Improve your apprenticeship reasoning skills

Getting a top apprenticeship

Welcome to School Entrance Tests’ apprenticeship Pros and cons.

Apprenticeship reasoning skills practice

  • fifth of teens plan to choose an apprenticeship over university in the future – with many worrying about student debt, no guarantee of a job and delaying the start of their career.
  • A study of 800 11–18-year-olds and their parents found getting paid while learning and experiencing working life appeals to some youngsters rather than university.
    While 27 per cent feel unless the job they want specifically requires a degree, university is not a sensible route to go down.
  • And 31 per cent believe the rising cost of living means university is no longer such a good idea.

Our Apprenticeships Pros and cons

The pros of an apprenticeship, according to teens, are learning new skills (25 per cent), getting practical experience (21 per cent) and adding work experience to their CV (20 per cent).
Despite this, the research commissioned by Virgin Media O2, found almost double the number of parents hope their child will go to university (41 per cent), compared to those who want to see them do an apprenticeship (21 per cent).

Busting apprenticeship myths

  • 32 per cent of parents think a degree will lead to more career success than an apprenticeship scheme (20 per cent). And 13 per cent go as far as saying they wouldn’t approve if their child chose an apprenticeship over university.
  • Low pay (28 per cent) and having to balance working and learning (22 per cent) are among the aspects of an apprenticeship which put parents off encouraging their child down that route.
  • However, 22 per cent agreed not getting into debt is a positive of an apprenticeship, as well as their child feeling independent (20 per cent) and improving employability (22 per cent).
  •  13 per cent of parents are aware that schemes can lead to a career in cyber security, while just 14 per cent of 11-18-year-olds believe there are apprenticeships in finance.
  • In comparison, engineering, construction and plumbing are the top areas teens and their parents know apprenticeships are available in.

Some expected apprenticeships Pros and cons

Depending on the sector you are going into, you will likely face a different combination of aptitude tests –  apprenticeships require skills in various areas.

The most common apprenticeship aptitude tests

Here is a list of some of the most common apprenticeship aptitude tests you may encounter:

  • Numerical Reasoning Test – Assesses your ability to perform basic mathematical functions. You will be required to solve basic word problems and apply mathematical concepts to them.

  • Verbal Reasoning Test – Extremely common as a prerequisite for many apprenticeships, this assessment asks questions related to vocabulary and text analysis. You will need to identify analogies, fill in the blanks and define words.

  • Abstract Reasoning Test – This exam measures your abstract reasoning skills using non-verbal questions.

  • Personality Test – An extremely popular tool that gives your future employer a better idea of your personality. This helps employers evaluate whether your character traits match those required for the position.

  • Situational Judgement Test (SJT) – An SJT will present you with different work-related scenarios and assess how you respond to each one.

  • Mechanical Comprehension Test – Usually given to those going into engineering, mechanical, manufacturing and energy apprenticeships. It measures your understanding of basic mechanical principles.

  • Spatial Reasoning Test – Measures your spatial awareness. It presents various shapes and patterns and requires you to identify the relationship between them.

  • Diagrammatic Reasoning Test – Uses diagrams and other non-verbal information to evaluate your logic and reasoning.

  • Error Checking Test – A technical test that measures your ability to review documents and spot mistakes.

Which test providers offer apprentice aptitude tests?

  • Saville Consulting uses the Swift Comprehension Aptitude Test for a variety of apprenticeships: engineering, manufacturing, construction, and customer service. Would-be law or accounting apprentices may face the Saville Swift Aptitude Test too.
  • CEB’s SHL is one of the largest testing companies which offers various apprenticeship aptitude tests. The Verify Calculation test is given to those applying for administrative and clerical apprenticeships. The Verify Mechanical Comprehension test is given to those applying for manufacturing or engineering apprenticeships.

apprenticeships Pros and cons

How can I prepare?

Depending on your apprenticeship, you will likely encounter a variety of different aptitude tests. We recommend finding out as much as you can about the test/s you will face.

Each apprenticeship application uses the services of a different assessment company, and each provider has its own test format, questions, and instructions for its aptitude tests. Luckily, you will probably receive a clue about the assessment in the invitation for the test. There is usually even a link to the test itself!

It is important to make sure you prepare using practice materials similar to the actual exam.

Check out JobTestPrep’s apprenticeship aptitude test preparation pack, which includes

  • verbal reasoning test practice.
  • numerical reasoning test practice.

error checking,

spatial reasoning test practice.

mechanical reasoning test practice.

diagrammatical reasoning test practice.

 

Other School Entrance Tests’ related resources

apprenticeships Pros and cons