Improving your chances

- Now let's take a look at some other things you can do to ensure your success. Brush on math and reading skills. This will be important regardless of whether there is an aptitude test involved with the application process. All trades involve math to some degree. Some are heavily math focused and require a good comprehension of algebra and trigonometry. While other may require simpler maths, such as the ability to work with fractions. All trades work with tape measures, so familiarize yourself with tape measure math. Regarding comprehension's important too. In construction you're going to be reading plans and technical specs, communicating with architects, engineers and your crew. Being able to communicate and to understand instructions will be important for your success. So some of the apprenticeship programs can be a little competitive. Even tough building is booming right now in some regions they can still take quite a bit of time and thoughtfulness when you're applying to an apprenticeship program. So you really want to think about what you're bringing to the table, and why they should choose you to become an apprentice with them and to benefit from their training and their resources. There are many free online resources for both math and reading comprehension. Do an internet search for math worksheets and practice reading comprehension problems. Practice your interview skills and your communication skills. The interview is often one of the key factors in the decision to hire you on as an apprentice, so take advantage of any interview practice that comes your way whether it's offered at your school or your local employment office. In a trade interview you will be emphasizing your trade related skills and your knowledge of the industry, as well as you're enthusiasm for the trade. - A lot of it is just your work ethic they call the soft skills. That means showing up everyday, being a team player, working very good and compatible with other trades. For them to do well to get into the program just to show their desire to work hard and their desire to show up every single day on time. - Applying for an apprenticeship should take no less effort and preparation then applying for college. And positive attitude and some transferable experience is going to benefit you greatly in the selection process.