According to UCAS, there are 7 top tips to help you apply for an apprenticeship:
- Research the apprenticeship thoroughly. You’ll need to know the role inside-out for your application and any possible interviews – you can find out more about different subjects and the expected job roles on our website. Check if there’s a number you can call for an informal chat about the role – don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
- Make a list of your experiences, hobbies, and interests. Print it off and keep it in front of you while you apply. If you get stuck, you can refer to it throughout your application. You need to compare and match your experience with what the employer and training provider are looking for in their job specification.
- Make sure you tailor your application to the job you’re applying for. Tie in your experiences and hobbies with what you’ll be doing in the apprenticeship. For example, if you’re applying for an apprenticeship in engineering, talk about relevant projects you’ve worked on in science or maths.
- You’ll need to be able to write about yourself. If you’re stuck, ask teachers, friends, and family to list your three top qualities to give you a starting point.
- Talk about your skills and qualities, not just your hobbies. For example, if you’ve been the captain of the school football team, this shows leadership and teamwork skills.
- The application form will be similar to a job application. You’ll need to provide examples to prove what you’re talking about. For example, if you say communication is a strength of yours, have evidence – like being on the school debating team – to back this up.
- Don’t just spellcheck your application – get someone to read through it before you send it. Good spelling, punctuation, and grammar are important.