Finding the right apprentice for your company can be an enriching experience, bringing fresh perspectives and eager junior employees into your team. However, it’s crucial to ensure a meticulous interview process to make sure you recruit the right talent. .
In this blog, we will cover the key aspects of interviewing apprentices, providing valuable insights into question design, interview tips, and overall best practices.
Apprenticeship Questions
Here’s where apprenticeship interview questions come into play. These questions should focus on.
1) Motivation and commitment
Uncover the candidate’s genuine interest in the chosen field and the specific apprenticeship. Explore their understanding of the programme’s structure and their long-term career aspirations. Consider asking questions such as:
- What initially sparked your interest in this field and this apprenticeship program specifically?
- What are your long-term career aspirations, and how does this apprenticeship fit into your plans?
- What are you most looking forward to learning and experiencing in this apprenticeship?
- What are your salary expectations? (Note: Consider local regulations and best practices when asking about salary expectations)
2) Learning agility and adaptability
Apprenticeships involve ongoing learning, so assess their ability to grasp new concepts and adapt to different situations. Explore their preferred learning styles, past academic performance (if applicable), and how they overcome learning challenges. Ask questions such as:
- Describe a situation where you had to learn a new skill or concept quickly. How did you approach the challenge, and what was the outcome?
- How do you typically overcome challenges and adapt to unexpected situations?
- What learning styles work best for you, and how do you stay motivated throughout the learning process?
- Tell us about a time you had to learn and adapt to a new technology or software program.
3) Soft skills and personal qualities
Look for qualities like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and a strong work ethic. Ask situational judgement questions to understand how they approach challenges, interact with others, and manage their time effectively:
- Tell us about a time you had to work effectively as part of a team. What was your role, and what did you contribute to the team’s success?
- Describe a situation where you had to solve a problem independently. What steps did you take, and what was the result?
- How do you manage your time effectively when juggling multiple tasks and deadlines?
- Tell us about a time you had to deal with a difficult situation or conflict. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
- Describe your communication style and how you would ensure clear communication with colleagues and supervisors.
Additionally, consider including questions specific to the apprenticeship role and industry:
- For a marketing apprentice: Describe a time you used your creativity to solve a problem or achieve a specific goal.
- For a software development apprentice: What programming languages are you familiar with? What interests you most about software development?
- For a customer service apprentice: Describe a situation where you went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service.
Remember:
- Refrain from complex technical questions. Focus on potential and willingness to learn.
- Encourage the use of the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in their responses to gain a deeper understanding of their thought process and problem-solving abilities.
- Prioritise creating a comfortable and encouraging interview environment, allowing the candidate to showcase their strengths authentically.
- Adapt and tailor these questions to fit the specific needs of your apprenticeship program and company.
- Ask open-ended questions that allow for detailed and thoughtful responses.
Hire your next apprentice through Access Industry
Want to hire an apprentice for your business? Access Industry is here to assist you. Whether you seek to introduce fresh, highly skilled talent to your business or enhance the abilities of your current staff to align with the evolving demands of your sector, we can help you.
Take on your next apprentice with the help of our experts from Access Industry.