Category: Pre-Trade courses

Pre-trade training is great for those who want to work in the trades industry but don’t have enough experience yet. During your pre-trade course, you’ll learn the theory behind your trade and start building your practical skills. That means by the time you finish the course, you’ll be in a good position to start working on a job site, with the core skills you need to succeed.

Not necessarily. If you’re new to the trades, a pre-trade course is the best way to get started in the industry. However, some trainees learn while they’re working, rather than doing a pre-trade course at a polytechnic. This option can be ideal for trainees who are already prepared for life on the job and have some experience under their belt.

Your pre-trade course helps you get some foundational skills and learn the theory behind your trade. The work you do in your course counts towards your qualification, but you won’t be a qualified tradesperson until you’ve completed an apprenticeship.

Even if you’ve just started your trades training, there is heaps you can do to make yourself more useful to your future boss. Here are five things to tick off before you graduate to help you get the job you want:

• Get your driver licence. If you don’t have your Restricted or Full licence yet, it’s the number one thing you can do to help you get a job later. To find out what to do next, read about getting your driver licence on our website.
• Get a Site Safe card. Employers want to know you can work safely on-site. Ask your training provider or MPTT Navigator about getting a Site Safe card.
• Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Most employers demand drug and alcohol tests, both when you apply for a job and as an ongoing part of working life. Avoiding drugs and alcohol will also keep you and other people safe on-site, and help you stay mentally focused and physically strong.
• Have a great attitude. When you apply for jobs, you’ll need referees to vouch for you – which could include your tutors. By turning up to your classes on time, showing interest in your training and working well with others, you’ll show you can be a great employee in the future. Read more about the benefits of bringing a good attitude to work and study.
• Get work experience. This is usually unpaid short-term work, but in return, you’ll get great experience to add to your CV and a reference to help you get a job in the future. They may even offer to take you on as an apprentice. Read about how to get some trades experience under your belt.