Many businesses have had to freeze or reduce staff levels, which means taking on apprentices has become an expensive luxury
So you've decided you want to become a plumber. That's great news, but brace yourself - you're in for the hardest part of the journey... getting a plumbing apprenticeship.
[quote]Finding an employer willing to take on the cost and responsibility of training an apprentice was always hard. But since the GFC it's become even harder.[/quote]
To stay profitable many businesses have had to freeze or reduce staff levels, which means taking on apprentices has become an expensive luxury.
But this cuts both ways. There are also factors and concerns that you, as the potential apprentice, need to consider. Is the prospective boss stable enough in their business to keep you employed for four years? Are they licensed and insured? Do you get on well? But since plumbing apprenticeships are hard to find, don't turn one down without some serious thought.
Remember that while apprentice wages do seem low, the employer is also responsible for paying your TAFE NSW training costs, making sure you're covered by Workers Compensation insurance, paying your superannuation and paying you while you have a one month holiday. You're a potential $100,000 investment, and not many employers will take that decision lightly. That's why you have to really sell yourself.
Use services such as the Australian Apprenticeships Support Network or the Master Plumbers Association of NSW to help find a provider.
TAFE NSW offers a number of plumbing pre-apprenticeship courses like the Statement of Attainment in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship) or Certificate II in Construction Pathways (which will provide credits in most Certificate III qualifications in building and construction trades).
Your prospective employer has probably never met you and knows nothing about you. You need to convey very quickly why you are the person their company needs to hire above all the other candidates. With the competition stakes so high we've devised a list of the "Dos" and "Don'ts" of landing an apprenticeship.
[quote]To sum up, be passionate, be persistent, be early and be confident.[/quote]