You can start learning about your trade in a classroom – but it’s hands-on experience that really builds your skills. Find out the best way to get some experience under your belt now, and help you land the job you want later.
To become a skilled tradie, you need time on the tools. But when you’re just starting out, how do you get an employer to take you on? Work experience can help you get your foot in the door and learn heaps about your trade – even if you’ve never worked as a tradie before.
What is work experience?
There are two main ways that work experience is different from a regular job, says Doug Leef, Kaitohutohu Ahumahi (Community Industry Advisor) for MPTT.
- It’s only for a set amount of time (whatever you agree on with the employer).
“The expectation is not months of unpaid work but one or two days a week as time, study and employer requirements allow,” says Doug, who is also a qualified builder.
- You usually won’t get paid. That means employers can afford to take a chance on new trainees who don’t have the experience it usually takes to get employed.
“Think of work experience as creating opportunities and discussions that didn’t exist before, and an investment in your future,” says Doug. “For example, the company I did unpaid work experience for gave me an apprenticeship, and 13 years later I owned the company!”
Why do work experience?
It’s essential to get practical experience in your trade, says Doug.
“Work experience is about getting out into the real world and seeing what life is going to be like post-study. It shows potential employers your commitment to your trade.”
Initially you may feel awkward or uncomfortable in a new space with different people, but experience is how you build your skills.
“Think of it as ‘try before you buy’ and remember that once your course finishes, you’re into the real world,” says Doug.
Here are some of the main benefits of work experience if you’re just starting out in your trade:
- It’ll help you get a foot in the door, because it’s much less risky for an employer to take you on for work experience than to offer you a job contract straight away.
- You’ll get to use what you’ve learned in the classroom, and you’ll learn heaps about life on the job.
- You’ll get a trade job to add to your CV.
- You can ask for a reference, for when you apply for a job later.
- It’s a lot easier to get a job once you have some experience in your trade.
- Once the employer gets to know you and sees you’re a hard worker, they might be keen to offer you paid work.
How to find work experience
It’s a good idea to start looking for work experience well before you finish your course.
“It comes down to the individual. But ideally, the earlier you start the better so you’re creating relationships and opportunities that will serve you well at the end of your course,” says Doug.
Try these ideas for finding work experience opportunities:
- Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for work experience in your trade. You never know who might be able to help, and if an employer knows someone who knows you, they’ll be more likely to take you on.
- If you know anyone who works in your trade, ask if they or their employer have any work experience opportunities.
- MPTT has contacts throughout the trades industry, so ask your MPTT Navigator if they know of any work experience opportunities.
- Try asking an employer directly. Let them know you like their company and would love to offer your skills. If you’re not sure which employers to ask, Doug recommends trying the tradies in your area first. “I alway suggest starting close to home to make life easier.” It takes guts to introduce yourself to an employer, but it shows you’re keen to learn and can really help you stand out. Even if they say ‘no’, they’ll appreciate your confidence and might suggest other employers for you to approach.
No matter how you go about finding work experience, it’s important to plan for that first conversation with your potential boss.
“Take time to research the company by looking at their website and customer reviews,” says Doug. “That will help you make an informed decision before approaching them about work experience.”
He also recommends talking to your MPTT navigator to help you prepare for discussions with an employer. They can let you know what to expect and give you tips on how to make a good impression.
And once you’re on site, remember employers want workers who are keen to learn – so don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t understand something.
“Most of all, ask questions if you’re unsure and keep yourself safe, because it’s a long road to retirement!”