Why job seekers need to consider apprenticeship

By Fredrick Obura

Fresh graduates should consider apprenticeship programmes while waiting for formal employment.

It helps in acquiring relevant skills in the job industry. Experts say such programmes boost a candidate’s chance of getting a job. Apprenticeships are work-based programmes designed by businesses to train and improve skills of new or prospective employees.

"During the session, employees are trained on the latest and highest standards required to help businesses remain competitive," says Kensoft human resource officer Wilson Gitau.

An apprentice is a full-time employee who is learning while earning. "The programme offers job satisfaction and marketable skills," says medical laboratory graduate from Maseno University Willis Ochieng now apprentice at Kenyatta Hospital.

He adds, an apprentice would learn on the job thereby building up knowledge and skills. Besides gaining qualification, he or she may be entitled to some monetary benefit at the same time.

Various companies offer the programme to develop skilled workers in various trades, for instance in manufacturing, IT, television production and construction among others.

How to get into apprenticeship

Talk to employers whose businesses involve your chosen trade. Find out if the employer trains apprentices. Show your enthusiasm.

Display your qualifications - courses taken in school, grades, and any related experience you have regarding the trade you have chosen. Ask to be hired.

In this hands-on environment, you are placed under the oversight of a skilled trainer or journey-worker. A big benefit of on-the-job apprenticeship is having an income while you learn.

At the same time you can also receive detailed training by taking specific, technical classes that are directly related to your new occupation.

This training is often in-addition to your normal job duties, so be prepared for a large time investment.

Once you complete an apprenticeship-training program, you will get an apprenticeship certificate, which is recognized by prospecting employers. It is also the credential you will find the most useful and portable within most industries around the country.

However apprenticeship is not for the faint of heart as even before your job and classroom training, you will have to apply, and you may have to wait until positions and opportunities are available.

"In fact, some programs may have waiting lists or they may only accept new applicants at specific times throughout the year" he notes.

Although apprenticeship is a fantastic occupational learning opportunity, it is not an option to be pursued lightly.

Weigh your options and make an elite decision about the time and other commitments, before jumping into an apprenticeship programs.