Have an interview with the council for a plumbing apprenticeship, what to say?

[textbook]

I have an interview with the council for an apprenticeship. I am in my mid thirties so not a spring chicken. I also don't have any experiience in so don't know what to say in the interview. In my letter and CV I said I worked as a handy man- I have been doing cash in hand gardening and painting work. I have also completed two basic ten week courses in brickwork and plastering. I really don't know what to say to impress them in the interview, any ideas?

Previously, I worked as an English teacher abroad (TEFL) so completely unrelated. I want to get out of this and change career. I was also told not to mention doing a degree as that affects funding.

 

[REDSAW]

Previously, I worked as an English teacher abroad

that imo will be a great bonus with the tennants then!.

good luck.

 

[EPH]

If it's for an apprenticeship then they're probably not looking fir experience.
I'd say just try to come across clear and concise, I'd be looking for someone who was punctual, hard working, keen, quick at learning, methodical and happy to td whatever works available.

 

[WaterTight]

Exactly, the whole point of an apprenticeship is surely you don't need previous experience. Just an interest in the area and the right sort of personality and discipline to stick at it despite crap wages. If you can explain convincingly that your circumstances allow you to spend a number of years on a low salary (whether they do or not) and that you specifically want to do an apprenticeship rather than a fast track course (whether you could afford to do one or not) because you want to learn the proper way etc etc.. that's prob what they want to hear. They just want to find someone who will stick it out, be reliable, really wants to do it and will manage to do the work and learn the trade. Just hope no bright young eager 16yr old turns up! If you see any outside duff 'em in and throw them in a wheelie bin.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

Just express your willingness to learn and your commitment

They wont want you leaving after x number of weeks and they will want to beleive in you

Show how enthusiastic you are

 

[stevetheplumber]

ive got to ask why did you choose plumbing as the next career?

 

[justlead1]

Just hope they have not read your post . They might feel you want a bit of training to expand the cash business.

 

[fuzzy]

polite with customers
able to get on with colleagues
willing to work hours required
commited to learning/college
flexible
willing to labour for others even though they may be younger
want to remain loyal and get a lot of years under your belt with same company
polite with everyone/enjoy people

 

[textbook]

ive got to ask why did you choose plumbing as the next career?

I did a carpentry course and loved it. I heard plumbers earn more so wanted to go down that direction. Also did some handyman work and enjoyed that. (no plumbing experience or courses whatsoever though)I really hate working in offices and want to work with my hands- want a change. Want skills which will enable me to go self employed if I lose my job. There is no future in teaching English to foreigners. Tried to get into PGCE teaching in secondary schools and didn't succeed.

 

[Puddle]

polite with customers
able to get on with colleagues
willing to work hours required
commited to learning/college
flexible
willing to labour for others even though they may be younger
want to remain loyal and get a lot of years under your belt with same company
polite with everyone/enjoy people

Oh fuzzy, scary,feel that you know me,have we met ??

 

[textbook]

Just hope they have not read your post . They might feel you want a bit of training to expand the cash business.

What do you mean? That I will take off and be self employed as soon as I have the skills? And that this isn't what they want?