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Prepare for an
apprenticeship

Talk to us about preparing for employment in the trade

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Get sorted before you apply

You do not need to have everything figured out before applying for an apprenticeship, but getting a few basics sorted can help you stand out to employers.

Get your CV sorted

Your CV does not need to be packed with trade experience. Keep it simple and focus on what shows you are reliable, practical and ready to learn.

Worth including:

Previous jobs or work experience
School subjects and qualifications
Practical or hands-on experience
Sports, clubs or community involvement
A couple of good references

See more tips below

Think about transport

Trade work often means early starts and travelling between jobs or worksites, so being able to get yourself to work reliably can make a big difference.

Things to think about:

Do you have a driver licence?
Do you have reliable transport?
Can you get to work early?
Can you travel between worksites if needed?

Tip: If you are still working towards your licence, let employers know.

Build experience where you can

You do not necessarily need previous trade experience, but showing genuine interest in the industry can help your application stand out.

Ways to get experience:

Work experience with a local business
Gateway programmes through school
Labouring or trade assistant roles
Helping with practical projects
Talking to people already in the industry

Tip: Even a small amount of experience can show an employer you are serious.

Show you are ready to learn

Employers know apprentices are still learning. They are often looking just as closely at your attitude, reliability and willingness to get stuck in.

Employers notice:

Turning up on time
Good communication
Listening and asking questions
Taking feedback on board
Being willing to learn

Tip: You are not expected to know everything on day one

GET READY

Prepare yourself

Get your CV sorted, think about transport and build practical experience where you can.

Look for employers

Search job listings on TradeMatch, talk to people in the industry and contact local businesses directly.

MAKE CONTACT

Put yourself out there

Apply for advertised roles, send your CV to employers and ask about work experience or upcoming opportunities.

EMPLOYMENT

Get hired

Once you find the right employer and are offered a role, you can start working and take the next step towards your apprenticeship.

ENROL

Start your apprenticeship

Your employer can enrol you with EarnLearn and your apprenticeship training can begin.

6,000+ apprentices trained on the job Thousands of NZ employers partnered NZ-wide employer support & compliance 6,000+ apprentices trained on the job Thousands of NZ employers partnered NZ-wide employer support & compliance

CV Tips & Tricks

A great CV is easy to say yes to

You do not need loads of trade experience to put together a strong CV. Keep it clear, practical and focused on showing an employer that you are reliable, motivated and ready to learn.

01. Keep it short and easy to read
One or two pages is plenty. Use clear headings, short sections and make sure the important information is easy to find quickly.

02. Focus on what you can bring
You might not have trade experience yet, but employers still want to see reliability, practical skills, a good attitude and willingness to learn.

03. Include relevant experience
Add previous jobs, work experience, school subjects, practical projects, sports, clubs or anything else that shows useful skills and responsibility.

04. Check the small stuff
Make sure your phone number and email are correct, check spelling and ask someone else to read through your CV before you send it.

Your CV checklist

Run through these basics before you apply:

Your name and contact details are easy to find
Your work history or work experience is included
You have included practical or hands-on experience
Your school subjects or qualifications are listed
You have one or two good references
You have checked spelling and formatting

Quick tip: Save your CV as a PDF before sending it so the formatting stays consistent

No trade experience yet?

That is okay. Use your CV to show that you are dependable, practical, comfortable learning new things and genuinely interested in the trade.

Trade quiz

Which trade is right for you?

If you’re weighing up Electrical or Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying, this quick quiz can help point you in the right direction. It’s designed to give you a clearer sense of what each pathway involves and which one might suit you best.

Get a clearer idea of which trade aligns with your interests and strengths

Understand what the work looks like day to day

See your result instantly and what your next step could be

Have any questions?

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Looking for work?

Try EarnLearn TradeMatch to find roles fast.