Applying for Apprenticeships 

Hi,   

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many of the next generation as possible to work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, making them happy and fulfilled adults.  

With no support myself as I faced choosing my options, and no guidance on the choices ahead of me after that, I know now that my life would have been very different if some (any) kind of mentor had been around. I want to offer hints and tips on what to think about as you face these crossroads, taking you by the hand, so to speak.  

Join me in making sure you make the right decisions for you, taking the path that will take you to the job that you’re excited to get up for in the morning, keen to start…  

But first grab a coffee (and snack) and let’s start with you. 

Taking an apprenticeship is more of a hands-on approach to learning a job. Simply it’s learning on the job from a mentor who’ll teach you a craft, while showing you the day-to-day challenges you’ll face and how to overcome them. For example, if you’re a builder, should you put skirting on using a straight line when a floor is sloped, or work with the slope. (Answer is: work with the slope so it looks right!) 

This way you’ll learn through experience, not books. 

However, you can still study for formal qualifications as well - that door never shuts.  

In fact, some apprenticeships allow (expect) you to attend college one or two days a week. If your particular course doesn’t expect you to, you can, of course, study online in the evening or attend an evening course at a college which will give you formal qualifications to back your experience.  

Perhaps you want to be a hairdresser but aim to be a manager, or even run your own salon eventually. You can take an apprenticeship in hairdressing, and then study a management and/or business course in the evenings. 

If formal qualifications will give you above and beyond what you learn as an apprentice, research course structures, length of study and entry requirements. Also, consider any cost.  

Note: I think it’s easier to continue studying now if you can, rather than come back to it after a few years, just because studying for exams is a specific mindset and you’ve still got it having just studied for your GCSE’s. 

Next step… 

So, having pinned down your passion, purpose, and goals, it’s time to seek advice from your parents, teachers and career counsellors to confirm that they believe your personality and performance so far supports your chosen career path.  

For instance, do you want to be an electrician but don’t have steady hands? Are you keen on being a dentist, again needing steady hands? If not, these may not be the ideal path for you.  

Do you have a calm nature and are good at listening? How about a career in counselling, but if you have a quick temper… 

Note: if the advice you get implies it will be a struggle, consider doing a job around your choice, ie if you want to be a beauty consultant but you’re colour blind, think about hair styling (just not dying!). 

Or perhaps, if you have a leaning towards investigating, work towards discovering a way to overcome colour blindness? 

You’ll still achieve enormous job satisfaction, while protecting your mental health in not studying for something that, ultimately, just isn’t going to work.  

So, once you have all the facts about your character traits, suitability for the line of work and taken practical considerations into account, the next step is to… 

Identify suitable apprenticeships… 

Research the types of apprenticeships you are interested in and find out what entry requirements they have.  

Some apprenticeships may require specific GCSE grades in certain subjects, while others may be more flexible. 

Explore different institutions to gain insights to make informed decisions. Gather all the facts together first. 

Find apprenticeship vacancies… 

Look for apprenticeship vacancies on job websites, company career pages, and apprenticeship portals.  

Websites like the National Apprenticeship Service (https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/) can be helpful in finding apprenticeship opportunities. 

Check out any likely jobs by researching the firm/company. 

There’s also word of mouth. Practically all parents will have had a need for an electrician, plumber, or just an odd-job assistance and have contacts you can approach. 

Then… 

Prepare your CV and cover letter… 

Create a well-written Curriculum Vitae. A Curriculum Vitae (commonly referred to as a ‘CV’) is a document that sets out your academic achievements (GCSE grades), any relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, and skills.  

The document shows potential employers whether you’ve studied the subjects needed for the job and whether you’ve shown you’re really interested in the line of work you’re applying for.  

Meanwhile, extracurricular activities display whether you’re a team player and demonstrate commitment.  

See my articles ‘Acing your basic CV’ and ‘Acing a basic compelling CV cover letter’ for more advice.  

Then take a look at ‘Tailoring your CV and covering letter to a particular job’ for each apprenticeship role you’re applying for. 

Applying online… 

Most apprenticeship applications are submitted online through the company's application system or through the government's apprenticeship portal.  

Having already prepared your CV and covering letter, you’ll have the information ready to copy over, saving time and, more importantly, ensuring you don’t forget anything that could sway a potential employer. 

Follow the instructions provided on the website and ensure you complete all required sections of the application. 

Meet deadlines… 

Pay close attention to application deadlines so as not to miss the specified date.  

If the post has a huge response, late applications may not be considered. 

Prepare for interviews… 

When your application is successful, the next step is the interview.  

See my article ‘Acing your job apprenticeship interview’ and you’ll have a memorable interview for the right reasons. 

Consider work experience… 

If you find it challenging to secure an apprenticeship immediately, consider gaining relevant work experience or volunteering in your chosen field. 

This can enhance your CV and make you a stronger candidate for future opportunities. 

Stay persistent…  

Getting an apprenticeship can be competitive, so don't be discouraged by initial rejections.  

Keep applying to different opportunities and refining your application and interview skills. 

Remember, while GCSE results are essential, employers also value other qualities, such as motivation, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in the industry. Use your application, then your interview, to showcase your passion and willingness to learn. 

Finally, be patient and persistent throughout the process.  

Apprenticeships can be an excellent way to kickstart your career, and with determination and effort, you’ll increase your chances of finding the right opportunity for you. Your first step to your ideal career. 

Let me know how you get on, I’d love to hear from you. 

Good luck!