Employer expectations

Succeeding in your new job will largely be defined by whether you meet the expectations of your employer. So, what is your new boss likely to look for once you get started?

What will your host employer look for in you?

The following are all personal attributes that an employer will look for in any apprentice or trainee who works for them:

1. A strong work ethic

Employers value employees who understand and possess a willingness to work hard. They also look for employees who know how to work smart. This means learning the most efficient way to complete tasks safely, competently and on time. Doing more than is expected on the job is a good way to show your boss you have good time management skills.

2. Dependability and responsibility

Employers value employees who come to work on time, are there when they are supposed to be and are responsible for their actions and behaviour. It’s important to keep your employer abreast of changes in your schedule or if you are going to be late for any reason. This means providing them with regular updates on the progress of your projects.

Being dependable and responsible shows your employer that you value your job.

3. A positive attitude

Employers seek employees who take the initiative and have the motivation to get the job done in a reasonable period of time. A positive attitude gets the work done and motivates others to do the same. Enthusiastic employees create an environment of goodwill and are positive role models for others. 

4. Adaptability

Being flexible and open to change creates opportunities to complete work assignments in an efficient manner. Adaptability can also mean being responsive to the personalities and work habits of co-workers and supervisors. Each person possesses their own set of strengths – adapting personal behaviours to accommodate others is what it takes to work effectively as a team.

5. Honesty and integrity

Good relationships are built on trust. Employers want to know they can trust you and that you’ll do what you say you’ll do. Being honest and maintaining a high standard of moral and ethical behaviour will help you win the trust of both your employer and co-workers.

6. Self-motivation

Employers like to know they can rely on employees to get work done in a timely and efficient manner without constant supervision. Employers who hire self-motivated employees do themselves an enormous favour. Once a self-motivated employee understands their responsibility on the job, they will do it without any pushing from others.

7. Self-confidence

A self-confident person is someone who can inspire others. A self-confident person is not afraid to ask questions when they lack understanding. They also feel little need to impress others with what they know. Self-confident people will admit to making a mistake and they recognise their strengths as well as their weaknesses.

8. Professionalism

Employers value employees who exhibit professional behaviour at all times. Professional behaviour includes learning every aspect of a job and doing it to the best of their ability. Professionals look, speak and dress in a way that shows they take pride in their behaviour and appearance.

9. Loyalty

Employers value employees they can trust and who exhibit loyalty to the company. And loyalty can be a two-way street. Employees today want to feel a sense of satisfaction in their jobs and will do a good job when they feel that their employer is fair and wants to see them succeed. As a result, more companies today encourage employee feedback and offer employees an opportunity to lead in their area of expertise. Loyalty shown therefore becomes loyalty earned.

Find an apprenticeship/traineeship

See what apprenticeships and traineeships we currently have on offer across Australia.

We offer a wide range of trades including building, plumbing, office administration and much more.

Take a look