Keen to get a plumbing apprenticeship but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re looking to graduate from school and secure an apprenticeship, or you’re a bit older and looking for a career change, these ten tips will help you not only identify the right apprenticeship for you but also give you the best chance of securing it.

Here are 10 easy tips on how to get a plumbing apprenticeship.

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #1: START LOOKING EARLY – WELL BEFORE YOU GRADUATE.

The TAFE system starts in February of each year, so we look to hire new apprenticeships before training begins. Start looking for opportunities in the second half of the year before you want to start. Some companies will put you on at the end of the year immediately after graduation, while others prefer you to start after the annual shutdown.

Don’t forget to use services such as the Master Plumbers Association of NSW and the Australian Apprenticeships Support Network to help find you some contacts.

Regardless, leaving your search until the New Year will leave you disappointed, with most apprenticeships already snapped up!

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #2: DO A CERTIFICATE II IN PLUMBING.

TAFE offers a Certificate II in Plumbing, which is specifically designed to build the basic skills and knowledge you need to start your plumbing career.

Not only will it give you the confidence to seek out an apprenticeship in general plumbing or roof plumbing, but also confirm whether you like plumbing by giving you a taste of the industry.

Best of all, it shows us that you’re motivated and dedicated to breaking into the trade!

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #3: GET A CASUAL JOB SOMEWHERE SELLING PLUMBING FITTINGS AND EQUIPMENT.

A casual sales job at Bunnings, Reece, Tradelink or smaller plumbing suppliers not only looks good on your resume but also exposes you to the types of fittings you’ll need to know in your first year.

And you get paid for it! Win-win!

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #4: MAKE THE CALLS YOURSELF.

If you’re still in school, the big bad world can seem daunting. It’s easy to ask your parents to scout around for you to see what’s available. But as a business owner, receiving that phone call always leaves us cold.

Why? We want to talk to you. We want to know that you can pick up the phone and chase your dream. Yes, it’s tough, but plenty before you have done it. If your mum or dad is doing this for you, what else are you going to expect them to do? And how are you going to get through a workday without them?

Our tip? Make the calls yourself, but be prepared by writing a script. Just a few sentences are all you need to get the ball rolling. From there, just relax and be yourself.

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #5: ASK TO BE A LABOURER FOR A DAY.

If you have a prospective employer on the phone, ask to do work experience with them. Just a day here and there during school holidays will show that you’re keen – and it may even lead to some paid work! It will give you a good idea about what to expect from a plumbing apprenticeship, and it’ll also mean that when they do need an apprentice, you’ll be the first person to come to mind.

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #6: CREATE OR UPDATE YOUR RESUME.

A resume is really tricky to develop when you’re young. You have no (or limited) experience and it’s common to feel out of your depth. But remember that potential employers understand this – we’re not expecting a big life story.

What we do expect is a neatly presented resume that contains all of your contact details, as well as your education. If you’re part of any sporting or extra-curricular teams, include them too! Think about everything you do and everything you put your hand up for. You want to show drive and initiative.

If you can, include:

• Skills that make you a valuable and effective team player
• Personal qualities that show us you’d be comfortable working in a professional environment
• Volunteer work or work experience
• Community involvement, and
• Hobbies and interests (we like some personality – it gives us insight into you!).

And if you can get a written reference from someone who can testify you’re capable of transitioning into the world of work, even better.

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #7: WRITE A COMPELLING COVER LETTER.

A great cover letter can set you apart. You need to:

1. Show that you know what the apprenticeship involves, and
2. Be as specific as possible about how your skills can meet our needs.

At Limcora, we like to see your personality come through in our cover letters.

Other things to include are:

• Your contact details
• The name and details of the person responsible for recruiting (avoid “To Whom This May Concern”)
• The details of the apprenticeship
• A list of skills that are relevant to what we’re looking for (and don’t forget to include how you’ve obtained or used those skills)
• A summary of why you’re right for the apprenticeship
• Referees and their contact details, and
• A request for them to read your resume and contact you.

And don’t forget to proofread it!

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #8: BE PROACTIVE.

So you’ve sent your resume… now what? Show initiative and be proactive – a week after sending it, give them a call to ensure they received it!  Hustle, baby, hustle.

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #9: PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW.

There’s nothing worse than interviewing someone who doesn’t know a thing about the company or the role. Do your research! Read the company website, especially the About Us. Also, dress smartly (first impressions count), don’t mumble, make eye contact, and work on a firm handshake!

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP TIP #10: IF YOU WANT IT, BE RELENTLESS. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED.

Yes, plumbing apprenticeships in Sydney are hard to get. It’s a great industry with so many positives, and there’s a lot of competition out there.

So get your hustle on! You need to venture out into that big bad world at some point, so take a deep breath and just do it. And the funny thing is, you’ll very quickly find that it really isn’t that big and bad after all.

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW, OR ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD, ABOUT A PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP?

Comment below and let us know, or get in touch with the friendly team at Limcora Plumbing and Drainage! We work within Western Sydney and Tasmania and are always excited to meet young, enthusiastic plumbers at the start of their careers.

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