what to expect during a traineeship
- a word from pierre chedraoui, 370° group employee hosted out to RMIT University
1) What can a trainee expect in their first 4 weeks on the job?
You will be inducted, taken around your workplace and introduced to your co-workers. You will most probably be assigned to a staff member or mentor, where you will follow and assist them in their tasks. Do not think you will be expected to know your job back to front in the first one, two or four months. Remember the emotions you feel such as nervousness and shyness are normal and no matter what age you are, they will always be there when you commence something new.
2) How long did it take to find your perfect job?
It can take a while to figure it out but it might be one where you can mix your personal interests and work requirements together. Most importantly you have to thoroughly understand the basic requirements of your job before you can progress. Once you understand the exact expectations of your employer, you begin to think about how you could mix your hobbies/passion in and create a benefit for the business. This might take you anywhere from six to twelve months to master.
3) How have you found the combination of workplace learning and study?
Having completed a Certificate III, Certificate IV, CCNA and Diploma, you come across many tasks at your workplace where you are required to do things that have been covered in study. Examples which are specific to my role are management and leading of projects, configuring networks and devices, installation of complex applications, etc. Without my studies, I would not have known how to correctly complete these tasks and most probably would not have been given the opportunity to complete them.
4) Did you always want to enter the workplace upon completing school?
I was unsure of what I wanted to do, but knew what I didn’t want to study study study! Obtaining a qualification (as they qualify and educate you) was one thing, but to get into a career path with a combination of study and practice was another thing and the traineeship fulfilled all these requirements.
5) Did you have other career paths you were considering?
Being unsure of exactly what you want to do is a common feeling for all, but narrowing down the field can certainly help e.g. Information Technology. The great thing about the course I chose (IT Traineeship), was it would benefit me no matter what career path I took as all the subjects studied and the work I completed are common within many businesses today. Doing the Traineeship also allowed me to discover what I wanted to ultimately aim for in my career, and that is direction and leading whether it be in I.T. or not.
6) Finally, what advise could you give to individuals wanting to pursue a traineeship?
Go for it! If you’re like me and are a ‘hands on’ person where learning through practice as opposed to theory, it’s perfect. You will definitely have a clearer understanding of your likes and dislikes in the workplace and what you would like to pursue in your future. Remember as you obtain qualifications and experience, no time is wasted in working towards your career goal!
what to expect from the recruitment process
- a word from stacey fedden, 370° group recruitment coordinator
1) How should I prepare for a job interview?
Look professional. This goes even if you are applying to be a Sparky. Dress for the job that you want, not the one that you have. If you feel professional those interviewing you will see you as professional and that is the first step. Go through your CV. Make sure it is as up to date as possible and make sure you know what you have written. If you are questioned about your CV and you don’t know the answer it can make you look like you didn’t do the work that you have stated. Think about your skills and how they can be transferred into another role. It’s a good way to sell yourself.
2) How do I answer a Behavioral Based interview question?
With honesty. BBI questions are not there to catch you out. They are a clever way to understand the way a person behaves instinctively in a particular instance. A good technique is the STAR technique. S=situation (where were you, what year it was), T=Task (what task were you given to complete), A= Action(what action did you specifically take to achieve the task), R=Result (what was the outcome). By following these simple steps you can really shine in an interview.
3) What happens if I am unsuccessful for a role?
You will be sent an unsuccessful notification via email if you don’t get into an interview and be notified by phone if you do make it to an interview. This does not mean that you are unsuccessful in general, just for that role.
4) I didn’t finish Yr 12. Can I still do a Traineeship?
If you didn’t finish Yr 12 then a traineeship is probably perfect for you. The traineeship helps you to develop skills that you may not have learned in the last year of school. It gives you hands on experience and a qualification all at the same time.
5) What is involved in an induction?
You will fill out employment forms to ensure that your pay, annual leave and other entitlements are correctly processed. You will be introduced to the people you will be involved with while doing your traineeship through 370˚ group. The induction will also cover OH&S aspects of working in your particular job environment.
what to expect from the traineeship program
- a word from Evan Henry, 370° group field officer
1) What advice could you give a trainee entering the workplace?
Be yourself and respect those you work with, and your company’s customers. A traineeship is about your development, so ensure you listen, ask questions and be positive in the workplace.
2) How often does a Field Officer visit?
We visit the workplace every 3 months. The aim of the visit is to have a chat and discuss your development both on and off the job with your supervisor/manager. It is important that as a developing professional you are open, honest and contribute to the conversation.
3) What do your clients/host employers look for in a trainee?
Companies are recruiting trainees for their long term business needs. They see that offering traineeships is a great way to bring in fresh and exciting talent. However, they are selective. They look for a positive attitude at work and towards life, a willingness to learn, career ambition and being able to work in and contribute to a team.
4) If a trainee has an issue in the workplace, what can they do about it?
We will encourage you to speak with your supervisor/manager about the issue and aim to resolve it sooner rather than later. Doing nothing about the issue can potentially make it worse. If you are not comfortable with talking to a representative in your workplace, contact your Field Officer at 370˚ group. They will meet with you in person, and talk through your issue and aim to resolve it ASAP, in the strictest of confidence. Even just talking about an issue can improve your situation.
5) What will an individual gain from completing a traineeship?
When you complete your traineeship, you will have (on average) 12 months of full-time workplace experience, PLUS a nationally recognised qualification at Certificate III or IV level. In a sense, excellent workplace skills and a qualification to back it up. This will enable you to take on extra responsibilities in the company, or if you are seeking a career move, you will have the experience to apply for that next role you are ready for! Many employers seek workplace skills and qualifications, and you will have both. On top of your qualification; you will have workplace experience which teaches you so much more, i.e. organization, team work, meeting deadlines, working under pressure. Upon completion, you are a star professional!
Any questions? Please call the traineeship team on (03) 9389 9970 or email traineeships@370degrees.com.au.