How to Attract the Employer's Attention, Especially in Tough Times

In the current economy, ravaged by the COVID-19 fallout, apprentices may become discouraged about finding work. But during SOY’s Fireside Chat, employers encouraged them to carry on, while offering the following practical advice and #ToolsForSuccess.

• Connect with and talk to people in various trades, not just your own, because many job opportunities are found by word-of-mouth. #SuccessByAssociation
• Better yourself and improve your skills with efforts such as working at Home Depot or other companies involved with the construction industry and tradespeople. #ProductKnowldge
• Offering to Volunteer your time with an employer gives you an opportunity to show them what you can do, instead of just saying it. #PutYourMoneyWhereYourMouthIs
• Research the companies you are applying to so you can tailor your application and interview to the company’s business needs. #TheMoreYouKnow
• Follow up on applications with phone calls or emails, depending on the company’s culture. (Note: Some companies stipulate “no phone calls” in job ads and busy small business owners may prefer email to a phone call.) #KnowYourAudience
• In interviews, project your commitment to quality workmanship and be honest. #QualityOverQuanitity
• For new apprentices, remember that some employers like to train first-years before “bad habits” develop so there is opportunity out there. #BePersistent

Veteran contractor Bruce Whiteside, President, B.M. Whitside Electrical Contracting Ltd., shared his personal experience of starting in the trade and identifying potential employers. Bruce would send in his resume, and then call to follow-up every week for four months. He takes the same approach with hiring today: “If you feel you want to work for me, come in and bug me, that’ll get my attention.”

What do employers look for in an apprentice?

Rob Sloan, President, Langstaff & Sloan Inc., said his ideal apprentice had effective leadership skills and a great customer service attitude and was a team player. One of his apprentices started off with him because they offered to work for free. This helped Rob see that this apprentice possessed what he already saw as an ideal employee, now to just train the skills, he could work with that. “The apprentice also understood that it’s a privilege to get an apprenticeship opportunity,” Rob commented, “so this is how he got my attention. He stood out by showing me, not just telling me.”

Matt Girard, Owner, M&J Plumbing, echoed this idea: “When we hire an apprentice, we make a commitment to them, we make an investment in them.” Loyalty, perseverance, and a diligent work ethic will make any employer notice the employee. Being able to trust those qualities in a person puts an employer’s minds at ease because they know you have their back, so they will, respectfully, have yours. But don’t be fooled, respect is earned. Earn an employer’s respect, and you’ve earned their attention to your success!

Also, an apprenticeship is a learning experience and apprentice error can be costly, employers know this. “That’s where the diligent work ethic comes in. That mistake gets made once. As long as my apprentice learns from it, I’m willing to accept the cost of that lesson. They grow, I grow, everybody wins.”

There was also encouragement for female apprentices. “What I know, is that women are really good at paying attention to detail,” said Jason Einwechter, President, Einwechter Electric Inc., “and men’s brains are wired differently.” Females bring their unique strengths to the construction environment, just like men bring theirs, and the benefit of having both, well that just allows employers see more. “Someone opening up my eyes to more will definitely keep me interested in their successes because they are adding to mine,” said Jason.

Finding a job, IS hard! But you have the tools (literally and figuratively – see #ToolsForSuccess) and now that you’re with SOY, you also have the network and the support. You are literally almost there (well not “almost” per se, but much further ahead than navigating this all by yourself and isn’t that already better?).

Let us be there for you. Use your time with SOY to utilize the tools and resources you need to be successful. Apprenticeships are not just work and school. They are so much more. They are going to define nearly half-a-decade, if not more, of your life. That means your experiences on this path are what will build your character, shape your future (and there are so many options) and lead you to lifetime friendships and professional network connections (which is success #YourNetworkIsYourNetworth). Don’t take advantage of these benefits, understand them, and the opportunity YOU have right now. 

It’s going to be amazing to see what you can accomplish when you are motivated AND equipped with a network and support! Now go get that employers attention! We’ll be here rooting for you, and obviously, when you need us.

Want to learn more about what Support Ontario Youth you (employers and apprentices)? Get in touch by emailing info@supportontarioyouth.ca, or checking out or social media.