Mechanic apprentice advice

[MumnMore]

Hi all,
Are any of you lovely mumsnetters in the automotive field or have partners/family that are? My son has one final shot at securing. Mechanic/ technician apprenticeship and we’re just looking for any advice. He is only 16 but has worked so hard applying for these roles. He’s had 2 unsuccessful interviews. No feedback was given despite us asking 😩
Any help or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you

Just general advice: Always know a few facts about the company - you would be amazed how many people don’t know anything when asked. Interviewers aren’t mind readers, so keep yes and no answers to a minimum. Elaborate on answers but don’t waffle. Also memorise why you want the job and what it entails, so that when asked, the interviewers know that you’ve researched the role. Try to have a couple of interesting facts about yourself and remember that not every answer needs to be job related.
Do mock interview practice with someone in person, so real feedback can be given. Practice, then practice again. Good luck! Hope your son is successful.

Thanks for all that advice. It’s been a long time since I had an interview myself. Hopefully, it will go well for him 🤞

I’ve been in motor trade now for almost 25 years. The industry is crying out for apprentices! My speciality is bodywork (huge shortages in that area) Porsche run a fantastic programme along with Audi.

He has shown me all the training centres some of these car brands have and they look fab. I think it’s a great way of starting a career rather than going to college etc.
He is one of five candidates. I hope him not having a full licence yet won’t put them off him.

Some more general info: Look at a website called Glassdoor - people leave feedback on companies they’ve worked for, including what happened at interview.
Have good examples of team work - this can be from any aspect of life, but if he’s been part of any fund raising activities - say at school - all the better. Any mentoring of younger pupils? Coaching youngsters at (for example) a sport - shows community spirit and a willingness to get stuck in. Also be very aware of the skills needed for the job and have examples of how he meets them. This is important.
Has he represented his school at anything?
What are his personal accomplishments and what is he proud of? What are his hobbies and how can these show him in a good light?
Any part-time jobs he’s done when at school also show he is adaptable, even if unrelated to the job.
Does he belong to any online groups or forums iro the company or his interest in cars? When asked if he has any other questions, make sure he has.
His interview doesn’t have to be dry and boring, if he can relax and interact with the interviewers all the better.
Remember good eye contact, be personable and shake hands. Good luck!

Practice questions with him - when/where has he overcome a challenge, why does he want to work in the industry, when did he discover a passion for cars, why should they pick him and not someone else, what are his greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Remember he’s not just competing against other GCSE leavers… apprenticeships are often snapped up by those with A levels and even degrees so he really needs to shine.

Make sure he knows some practical things at least as answering questions well will only go so far especially if there is stiff competition - anyone can practice answers and research the company and industry but can he recognise tools, car parts, understand how to do some basics at least in theory... has he ever tinkered or fixed things etc that kind of stuff is how some companies separate candidates in final stages