Interview Tips

So, you filled out the application, passed the tests, and scheduled the interview… now what? Prepare!

Good news… you’ve found the best place to guide you.

Disclaimer: This page contains interview tips and should only be considered helpful advice. Nothing on this page guarantees admission into the program. The process may be altered or changed at any time, and candidates should always rely on the information presented in the official application.

Overview

The interview is the final and most crucial step in the class selection process. It’s a 15-minute slot to tell the panel about yourself and why you want to join the skilled trades. Fifteen minutes isn’t much time, so it’s best to come in calm, focused, and most importantly… portraying your actual self. Minimize anxiety by taking care of details before the big day.

Reminder

This is a zero-tolerance, drug-free program (including marijuana), with random drug screens. We've seen many attempts to fake drug tests over the years and have got very good at catching it. If you can't maintain a drug-free lifestyle, this career isn't for you.

Proper Research

Understand the career you’re pursuing. Watch videos, read websites, search online, and talk to professionals. It’s important to know what you’re getting into. The piping trade is diverse, so learn about the various tasks involved.

United Association Website
United Association Website
Plumber’s Local 98 Website
Plumber’s Local 98 Website
Plumbing Training Center’s Website
Plumbing Training Center’s Website
Pipefitter’s Local 636 Website
Pipefitter’s Local 636 Website
Pipefitter’s Training Center Website
Pipefitter’s Training Center Website
Mechanical Contractors of Detroit Website
Mechanical Contractors of Detroit Website

Pro Tip: Plumbing and pipefitting are physically demanding. Ensure you meet all requirements. Consider your desires and abilities and be aware of other skilled trades that may suit different people.

Interview Logistics

Dress to Impress

Your attire shows how seriously you want the job and respect the interview process. Business casual or better is a good standard. Avoid hats and unkempt appearances. Present yourself professionally to be taken seriously by the selection panel.

Bring the Correct Documents

Driver’s License

Transcripts

Military Records (as applicable)

6 Resume Copies

Letters of Recommendation

Arrive Early

To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early. This allows you to check in, settle your mind, prepare yourself physically, and interview well. There is also a chance that interviews may run ahead, and it helps if we can get you early (if needed) to keep the process efficient. Fuel up your car the day before, plan for the weather, and expect traffic.

Upon Arrival

You will meet the Interview Proctor and be asked to sign off on a few items. No surprises, here’s what you will be asked:

Please present your Michigan Driver’s License. Is it active? Are there any current restrictions? If there are any restrictions, please provide details.
Please present any documentation you brought for distribution (transcripts, resumes, military records, etc.). Is this documentation current, accurate, and legitimate?
Please confirm that you have reliable means of transportation for getting to work and school on a daily basis.
Has any of the information that you previously submitted on your application changed? If yes, explain.
Please confirm that you understand that the majority of our geographic jurisdiction involves the Huron, Sanilac, and that portion of Huron County laying east of Highway M-53, St. Clair/Port Huron, Township of Brighton in Livingston County, Oakland/Pontiac, Macomb, Wayne/Detroit (map provided), and that you could be asked to work in ANY of those locations.
Please confirm that you are currently drug free and able to pass a drug test.
Please confirm that you understand that this is a zero tolerance, drug free program (including marijuana), that involves random drug screens, and that removal from the program can happen at any time, if you are to fail a test.

In the Interview Room

When you enter the interview room, you will be asked to sit at a table with seven people: three representatives from labor (Local 98 or 636), three representatives from management (MCA Detroit), and the Panel Chair. The Panel Chair will do most of the talking to keep the process moving efficiently, as we only have 15 minutes for each interview. However, any member of the selection panel may ask for clarification or a follow-up question at any time.

Helpful Reminder

Everyone in that room wants to see you interview well. We are all on your side, we appreciate you being there, and we are excited to meet you. Go into that interview feeling comfortable and confident.

Interview Question Preparation

The Panel Chair will ask you approximately eleven structured questions, with possible follow-up, within a span of fifteen minutes. These questions are designed to help the Selection Panel learn about your interest in this specific apprenticeship, relevant work/life experience, and your strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some topics you should be prepared to discuss:

Yourself: Who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done, schooling, hobbies, etc.

Reasons for Applying to this Specific Apprenticeship: There are many trades to choose from, but why did you pick this one? Go as deep as you can on why you’re confident this is the right career choice for you.

Your Understanding of the Trade: Do you know what the daily activities of this trade look like? If you don’t, how do you know you want to make a career out of it? Show the panel you are serious by knowing what you are asking to do.

Your Technical Training and/or Hands-on Experience: How mechanically inclined are you? Do you work with your hands, use any tools, take apart cars/bikes/appliances, complete home projects, etc.? Do you have any formal training or mentoring? While trade experience is not required, the panel will want to know where you rate yourself in terms of being mechanically inclined overall.

Previous Life Experience that has Prepared You for the Trade: What experiences, if any, do you think have prepared you for the trades?

Do you have experience working in extreme hot or cold conditions?
Do you possess the physical strength and stamina needed?
What is your tolerance for heights and confined spaces?
How are you at taking directions from peers?
Are you able to complete tasks by a deadline?

Time Management: This program will require balancing multiple demands. How do you stay on top of all your commitments? Do you have a personal method to ensure you can keep your commitments and fulfill your obligations?

Strengths and Areas of Improvement: We all have things we do very well and areas where we need improvement. A good apprentice can recognize where they excel and, more importantly, where they need to grow. Think about both areas in your life.

Next Steps

At the conclusion of your interview, you will have the opportunity to ask any follow-up questions to the Interview Proctor before you leave the Training Center. If it is not already completed, the selection panel will run background checks on all candidates to close the official selection process.

All candidates will be informed of the results within a few weeks of the interview process. Candidates are either admitted into the program, put in a “pool” for future class consideration, or denied.

There are always many candidates for very few spots, so it is highly encouraged for all candidates who did not make it to reapply. Denied candidates who seek to reapply are also highly encouraged to seek professional development prior to the next interview process. This type of effort can reflect very positively on the drive and desire of the candidate.