Are You Ready For Apprenticeship?
Many people don't know what an apprentice does or how apprenticeship works. Did you know that an apprentice is an employee and a student at the same time? Did you know that every apprenticeship has its own entry requirements, and it can be a competitive process?
Take this quiz and find out what skills you have - or may need to work on - to be the best candidate for a construction trades apprenticeship. If you answer the questions honestly, you will get a good idea if you are ready for and would be happy in a construction trades career.
- 1.
Are you 18 years of age or older?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Nearly all registered apprenticeships expect you to be 18 when you apply.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
Working on it
Correct Answer(s)
A. Yes
C. Working on itExplanation
Most registered apprenticeships expect you to have graduated from high school or completed a GED before you apply.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Do you have a valid Washington State driver's license?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Nearly all apprentices will have to drive a considerable distance or even drive company vehicles from time to time. A valid license in the state where you live is almost always a condition of employment.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Do you have reliable transportation?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
As an apprentice, you may have to commute to a worksite, and it could be an hour or more away from your home.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Are you ok with working outside in extreme conditions (such as cold/wet, snow, or extreme heat)?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
If you are not comfortable working outside in any type of weather, or you are not prepared for it, it can be a real shock. Construction workers must be okay with getting wet, cold, or extremely hot and have the right clothes and habits to take care of themselves.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Can you work in confined spaces with dirt, mud, bugs?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
If you can't stand being dirty, or you get freaked out by creepy crawlies or gross bathrooms, this work may not be for you!Rate this question:
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- 7.
Are you afraid of heights?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Construction professionals work in a range of extreme and sometimes dangerous environments. They must take precautions and be willing to work in a variety of situations.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The equation is used to calculate what?
- A.
Algebraic Probability
- B.
Principles of Elevation
- C.
The Pythagorean Theorum
- D.
Ohm's Law
Correct Answer
C. The Pythagorean TheorumExplanation
This equation helps you calculate right triangles and it is a math skill that you will need to be able to do in your head!Rate this question:
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- 9.
You are calculating a ratio of 4,000 pounds of cement, sand and crushed rock. There are eight parts to the mix. If one part is cement and two parts are sand, how many pounds need to be crushed rock?
- A.
3000 lbs
- B.
2500 lbs
- C.
2750 lbs
Correct Answer
B. 2500 lbsExplanation
Understanding and calculating ratios is important so you don't waste material. In this question, if you didn't have the right mix of material, you may not have been able to properly prepare it for a driveway, a concrete form, or other important function.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Ohm's Law is a fundamental math principle used by electricians. There is a formula for power and a formula for voltage.In the equation E = I x R, what does E represent?
- A.
Current
- B.
Energy
- C.
Voltage
Correct Answer
C. VoltageExplanation
All construction trades require a high skill of mathematics, and you will need to apply theorum to practical situations. There are math classes that can help you, if you are not proficient in math. You also need to be able to accurately do math in your mind - a project counts on high level math for accuracy and safety!Rate this question:
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- 11.
How many inches is .35'?
- A.
35 inches
- B.
17 inches
- C.
3.5 inches
- D.
4.25 inches
Correct Answer
D. 4.25 inchesExplanation
It is a common practice to convert a decimal to inches. You will need to be able to do it both ways!Rate this question:
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- 12.
You are installing pipe and you need to know how much capacity can flow through it. What calculation do you use?
- A.
C=3.14xd
- B.
V=Bh
- C.
A=3.14xr
Correct Answer
B. V=BhExplanation
You need to understand geometric/trigometric principles, such as calculating volume, circumference and area, and understand in what circumstances you use these calculations.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Can you carry 50 lbs up three flights of stairs without stopping to rest?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
It doesn't matter if you are slight of build or muscular, you can expect a ton of hard physical work, including hauling materials, when you are an apprentice. No one will do it for you, and you have to be strong enough to do what is expected of you and in the time frame you are given.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Do you exercise at least 30 minutes daily?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
If you don't exercise now, especially cardio and weights, think about how you will add exercise to your daily routine before you enter an apprenticeship. It is important to keep physically fit!Rate this question:
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- 15.
Are you a morning person?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
This is actually VERY important! Most projects happen in off hours, and can start very early in the day. Being ON TIME in construction means arriving at your jobsite, having your car parked, your tools ready, your lunch and cell phone put away, AT LEAST 30 to 40 minutes before the day is going to start. So, if your call is 6am, be there, ready to go, by 5:30am or don't expect to keep a job.Rate this question:
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- 16.
If someone gives you verbal instructions, can you follow them precisely?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
If you have a hard time with verbal instructions, or just plain don't like being told what to do and how to do it, then the hierarchy of apprenticeship could be a challenge for you. You can always ask for help and clarification, but there are usually very good reasons someone tells you how to do something on a job - remember, you are the learner and not yet the boss! Doing something in a different way than you are told or taught can cause problems too, unless it is clearly unsafe or against company policy.Rate this question:
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- 17.
If you have children, do you have reliable care for them, especially on evenings and weekends?
- A.
Yes - I have day care or family options that are consistent
- B.
No, especially not on weekends or evenings
- C.
Not applicable - no children
- D.
During week but not on weekends or evenings
Correct Answer(s)
A. Yes - I have day care or family options that are consistent
C. Not applicable - no childrenExplanation
Many large scale projects where apprentices are employed happen at off hours, such as heavy highway construction.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Do you have any health conditions that prevent you from lifting heavy objects, climbing ladders or stairs, or performing hard labor?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Even if you don't have a health condition, you need to be in top shape to safely and successfully work in construction. Evaluate your diet, exercise and overall health habits when you are thinking about a construction career.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Anyone can experience hazing or harassment on a jobsite, especially women and people of color. You can feel isolated, and you need to know that not every stressful situation can be easily resolved. Do you have healthy ways of dealing with stress?
- A.
Yes, I have worked in stressful situations before
- B.
No, I need to think about it
- C.
Yes, but I haven't always used good judgment in handling stressful situations
Correct Answer
A. Yes, I have worked in stressful situations beforeExplanation
No matter what career you choose, there is potential that you may encounter difficulty with co-workers or superiors. Construction is a non-traditional career path for women, and historically there has been some discrimination. You need a thick skin and the ability to assimilate into the construction work culture to realistically do well in trades.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Many apprentices are out of work for periods of time, particularly in winter months or when the economy is bad. You may not get much notice before you are laid off a job. Do you know how to create a 12 month budget on 9 months of work?
- A.
Not sure - may not have enough resources to be ready for a lay off
- B.
Not great with setting budgets and keeping within reasonable spending guidelines
- C.
Yes, I can set a budget and I'm willing to evaluate my expenses
Correct Answer
C. Yes, I can set a budget and I'm willing to evaluate my expensesExplanation
It can be stressful to not work for periods of time, and if you have many bills, you need to be able to manage your living expenses.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What is YOUR motivating reason for considering apprenticeship
- A.
Really need a job right now
- B.
Apprentices earn a paycheck while they learn
- C.
I love working with my hands
- D.
I feel pride in completing a project
- E.
I have been part of building or remodeling projects in the past and enjoyed it
Correct Answer(s)
C. I love working with my hands
D. I feel pride in completing a project
E. I have been part of building or remodeling projects in the past and enjoyed itExplanation
If you are struggling to find a job or need to earn pay right away, apprenticeship may not be the best choice for you. It is a long-term commitment to a career path, and not an easy answer to work. There are several upfront expenses like buying tools, work clothes, and paying dues or tuition to factor into the decision. If you really don't know much about a specific trade or occupation, you may find you don't like it. And if you aren't good with math or fitness, trades work can be difficult - it is both a mental and physical challenge.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 27, 2010Quiz Created by
Hwinfrey
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