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Apprentice/Trainee Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 31 October 2024
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Apprentice/Trainee interview questions and answers.

  1. Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team? See answer
  2. What do you know about the tasks you’ll be performing as part of this apprenticeship? See answer
  3. Do you have any unusual hobbies, or what do you like to do in your spare time? See answer
  4. What previous work or volunteering experience do you have? See answer
  5. Why do you want to become an apprentice at our company? See answer
  6. How well can you manage your time? See answer
  7. What are your career goals for after the apprenticeship? See answer
  8. Have you completed any training courses that could help you in your apprenticeship? See answer
  9. Can you tell us about a situation where you managed to overcome a difficult challenge? See answer
  10. Are you happy to work with a senior colleague and follow their directions? See answer
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Hire your next Apprentice/Trainee today.

Post a job

Hire your next Apprentice/Trainee today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

10 Apprentice/Trainee Interview Questions and Answers

Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

The answer to this question will tell you if a candidate is a team player or prefers to do their own thing in their day-to-day work. Both can have their pros and cons in different situations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to work independently
  • Team-working skills
  • Flexibility in changing work situations
Example:

‘I like being part of a team and having a sense of belonging to a group of colleagues who each contribute their skills to get things done. But I can also easily work alone and carry out any tasks assigned to me. I’m quite flexible in that way.’

What do you know about the tasks you’ll be performing as part of this apprenticeship?

Asking this question will tell you if the candidate is genuinely interested in your company and if they’ve done their research on the role and what they’ll be expected to do before applying. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in the job
  • Knowledge of the role
  • Familiarity with tasks and duties
Example:

‘I researched the role and know that I’ll be required to perform light construction duties, operate power tools and assist the senior carpenter, who will also be responsible for training me. I’m excited to start and can’t wait to get stuck in!’

Do you have any unusual hobbies, or what do you like to do in your spare time?

The answer to this question will help you get to know the applicant better on a personal level, and you’ll find out what transferrable skills they may bring to the table. What to look for in an answer:

  • Range of skills
  • Special interests and experience
  • Relevance for career ambitions
Example:

‘In my spare time, I like to work on cars with my dad. He has his own workshop at home, and we like to tinker and take old cars apart and restore them. This has taught me a lot about automotive work and sparked my interest in becoming a mechanic.’

What previous work or volunteering experience do you have?

The aim of this question is to find out whether the applicant has already gained some hands-on work experience or acquired some practical skills as part of a volunteering role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Practical skills acquired
  • Organisation and time management
  • Personal values
Example:

‘Once a month, I help out at the local animal shelter. I like animals and get great satisfaction from helping them. This role has also taught me how to work well with others, stay organised and manage my time well.’

Why do you want to become an apprentice at our company?

The goal of this question is to find out why the applicant chose to apply to your company, what they know about your organisation and what expectations they may have. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in the company
  • Research done before the interview
  • Long-term goals at the company
Example:

‘Before applying for my traineeship position, I did a lot of research and looked into quite a few companies in the industry. What really appealed to me about your company is your involvement in children’s charities and your great reputation as a local employer in the region.’

How well can you manage your time?

The aim of this question is to uncover whether the applicant is able to stay organised and prioritise their tasks in order to maximise their available time. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to be on time
  • Time management skills
  • Prioritisation skills
Example:

‘In school, I always handed all my assignments in on time, and I was never late in the mornings. I like to plan out my week and make schedules to ensure I don’t forget any important tasks and appointments.’

What are your career goals for after the apprenticeship?

Ask this question to find out what career the applicant is hoping to pursue, and how this apprenticeship might help them on the way to their goal. What to look for in an answer:

  • Plans and long-term goals
  • Strategies to reach their career goal
  • Training and qualifications
Example:

‘After this apprenticeship, I’m hoping to gain more experience and eventually work as a crane operator. I’m planning to get all my licences alongside my apprenticeship to help me get qualified for the role.’

Have you completed any training courses that could help you in your apprenticeship?

This question shows what training a candidate may have already completed, and which skills they acquired that might come in useful during their apprenticeship and later career. What to look for in an answer:

  • Completed courses or training
  • Qualifications or certificates
  • Skills learned
Example:

‘During my last year of school, I enrolled in a hospitality course at my local TAFE. This course gave me very useful insights into the hospitality industry, and I learned a lot of practical skills that will help me in my first job.’

Can you tell us about a situation where you managed to overcome a difficult challenge?

Being an apprentice can be difficult, and trainees may sometimes encounter some unexpected challenges. Asking this question will tell you how well they might cope with such tricky situations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Resilience
  • Adaptability
Example:

‘In my last part-time sales job, we had a very angry customer come in because his laptop didn’t work. I stayed calm and treated him respectfully, and we had his laptop, which was still under warranty, sent off for repairs. Eventually, the customer calmed down and appreciated my efforts.’

Are you happy to work with a senior colleague and follow their directions?

The goal of this question is to find out whether the applicant is willing to learn from senior colleagues and is happy to take instructions without any conflict. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to listen
  • Willingness to learn
  • Cooperation skills
Example:

‘One summer, I had the opportunity to shadow my uncle on worksites. He’s an experienced tradie and gave me lots of useful information. I was happy to learn from him and to get to watch him on the job. We got on well, and I learned a lot.’

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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