Interview prep: Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships train you in a trade such as electrical, plumbing, fitting and turning, welding or motor mechanics, leading to a trade test. Interviews look for practical ability, safety awareness and dedication.
What to expect
- A mechanical or technical aptitude test
- An interview with a workshop manager or artisan
- Questions about safety and hands-on experience
- Sometimes a medical check
Questions for apprenticeships
Tap a question to see why they ask it, how to answer and an example. Change the example to your own story. Panels can tell when an answer is memorised.
Why do you want to become an artisan in this trade?
Why they ask
Apprenticeships last up to three or four years. They want commitment.
How to answer
Talk about real interest and any hands-on experience, even informal.
Example answer
“I have always fixed things at home and helped my uncle in his workshop on weekends. I want a trade qualification so I can become a qualified electrician and one day start my own business.”
What does safety mean to you in a workshop?
Why they ask
Safety is the first thing artisans are judged on.
How to answer
Mention PPE, following procedures, reporting hazards and never taking shortcuts.
Example answer
“Safety means everyone goes home without injuries. I always wear the right PPE, follow lock-out procedures, keep my area clean and report anything unsafe straight away, even if it slows the job.”
Tell us about something you built or repaired.
Why they ask
Shows practical skill and problem solving.
How to answer
Describe the problem, the tools you used and the result.
Example answer
“Our neighbour's gate motor stopped working. I checked the fuse, then found a loose wire on the limit switch, reconnected it and tested it. It has worked since.”
How would you handle being told to do a task you think is unsafe?
Why they ask
They want apprentices who speak up without being rude.
How to answer
Say you would stop, explain the risk politely and follow the safety procedure.
Example answer
“I would stop and politely explain my concern to the artisan or supervisor. If it really is unsafe I would not do it until it was made safe. Safety rules are there for a reason.”
Are you comfortable with physical work and working in all weather?
Why they ask
Trade work is physical.
How to answer
Be honest and give an example of physical work you have done.
Example answer
“Yes. I worked a holiday job loading trucks at a depot, starting at 6 every morning in summer and winter.”
Questions asked in almost every interview
Tell us about yourself.
Why they ask
It is an easy start, and it shows whether you can talk about yourself clearly and stay on topic.
How to answer
Keep it to about one minute. Say what you studied or where you worked, one strength that suits this job, and why you applied. Do not tell your life story or talk about family problems.
Example answer
“I completed my NC(V) in Office Administration at Vhembe TVET College last year. During my studies I did a three-month placement at a local clinic where I filed patient records and answered phones. I am organised and calm with people, and I applied because this job lets me use those skills every day.”
Why do you want this job?
Why they ask
They want to know if you understand the job and if you will stay and work hard, or if you just need any job.
How to answer
Link something real about the job or company to your own goals. Show you read the advert. It is fine to say you need work, but give a better reason first.
Example answer
“I read that this role works directly with customers, and I enjoy helping people solve problems. I also see that you train staff and promote from inside, so I can grow here over the long term.”
What are your strengths?
Why they ask
They are checking if your strengths match what the job needs.
How to answer
Pick two strengths from the advert and prove each with a short example. "I am hard-working" means nothing without proof.
Example answer
“I am reliable and good with numbers. In my last job I opened the shop at 7 every morning for a year without being late once, and I balanced the till every day with no shortages.”
What is your weakness?
Why they ask
They want honesty and to see that you work on yourself.
How to answer
Choose a real weakness that is not central to the job, then say what you are doing to improve it. Do not say "I am a perfectionist" or "I have no weaknesses".
Example answer
“I used to be nervous speaking in front of groups. I joined a church youth committee where I have to give short updates every month, and I am much more confident now.”
Tell us about a time you solved a problem.
Why they ask
Behaviour-based questions show how you really act, not how you say you act.
How to answer
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Spend most of the time on what YOU did and finish with the result.
Example answer
“At my in-service training (Situation) the printer broke on the day reports were due (Task). I called the supplier, then moved the files to a flash drive and printed them at the library next door (Action). All 40 reports went out on time (Result).”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why they ask
They want to know if you have goals and if those goals fit with them.
How to answer
Show ambition that grows inside the company or field. Avoid saying you want to leave for something unrelated.
Example answer
“I see myself having finished a further qualification in this field and taking on more responsibility, maybe as a team leader, here or in a similar role.”
Do you have any questions for us?
Why they ask
Having no questions can look like you are not interested.
How to answer
Always ask one or two. Ask about the work, training or next steps. Do not start with salary in a first interview unless they bring it up.
Example answer
“What does a normal day in this role look like? And what will the next step be after this interview?”
What to bring
- ID
- Matric certificate with Maths and Science results
- CV
- Any N1 to N3 certificates
Good questions to ask them
- How long until apprentices write the trade test here?
- Which artisan will I work with most?
On the day
- Arrive 15 minutes early, or log in 10 minutes early for an online interview.
- Dress neatly and simply. Clean and ironed is more important than expensive.
- Greet everyone, make eye contact and switch your phone to silent.
- It is fine to pause and think before you answer.
- Use the STAR method for "tell us about a time" questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Never pay anyone to get an interview or a job. Real employers do not ask for money.