Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Essential Skills for Entering the Trades

Starting a new apprenticeship? These are the top four essential skills that employers are looking for.

Starting a new apprenticeship is an intimidating task. While there are many benefits to apprentice-style learning, finding that first employer to hire you and register your apprenticeship is a daunting task. Unless you participated in pre-apprentice training, your resume is most likely blank. You may have never worked on a construction site or had a parent who taught you basic home renovations or car repairs. But you are confident that you want to become a skilled tradesperson. So how do you convince an employer that you are the right fit for the job?

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum asked employers across the country what skills they look for in a new apprentice. Boost your resume with these tips:

1. Talk up your math and science skills. There is a need for apprentices to come forward with stronger math and science competency. The recommended education for a new apprentice in Alberta includes:

· Math 30-3

· Physics 30 or Chemistry 30 or Science 30

· English 30-2

· Related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses

2. Get your driver’s license. Employers expect apprentices to have a driver’s license. Not only will this help get you to and from work, but you will often be required to drive on or to the job site.

3. Showcase your ability to work on a team. Employers are looking for apprentices who can listen to others, offer ideas, and contribute positively to the team’s success. Apprentices need to be able to work well with their mentors, fellow apprentices, and coworkers.

4. Demonstrate that you can be responsible. Apprentices are expected to show up to work on time and hold themselves accountable for completing their work efficiently while maintaining the expected level of quality.

Essential Skills for Entering the Trades

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