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Sometimes, after a few months, or even a few decades, of working in a particular industry, people may decide that they need a change. However, some people are kept from actually changing jobs because of the stress and fear involved with embarking on a new career. An apprenticeship is a perfect way to start off on a new path toward a different and exciting career. People who enjoy practical roles, hands-on work, specialised skills or the ability to work on their own out of the office will find that a career in a trade will suit their interests.

If you are interested in changing careers, but aren’t sure where to start, check out these tips that will help you determine which trade is right for you.

1.)    What do you like to do?

To determine a field that you enjoy and that you will be good at, make a list of 5 things that you enjoy doing, and another list of 5 things that you are good at and you enjoy. Look at the list and see if you can make a connection between your interests and an occupation. For example, if you like cooking, consider a commercial cookery apprenticeship to become a chef. If you enjoy the outdoors, consider a landscape or horticulture apprenticeship.

2.)    What are your values?

Think about, and list in order of priority, Edgar Schein’s 8 career anchors (explained below), which demonstrate what you want to achieve through your career. After you spend time ranking the drivers, come back to them in 2 days and see if you would change the order. This can help to show you what you want most from your trade.

• Technical/Functional Competence: You like to be good at something and become an expert.
• General Managerial Competence: You want to become a manager and gain responsibility. You like problem-solving and dealing with people.
• Autonomy/Independence: You need to work alone under your own rules, and you avoid standards.
• Security/Stability: You seek stability and continuity. You avoid risks and tend to be a ‘lifer’ in your job.
• Entrepreneurial Creativity: You like to invent things, be creative and run your own business. You find ownership very important, but will share the workload, unlike those who are driven by autonomy.
• Service/Dedication to a Cause: You are driven by how you can help other people.
• Pure Challenge: You seek constant stimulation and problems that you can tackle, and like a varied job.
• Lifestyle: You look first at your whole pattern of living and like to integrate work and life. You may take long periods off work to indulge in your passions.

3.)    Talk to your friends and family.

Ask people you know what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Although it is very important to look for work in an industry you enjoy and are passionate about, it is also important to make sure that you have some aptitude and strengths in that field.

4.)    Look into training programs.

By now you probably have identified a few trades that you think would suit you. Look into the apprenticeships and training requirements for each industry, which can be found here. Also look into current apprenticeship opportunities available.

5.)    Do it!

Start yourself on the path to a new career by starting your apprenticeship or traineeship in the field you have chosen. Make a clear plan with dates and information about how your training will proceed, and get ready to embark on a new career path that you will enjoy!