Let's say you want to work for one particular company.
It's the ideal company for you to start your career, for all kinds of reasons.
And let's say you've done all the homework you possibly can, so you know where the company's coming from, and where it's headed ... what it produces, how much of it goes to the domestic market and how much gets exported ... and everything else you'd need to know to make a great impression at your interview.
And, of course, exactly why you and that company are the perfect match for each other.
But there are no interviews because there are no vacancies. For anyone.
What to do next? Give up and move on?
Here's a suggestion for you: why not approach the company and ask to be taken on as an apprentice
"A what?" That's the Human Resources person speaking, once you've been put through to them on the phone.
And this is how the conversation should go from here on in:
You: "An apprentice - somebody taking on a work-based training programme, while studying for nationally-recognised qualifications."
HR person: "And why should we take anybody on as an apprentice, let alone you?"
You: "Well, the Learning and Skills Council's found that 76% of employers who've taken on an apprentice believe that doing that has helped them deliver higher productivity overall. And 77% of employers feel that having an apprentice on board has made their business more competitive."
HR Person (after a pause): And?
You: "And the Learning and Skills Council's research also found that 88% of employers believe apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce ... and that's what any company wants, isn't it?
HR Person (after another pause): "Well, yes, I suppose so ...but what does an apprentice actually do?"
You: "Any training I'd get as an apprentice would be specifically tailored to your company's needs. Obviously I'd be joining at a very low level, which means I'd be fetching and carrying, making the tea and keeping the work area tidy and safe, but I'd also be watching, learning and getting training at work ... and learning the theory behind what's going on in the workplace at a local college, and working towards those qualifications."
HR Person: "Ah. But about studying for those qualifications - who arranges that? You're not expecting us to sort that out, are you?"
You: "It's easy - the National Apprentice Service can put you in touch with a training provider, who'll work out exactly what kind of training and education benefits both of us best ... and they arrange everything for you."
Pause.
HR Person: "OK ... so you're offering to work for us for free, then? In exchange for training, is that it?"
You: "Not quite. There's a minimum apprenticeship wage for -"
HR Person (interrupting): "Ah. Sorry, no - we can't afford to take anyone on at -"
You (also interrupting, but much more politely): "You get money from the government for taking on an apprentice - did you know that?"
HR Person: "No. How much?"
You: "I'm under 24, which means you'd get £1,500 - plus training costs."
HR Person: "Really?"
Pause.
HR Person: "And why, exactly, do you want an apprenticeship with us?"
Congratulations - they’ve risen to the bait.
Now's your opportunity to show how much homework you've done about the company, and why you and they are a perfect match for each other.
Good luck!
