HOW TO LOOK FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINEESHIP

Step 1:  Resume

1. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and professionally presented.
2. Compile a covering letter to go with your resume.  This could be either a letter in response to an advertised vacancy, or a canvassing (enquiry) letter.
3. Assemble your own resume, references and supporting documentation in a presentation folder.

Step 2:  Looking for jobs

1. Check newspapers for advertised jobs.  Many employers begin to advertise about August for trainees and apprentices to commence work the following year; however, employers can advertise at any time during the year.
2. Use a Job Network.  Be referred to the Job Network through Centrelink.  Otherwise, register with as many Job Network members as you wish.
3. Register with Group Training Companies.  Group Training Companies employ, place, monitor and mentor trainees/ apprentices.  They enter into agreements with businesses for a trainee/ apprentice to work within that organisation.  For contact details of automotive specific Group Training Company's contact the GTA Queensland.
4. Register with other private agencies or labour hire companies.  These are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Employer Services".
5. Search appropriate vacancy sites on the Internet.
6. Contact potential employers directly - known as canvassing or speculative enquiry.

Step 3:  Canvassing

1. Identify potential employers by thinking about who is likely to employ people in this occupation.
2. Make a short list of targeted employers and telephone to get a contact name of the personnel/ human resource manager or the manager for a small business.  You may be able to talk to the person responsible for recruiting people immediately, so be prepared to state your case and sell yourself.
3. Send a copy of your resume to each contact person together with a personally addressed covering letter, or present your letter of application/ resume in person.
4. Telephone the contact person within 7-10 days of sending/ delivering the letter as a follow-up.
5. Make contact with the employer on a monthly basis.
6. Advise the contact person if you are successful in finding a position.  Maintain good will, as you may need to approach them again in the future!