Have you been asked to attend an interview for an apprenticeship? Theres no need to be nervous: being prepared is the key to doing really well in your interview.
Weve put together this guide to help you really impress the interviewers. It includes the five apprenticeship interview questions you should expect to be asked, with a few tips from companies and business experts on how to answer each question.
APPRENTICESHIP Interview Questions And Answers! (How To PASS the Apprentice Interview)
Why did you apply for this apprenticeship?
Potential employers may ask this question to better understand your motivations for the profession or to learn how much you know about the industry. You can explain how the apprenticeship can help you work toward your career goals and what youve done to prepare yourself for the work. Showing your preparation can help the employer learn more about how you strategize toward long-term goals.
Example: “This apprenticeship can help me gain the experience I need to move forward in the industry. The experience Ive gained so far through courses and my previous positions has prepared me for the basics in the field. Id also like to work for your company long-term, and I read on your website that you often offer full-time jobs for people who complete apprenticeships with you.”
What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Recruiters may ask this question to help them understand areas where you can improve. This question can also help recruiters understand what skills you consider strengths. Relating your existing skills with the apprenticeship youre applying for can help a recruiter see how you can be useful in the position. When answering, explain both your strengths and weaknesses and describe the areas you can improve through the apprenticeship.
Example: “I think one of my weaknesses is not asking for help when I need it. I like to try to solve problems on my own, but I know there are times when a coworker or supervisor could offer a new or faster process. I think this apprenticeship can help me learn how to rely on and learn from others. As for my strengths, I think Im very good at talking to customers. My time working for the newspaper and interviewing a variety of people has helped me communicate with others efficiently.”
How would you describe your ability to work with a team?
Employers may want to learn about your teamwork skills to understand how well youd work with their current team. Because its the employers responsibility to maintain order within a department, they may look for employees who work well with their team. In your answer, you can discuss your past experiences working in a team environment, including how you worked with others to solve a problem.
Example: “In my last few positions, I worked with both coworkers and customers throughout my day. While I prefer to work alone rather than with a group of people, team settings can be helpful when finding solutions to problems. Ive been in situations before where working with a team helped me solve a problem I wouldve had difficulty solving on my own.”
How To Pass An Apprenticeship Interview
The most effective way to pass your apprenticeship interview is to concentrate your preparation on these specific areas, as follows:
PREPARATION AREA #1 – The interview questions asked during an apprenticeship interview are all included on this page. Make sure you prepare in-depth answers to each and every question and also make sure you have your own 3 questions to ask the interview panel at the end.
PREPARATION AREA #2 – It is vitally important that you conduct some research about the organization you are applying to join the apprenticeship scheme under before your interview. They will want to know what you’ve found out about their company and also the reasons why you have chosen their apprenticeship scheme over the others that are available.
PREPARATION AREA #3 – It is very important you carry out a mock interview before you attend the apprenticeship interview. We strongly recommend you ask a purchase the Apprenticeship Interview Questions and Answers on this page and then ask a friend or relative to ask you the questions in a mock interview setting. This is great practice and it will allow you to hone and polish your answers before you attend the real interview!
3 TIPS FOR PASSING YOUR APPRENTICESHIP INTERVIEW!
TIP #1 – The apprenticeship interview questions will focus predominantly on your ability to complete the scheme successfully and also work to the required level. On that basis, be able to provide details of how you intend to work to the required standards whilst on the apprentice scheme, and also what you plan to learn whilst you are there.
TIP #2 – The interview panel will want to understand the key strengths you possess that will enable you to complete the apprenticeship. These should include a hunger to learn and develop whilst on the apprenticeship scheme, an ability to concentrate for long periods of time, and also an ability to follow rules and procedures.
TIP #3 – Work to improve your interview technique in the build-up to your apprenticeship interview. When you download our ‘Apprenticeship Interview Questions & Answers’ guide on this page, you will also get access to our in-depth online interview training course that will teach you how to impress the interview panel through effective interview technique.
How to Find an Apprenticeship
The UK government website is a useful resource to find an apprenticeship. You can browse by category and choose sectors that interest you – including Information and Communication Technology, Retail and Commercial Enterprise, Business Administration and Law, etc. Fill in your location and apprenticeship level to find a list of apprenticeship schemes relevant to you.
More and more companies are now running apprenticeship programmes. According to UK government data, 156,500 apprenticeships were completed in the 2020/21 academic year. This is a 6.6% increase from the period of 2019/20. Given the growth of apprenticeship schemes and the various advantages of apprenticeships, it’s important to put your best foot forward when applying for a role as an apprentice. This means being prepared for your interview and being able to confidently answer interview questions.
Here are six common questions you can expect at an apprenticeship interview along with sample answers:
FAQ
What questions will I be asked in an apprenticeship interview?
- What will my day-to-day duties include?
- How many other apprentices are there in the business? …
- Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be joining?
- Do you have any former apprentices in your team who are now full-time members of staff?
How do I pass an apprenticeship interview?
- Do your research. The interviewer is bound to ask you what you know about the company and what you understand about the role. …
- Know yourself. …
- Look your best. …
- Act professional. …
- Breathe. …
- Be positive. …
- Ask questions. …
- Plan for the day.
Why do I want this apprenticeship answer?
