Selecting The Right Apprentice

Apprenticeships are open to all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, age or disability.

The level of funding available from the Government to support training varies according to the age of an apprentice when they start. Apprentices aged between 16 -19, attract the maximum amount of funding support.
The DAF programme is funded on the basis of the vast majority of new recruits being 16-17 year olds.

When interviewing potential apprentices you look for the following attributes as a minimum:

A real commitment to learning.

Working and studying at the same time is a tough task so has this applicant got what it takes to get through three years of study? Do they realise they will have to spend up to 10 weeks every year away from home at college and do they feel ready to do this? These are young people, are there any signs
their family are committed to helping them through their studies?

A real interest in the sector.

Applicants who are really committed to working with vehicles will have tried to find themselves relevant work experience before they apply. Try to find out what they have done and what they have learned from it.

Good people skills.

Technicians talk to customers every day and although apprentices will develop their communication skills during their studies, they should be able to demonstrate at the interview an ability to communicate about the things they have done, their likes and dislikes and their aspirations for the future.

A level of academic achievement.

Achieving an Advanced Apprenticeship qualification calls for excellent technical skills and the ability to deal with far greater academic detail.

Applicants should have, or be expecting, the equivalent of at least three GCSE grades A-C, including English and Maths.

There will also be other attributes that are important to you as an employer; honesty and integrity, the ability to adapt to new situations and a flexible approach to work are all key elements of a successful technician.