Overqualified for Apprenticeship!

[anz]

A few years a go, I applied for a British Gas Apprenticeship, I made to the final stage - Interview. Everything went well and I thought I've got it in the bag.

A few days later I got an e-mail saying, I was unsuccessful, so I rang British Gas straight away to get some feedback. The gentleman on the phone told me that the interview went well and the only reason he could see was that there were better people then me on the day.

I thought to myself, how could someone be better then me, as I met all the minimum requirements. Then I realised that perhaps they already have some previous plumbing experience/qualification.

So on I went and enrolled at my local College for the 6129 Level 2 Technical Certificate. I am now part way through my Level 3.

About a month ago when another big well respected gas company was advertising for apprentices, I thought I would reply. Again I got through to the interview, which went very well. Again I was unsuccessful, this time when I rang the interviewer I was told that I did well and was one of the top three. He told me that he was sure that I would be able to complete the apprenticeship, but because of some of the jobs I have done in the past and because of the entrepreneurial initiative I have shown, they feared that I would leave the position in a few years, because someone would offer me a job paying a lot more. 50-60k+ is the exact figure he mentioned.

So my question to some of you guys, who run your own businesses is did I oversell my self, perhaps I should of made myself look more dumb then I was?

Or do you think this guy was just using that as an excuse for something else?

 

[Carl86]

Tbh thats the biggest load of tosh ive ever heard, if you showed you had the skill to complete an apprenticeship and it was a large gas company they would have gained investment from the practical work you put in during an apprenticeship anyway without paying you a qualified persons rate. But instead of giving you that (from what I see that well earnerd oppertunity) they basicaly tell you..... you will be a sucess but damn if we will bother to help we will take on someone we think is less able.......

Sounds like its a cop out to me.

 

[justlead1]

Hi, Anz you don't sound the type of person who takes it tom heart, just think some other deserving case has got a chance. When appointing people for ongoing training most employers in our trade are looking for steady Eddy. Turns up on time, has the abbility to learn, is a team player, focused on the job, enjoys the journey rather than destination. If you demonstrate attitude outside the box it may suggest to much ambition, which can be seen as high risk to an employer with a long term aggender. Good Luck

 

[anz]

I know that these guys are not going to make any short term gains by employing me, so I wouldn't even dream of leaving them after the apprenticeship is over. I know how hard it is to become an apprentice and I can assure you that if this company gave me this first step, I would have stayed with them for a very long time, regardless of pay.

I also understand that when you have completed the apprenticeship, this does not mean that you will become a proper plumber/engineer. It takes many years to build up experience.

After explaining this to him for, he told me that should they recruit for more apprentices in the next 4-5 months, they will let me know as they have my details. To be honest I don't think they will, although I hope they do as I was very impressed with the apprenticeship they had on offer. I had many sleepless nights after the interview until the letter arrived.

 

[SDC]

ANZ, how old are you mate.

Personally I think there is never a position available, or if there is your talking 1 or 2. From what Ive heard they get roughly 150 online applications, take about 70 to the group excersise, then about half of that to an interview. Then after that there is about 3 roles.

Dont take it to heart mate I know a load of lads who have done these and been knocked back when they have had bags of experience. Same with the water board when they recruit. I had one with the water board a couple of years ago. At the training excersise there was guys there who had worked in offices and warehouses all their life. And a couple of women. Suffice to say I didnt make it passed this stage, even though I had about 3 years experience in the heating game. Also with these roles, I dont think it really matters how much experience you have, as you are starting from the bottom. So if you come across outgoing and reasonably well educated, you have got half a chance.

 

[anz]

ANZ, how old are you mate.

Well I'm 20 now, so I've got not got much time to find an apprenticeship. I've applied for more in the past few weeks, not all of them in plumbing. Who knows I might get lucky.

Thanks for your comments guys.

 

[SDC]

Stick with it mate. Given your age you should have every chance of getting an apprenticeship.