I run a mechanical company in Burlington County: HVAC and plumbing, mostly schools and warehouses, a lot of it prevailing-wage public work. I hire apprentices every year and this fall I need two. I'm not posting a job here, and I won't take applications through this site. But I get asked the same questions every time I interview, so ask them here and I'll answer honestly. Fair warning: our jobs are on public schools, so there's certified payroll, background checks, and early starts. That isn't for everyone, and that's fine.
Mechanical contractor (HVAC + plumbing) · 24 years · Burlington County, NJ
Mentor
Interview: they can't tell me why they want this trade, or they badmouth their last boss. First month: lateness. I'll teach anybody who's there at 6. I can't teach someone who isn't.
Mechanical contractor (HVAC + plumbing) · 24 years · Burlington County, NJ
Mentor
One I get every time: would I look at someone coming out of a warehouse with no field experience? Yes. Warehouse people know how to work a shift and follow a safety rule. Get your driver's license squared away if it isn't, take an OSHA 10 if you can, and apply. That's more than a lot of applicants bring.
Camden County vo-tech grad, 2 years in... what's the biggest reason you don't hire someone after the interview? edit: or don't keep them after the first month