they might want to specialise in certain areas of trades. Do they want to work on heavy vehicles? They might need an extra credit or certificate. Do they want to climb the managerial ladder? they might need a bit more study for that. Always let them know to suss out their next move!
4. Be open to jobs on the side
If your teen has the skills and the qualification, why not tell them to use it to their advantage? By doing a bit of work for their friends, family and acquaintances they’ve met throughout your trade, your teen will know how to work in different environments outside of the worksite. Winning!
5. Seek recognition and appreciation for your work
We all know just how good it feels to be appreciated and supported throughout their work, and in their fundamental years of learning and experience, it is crucial. At the end of the day, your teen has the one-up on skills a lot of people don’t have. If their boss or training provider thinks they’re a champ and rates their work, why not suss out the NSW Training Awards for them? They’ve got awards for apprentices, trainees, VET students, vocational students and a few more – so no matter what stage they’re up to in your apprenticeship or traineeship, they’ve got something to honour their achievements! Imagine if they had one of those under their (tool) belt. They could become the new face of VET in NSW, or speak at schools and industry workshops to inspire the next gen of tradies! On top of receiving a week of professional development and becoming lifelong mates with other ambassadors, what’s not to get excited about for them?
Whether they are an all-round experienced expert or just starting out, there are a number of ways your young adulting tradie can stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for more tips and advice for them, you can suss out Skills NSW a line here.
