10 Factors of Choosing the Right Apprenticeship

Watching the reruns of "The Apprentice" should give you a good idea on why you must pursue an apprenticeship. Confidence booster, right connections, bright career prospects. You haven't scratched the surface, as choosing the right apprentice can be hard. Donald Trump might have influenced your impression, but the process is far from the stress that goes with reality television.

There are 170 sectors that offer apprenticeships. It may be more than what is listed, which means that more students are serious about their career goals. It shows that you're not a failure if you haven't found the right apprentice in a few months. You're right about being picky about your employer, as there are many factors to consider before you arrive to a decision.

How to Narrow Down Your Choices

Choose the sector where you want to work. Accounting, information technology (IT), and marketing are among the most popular industries for apprenticeship. If your field of study is linked to any of the three, then you're off to a great start. There's no need to panic if it's otherwise, as there are other industries to look through. If you don't find one, then you should reevaluate your career goals. Apprenticeship may not be an option. If you still want to pursue it, then go to the next item.

Know the right level of apprenticeship for you. This might not take you long to decide, as you opt for the beginner level. You should learn a new set of skills, possibly maximizing your potential. This is the right option if you still don't have a clue of what you really want to do after receiving your degree. If you do have a vision, then you might want to study the higher option. You can seek advice from your tutor, who can recommend an esteemed figure from his/her network.

Check out the work environment. You would do a set of tasks, which should be a routine in a short time. Motivation might be the main factor, so it should be wise to check out the office. You don't need to arrange it, as your own research should give you a hint. (A huge company hires lots of interns while a small one can accommodate a few candidates.) This must not be your deciding factor, as there are other things to explore.

See if the training pace aligns with yours. You might take this one for granted, but you must not do it. If a problem arises from it, then it could leave you lagging behind your colleagues. You can charge it to experience, but you don't want to lose face. Reach out to previous interns, who might be your college mates. (It's not too hard to find them, and arrange a meeting.) You can also muster your courage and ask one of the employees. It's cheeky of you to do it, but a passive approach won't get you a job sooner or later.

Know your wage. You can get the minimum wage if you're 18 years of age or above. Larger companies can offer increased wages. It's your right to ask about it, but there's something you must know. Money must not be your motivator unless you decide to take your internship in another country.

These Benefits Should Narrow Your Options Further

Your apprentice must give you some study time. The lecture room should give you an idea of the ins and out of your chosen field, but apprenticeship should lead to you to the best people in your chosen field. It's the best of the worlds, and don't be surprised if you find a job before graduation. You know the process very well, and you work hard for it.

Professional support. You're supposed to have an idea before applying, but it might seem harder in some cases. Do an extensive research, and think about it afterward. You must have a huge advantage after your completion of your apprenticeship, but you may not know beforehand (until you have started on it). You can ask around.

Paid holidays. Apprentices are treated like regular employees, so you're entitled to a paid leave. Don't let it get to your head, though. You might think that you're spoiled rotten, but it would be the opposite case. It should prepare you for the actual events.

Technical skills. You will be sought if employers find out that you have the technical skills that they are looking. If you don't have any of it, then you can think of traits related to it. Knowledge of the job has something to do with it, which could be gained by prolonged research.

Confidence and/or professional expectations. If you have it, if not you would get it, then you're almost close to the goal. It doesn't mean that it would be the end, as you're on a continuous journey. Keep on looking.