The main thing employers are looking for in young people is a passion for their chosen industry, and their company. After all, they can train you in their systems, processes and knowledge specific to a role, but they can’t give you genuine interest and enthusiasm or a willingness to work hard for them. These need to come from you.
Julie Taylor, National Careers Service adviser, says: “Employers are commonly looking for similar traits and characteristics in apprentices, regardless of the job role, including punctuality, reliability and having a real interest in the job, coupled with a willingness to learn.”
Knowing and being able to explain exactly why you want the apprenticeship, apart from it being paid and a fantastic start to your career, is also key, so spend some time thinking about this. Researching the company and what the scheme will involve is just as important, as if you were applying for the second, third or fourth job of your career.
“For young people who haven’t yet had a job, it’s useful to know that many employers also value any voluntary work experience that a young person has had, particularly if it relates to that particular role or job sector – and it’s even more highly regarded if this is something that the young person organised independently,” says Julie Taylor.
Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at What employers look for in apprentices | Guardian Careers | Guardian Professional.
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