1. Applying to the Trades How to Succeed in Highway Trade Apprenticeship Application Process Made by Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. in partnership with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Oregon Department of Transportation www.tradeswomen.net

2. Why Apply? Trades careers may require multiple steps to get in, but in return they offer a variety of benefits including living wages, education, training, personal growth, health care and pension plans.

3. Getting Ready to Apply Make sure you meet requirements of the program. Understand the work of the trade. Do some research. Consider informational interviews to learn more.

4. Getting Ready to Apply- Info Interviews An informational interview: contact someone who has the job you are interested in and ask them what it’s like. By listening to an experienced worker you can learn what to realistically expect and get tips on how to get into apprenticeship. Laborer AJ Banuelos on the job.

5. Getting Ready to Apply Do more than just the minimum requirements or else you won’t stand out from the pack of applicants. You may need to take a class, get volunteer experience or get an entry level job to be a stronger applicant. Be willing to work toward this over time.

6. Getting Ready to Apply Bring proof that you meet all the requirements of the program Items may include transcripts, driving record, driver’s license, etc.

7. Getting Ready to Apply Write down commonly asked for information and take it with you: past employers address and phone, start and end dates, etc. Bring letters of recommendation and a resumé—even if not requested.

8. Filling Out the Application Pay attention to details: fill out every section or write N/A for “Not Applicable” Give them what they ask for. Don’t just write “see resume.” Make it legible!

9. The Interview--Before Be prepared to talk about how related experience has prepared you for this trade. Though you may not have done the exact work before, a lot of experiences cross over: physical labor, warehouse work, military experience, sports, etc.

10. The Interview--Before You can also plan to talk about examples of how you showed you could be productive, work hard, be punctual, etc. You can make up for a lack of experience by demonstrating employable traits like determination, punctuality, work ethic, etc.

11. The Interview--Before Map out the location and leave thirty minutes early to make sure you arrive well before the start time. Allow for heavy traffic or getting lost Bring your resumé and/or a portfolio to show off your work

12. The Interview—Your Appearance Wear nice work clothes, but don’t dress for an office job. You want to look like a professional trades worker. Remove piercings or large jewelry and pull long hair back like you would if you were on the job.

13. The Interview When you walk into the room, make eye contact with interviewers as you greet them. Give a firm handshake. Use your resumé as a cheat sheet to help you remember your training and experience. An introduction to the Plumbers and Steamfitters event held in Portland.

14. The Interview When talking about experience it is always better to “show” than to “tell” how you are a good fit for the job. This means giving examples/referencing previous jobs to paint a picture in the listener’s head. Don’t just say you’re great. Back it up for an actual experience.

15. The Interview Use your research to show how you understand the work of the trade. Be able to say three or four things that your desired trade does. Afterward, thank them for the opportunity and try to shake their hand as you say goodbye.

16. The End There can be multiple steps to obtain these careers, but if you are willing to work toward what you want over time, you can enjoy a satisfying career in the highway trades!