There is a serious shortage of apprentices in the electrical industry but often employers are reluctant to take on youngsters as apprentices. Many colleges offer training courses however trainees often have problems finding places to gain work experience. If you find yourself in this position then the following suggestions may give you some ideas of how to find a job as an apprentice electrician.

You will need to create your resume or cv ready for when you start to apply for jobs. Your CV's covering letter could include reasons why you want to work for that company and assets you have to offer.

Put the Word Out. Let people know that you intend to train as an electrician. Your friends and family may know or may even work alongside electricians in the construction industry. You can then find out if any opportunities arise.

Do Some Research. You will have a lot to learn so start by compiling a list of questions that you need answering. You can find lots of information about electricians online. Make yourself aware of the safety issues where electricity is involved and also learn about electrician's tools, wiring and types of cables. Employers will be impressed if you already know something about the job and aren't baffled by technical jargon. Electrical forums are a very good place to learn about electrician's work, the problems and the jargon electricians use.

Finding Jobs. Find local electricians and electrical companies to approach for work. Get their information from telephone and trade directories and also look online for local electrical companies. Contact them by phone and offer to send your CV. Posting out lots of CVs can be expensive so be sure to call first. Emailing is obviously free but only use this method if you have been asked to. Don't send unsolicited emails as they are rarely opened and often trashed. Regularly look in the classified section of your local paper for jobs and also in the business section for electricians advertising in your area. Electrician's forums often have a jobs section and are a good place to make contact with potential employers and get advice.

To begin with offering to work for free as an electrician's mate will show that you are eager to learn. Work experience will also help you get a feel for the job as an electrician. Sometimes these arrangements can lead to a permanent position.

Training. Contact employment and recruitment agencies as they may be able to tell you which companies are recruiting and where to find information about electrical apprenticeships. Try the Job Centre for information about companies recruiting in your area and about training courses. Colleges often run their own apprenticeship schemes and may be able to put you in contact with electricians and electrical companies offering placements. Some larger electrical contractors and construction companies have their own websites dedicated to recruiting and training apprentice electricians.

Trainees Mindset. Be sure to learn as much as you can from each experienced electrician that you have the chance to work with. You will soon find that there is more than one way to do the same job and everyone has there own preferred methods and techniques. Ask lots of questions and study the way each electrician works. In this way you can soon build up your own knowledge and problem solving skills. Don't see being an electrician as just a job. You will realise that there is more to an electrician's work than simply installing and maintaining equipment and wiring. Electricians have a responsibility for the safety of their work and also for the safety of those who use their installations afterwards.

Courses. Most electrical training courses for 16 to 18 year old trainees are funded by the government and are free of charge. Applicants over the age of 19 will normally be asked to pay a fee for their course. Courses will be full time or day release and the Level 3 qualification will require trainees to be employed for 'on-site' assessments. Most companies obviously prefer their apprentices to attend college one day a week.