Our HR and Training Coordinator tells us what impresses her most in apprenticeship interviews and gives us her top tips to applications…
I have worked here for just over four years now and my main job is to recruit “top notch” apprentices into each of our businesses.
British Engines have been recruiting apprentices since 1966 so needless to say, we know a thing or two about what we look for when recruiting apprentices.
Why we take on apprentices here at British Engines?
Apprentices are a way for us to “plug” the skills gap when it comes to specific engineering skills. You would be surprised to hear that even now in the North East, this is a challenge!
What do apprentices bring to British Engines?
Apprentices with their young minds bring fresh ideas, loyalty and a keen sense of ambition.
If you are interested in applying for an apprenticeship with British Engines then here are a few useful tips to help you along the way.
Application
Your application form must be neat and well presented with correct spelling. Remember this is the first step in the recruitment process so make sure your first impression counts!
Read the application form in full, don’t miss out any boxes. If it doesn’t apply, just put the N/A in the box so the reader doesn’t think you have left that box blank by accident!
When answering the questions try not to use the same scenario more than once. For example if you say you like playing football as a hobby, don’t use that same answer to explain how you work as part of a team. Try to give as many different answers as you can as this will allow the reader to gain a bigger picture of who you are.
Try to put an engineering spin on your answers, practical hands on work is always a plus!
If you have been lucky enough to get past the application stage, you will then be invited to an aptitude test…………please don’t panic, this is not as hard as it sounds! Just relax and try your best, that’s all you can do.
After this is all done and dusted, you will then be invited to an interview here at British Engines. Now this is where you need to stand out from the crowd!
What traits and characteristics I look for in the interview
I’ve been interviewing apprentices for many years now and the first things I notice and look for are:
- Punctuality
- A smart and presentable appearance
- Company research / knowledge
- Having a real interest in the job
- Willingness to learn
- Good body language
What impresses me the most?
Confidence – plain and simple. A person who has confidence in themselves makes me want to have confidence in that person!
Hopefully after following these tips you will be joining us in our next intake of apprentices?
All that’s left for me to say now is………Good Luck!