In many cases, seeking an apprenticeship is almost like landing a job. You will typically have to meet the requirements of the apprentice program or demonstrate to an employer why he should take you on as an apprentice. In many cases, you will have to meet age requirements to qualify as an apprentice, and you may need a high school diploma or its equivalent. It is possible that you will be required to pass aptitude testing to qualify for some apprentice programs as well. You also may have to submit to drug testing and a background check to land the opportunity you want.
Each apprenticeship program may have different requirements you will have to meet. For example, to get into an apprenticeship program in some places, you will have to be at least the age that is considered a legal adult in the jurisdiction, though others may accept you if you are at least 16 years old. Depending on the program, you may also need a minimum level of education to qualify. For example, you may need a high school or GED diploma, and in some cases, the program may only accept people who have completed certain courses, such as high school algebra. Additionally, you might have to take and pass an aptitude test to qualify.
Much like applying for a job, you may have to demonstrate that you are a reasonably upstanding person to get an apprenticeship. Often, this involves such requirements as submitting references, even if they are personal in nature, or submitting to drug testing. In some cases, you may also have to submit to a background check in order to be considered. If you've had any special training that is related to the type of internship you seek, it may help improve your chances for acceptance.
You often can find advertised apprenticeship programs, or you can locate opportunities through organizations that connect apprentices with programs. In some cases, however, your best chance for finding an apprenticeship may be calling employers who do the kind of work that interests you. You can tell them you are interested in becoming an apprentice and request that they hire you.
Often, an interview is required when you want to become an apprentice. This interview is often much like a regular job interview, in which you must tell the interviewer about your qualifications and demonstrate that you are the right person for the apprenticeship. As such, developing interviewing skills beforehand may help you as well.
