• Question: was it an easy process to get your job

    Asked by mcwilliamsj12 to Ruth on 17 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by joel411.
    • Photo: Ruth Gregory

      Ruth Gregory answered on 17 Jun 2014:

      Hi mcwilliamsj12,
      It was relatively easy to get the job. I applied for an interview on the apprenticeship but was against about 50 other applicants. The thing that really helped me get the job was having evidence of working in the engineering field for a two weeks whilst at school. I had to show that I was interested in mathematics, science and problem solving. As long as you are keen and show that to the employer you are applying to, they will be sure to take you on. As you don’t have the knowledge or experience before you start the apprenticeship, they want you to show that you are keen on training and learning more about engineering. Needless to say I did this and was successful. Then I just had to focus on studies and setting goals for what I wanted to learn in engineering on a 3 monthly basis. This can help when deciding which teams to move around to within the company to gain experience.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 20 Jun 2014:

      i would say if you have the correct background then it would be relatively easy. the way things are at present though is your are fighting against a whole load of people with the same interests, same grades etc so you need to find something that makes you stand out from the crowd, for me when i got my current job as an assistant project manager, the fact that i had 10 years experience in local government helped but i think the fact that i specialise in bridge design and construction won me the job as we are currently building 2 new footbridges in our area.

      thanks

      claire

Comments

  • Photo: Luke

    Luke commented on :

    Hi, I know you didn’t ask me but I would like to answer anyway 😛

    I applied for a few apprenticeships in the hope of getting at least one.

    The process here is fairly simple, you apply online. Then if successful you will be asked to come for an interview, there will be a few different parts. An aptitude test where they see how you cope under pressure and what you are like both following clear instructions and your eye for detail (it’s a classic ‘wire bending’ test) there’ll be a short maths quiz too. A technical interview (don’t worry, they just want to gauge your technical aptitude, you don’t have to know everything!) and a personality interview. There will also be a tour of the site, don’t be fooled, this is still part of the interview process, though more relaxed don’t forget your tour guide will be reporting back. Ask lots of questions and be inquisitive about what things do and how they work.
    I was lucky to get my apprenticeship here. I was against about 150 other candidates and was only picked as a reserve. Luckily (for me) the person in front of me failed to get a grade C in their English GCSE and thus I got my place!! 😀