Hey guys, I’ve got a interview tomorrow for a heavy vehcile technician. I know its nothing to do with driving and I may be on the wrong forum for this but I want this apprenticeship as a start off. I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea what type of questions they may ask or if you have any advice (I’ve never even had a job interview before) which I could take onboard. I’m realy nervous and realy want this job, working with trucks would be a great start for me.
Thanks guys.
For one it’s not really heading towards driving the trucks, it’s just fixing them.
But just be honest, tell them you are hard working you don’t drink and ■■■■ about, your reliable and can just get on with what your asked and won’t ■■■■■ and moan.
Wear something smart, don’t waste your time bringing loads of crap from school as the guy won’t be interested but just show your keen and ask him lots of questions about the hours, how you’d train and how the app. works and so on.
Good luck!
A few suggestions
a. Do some investigation into the company in case they ask how much you know about them already ( just do a google search )
b. Ask how the training scheme works and does it involve going to night school / day release etc .
c. Identify you strong and weak points ( people tend not to like being asked about their weaknesses but you can put a positive slant on them by suggesting actions you are taking to resolve )
d. Think of situations where you performed beyond what is expected of you .
e. Given the impression that you are an achiever ( not a clock watcher ) . Think of examples of your achievements .
Questions asked will vary depending on the size of the organisation and who is doing the interview . ( line manager etc ? )
Dress smartly , polished shoes etc.
Good luck , interview questions should also vary depending on your age .
Is the apprenticeship with a main dealer ? If so go on to the manufacturers site ? Do some investigation into the most common causes of breakdowns .
It may be a step in the right direction as you will be repairing them but it will earn you money so you can save for your test
But in time if you work hard keep your head down they may put you through your test as you may need to go out & test the vehicles that you have repaired or to take for MOT or back to customers
A few people on here have started like you so dont worry to much
Questions will vary as dont think there are set questions but you could take a list of questions in with you ( have done this myself & for others ) be yourself be confident come across that you really do want this & are not there coz you have to be or coz you fancy your chance this can make a difference ( this happened to my nephew a few weeks back )
In a previous life I was a tradesman. The big thing that will get you into an apprenticeship is enthusiasm. It’s what I always looked for in an apprentice.
Second biggest thing is giving the person you are talking to the impression you will stick around and finish your time. Us older tradesmen (and ex tradesmen) are grumpy buggers who don’t like wasting time showing people our tricks and secrets if you are going to ■■■■ off in 12 months! If I was working with an apprentice and I got the vibe they were leaving or not going to last, I’d have as little to do with them as possible. Just wasting my time.
Show you are keen, tell them what your area of interest it (engines, brakes etc) or if you don’t have one yet, just say so. Also be keen to do extra study over and above minimum requirements. The best paid tradesmen have a broad knowledge of many areas of expertise, not a confined, narrow skill set. This also makes you much more employable in the future.
My advice would be go in, ask lots of questions about anything that you want to know about (even trucks being worked on), ask to see the workshop, just try and chat with the guy and feel the place out. I would hope you have at least a little knowledge and enthusiasm for mechanical work.
Also be prepared for the fact you WILL start at the bottom and get all the boring, repetitive jobs. It is what it is, we all started there. Best way around that is to learn how to get those bad jobs done fast. This will impress the boss no end, and save you even more hours doing that work. It’ll also see you paired up with someone in the time you have left over to learn more, or being given slightly more advanced tasks.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions all the time, any time. If you are given instructions when you are working there and are unsure, ask again! We expect you to know very little and tradies always talk in trade slang for parts, processes etc, so if in doubt, ASK!
And just enjoy the apprenticeship. Not too many people make it through their time these days and there is a lot of satisfaction in repairing something and having it go off into service again.
Thanks guys, but I’m 90% sure I haven’t got it as he didn’t even ask me any questions he was just telling me about it and it only lasted 5mins so I don’t think he liked me and I’m almost sure I don’t stand a chance as there was others been interviewed during the day.
TommyBoy:
Thanks guys, but I’m 90% sure I haven’t got it as he didn’t even ask me any questions he was just telling me about it and it only lasted 5mins so I don’t think he liked me and I’m almost sure I don’t stand a chance as there was others been interviewed during the day.
Dont worry , look upon it as a practice run which will help you be better prepared next time .
These days even fully qualified people struggle to find roles , so keep trying and never give up .
not sure if nowdays there are still ‘Rituals’ - saw on tv a barrel maker was put in a tub full of slops.
when i worked in a factory i heard all these tales from the old men - sending the new boy for a left handed screw driver or a tin of tartan paint or a long wait. 
anything is better than alan sugar telling you what to do.