Qualifications for apprenticeship

In practically every skilled occupation, more than fundamental knowledge of arithmetic is essential.  The ability to read, write and speak well is beneficial in any walk of life, but in some apprenticeship occupations it is more important than in others.  In some occupations, individuals seeking an apprenticeship will be at a decided advantage if they have taken shop courses, have some knowledge of mechanical drawing, physics, blueprint reading, drafting, higher mathematics, chemistry, electricity, welding or the like.  Physical fitness, a good sense of balance, eye-hand coordination, color sense, agility, strength, ability to work at heights and mechanical aptitude are desirable qualifications in many skilled occupations and one or more of these are essential in others. Ability to work with others, good personality, and neat appearance are necessary in most trades, particularly where contact with the public is involved.

In many skilled occupations, persons with a high school diploma or its equivalent are preferred.  Prospective skilled workers usually like to work with their hands and to use various tools to build and repair things.  They like to finish things once they have started and don’t care how dirty or greasy the job, so long as they get it done.  They enjoy visits to shops and factories and like to talk to mechanics about the jobs they do and the problems they meet in their work.  In school, they get along well in shop, science, mathematics and mechanical drawing classes, and enjoy working on practical problems in the classroom and at home.

These are only some of the factors that may indicate an aptitude for the skilled crafts.

Information obtained from: www.dir.ca.gov