Applying for an apprenticeship can be a daunting task. Take a look at our checklist for tips on how to create an application that cannot be ignored.
Applying is the First Step to Getting the Apprenticeship of Your Dreams
You can apply for as many apprenticeships as you want, unlike when you apply for universities through UCAS. We encourage you to apply to both universities and apprenticeships so you can see what offers you get and make a balanced decision about what is best for you.
As such, it might seem scary, but in reality, there are no commitments when you apply for apprenticeships. You’re just letting the employer know you’re interested, and even if the employer decides you are a good candidate, you can back out at any time.
Sadly, getting an apprenticeship always starts with an application so you cannot avoid it. However, by following our simple guide and top tips, you will have nothing to worry about. You will even have a step up over the other candidates towards getting into your dream apprenticeship scheme.
Your Checklist for Creating a Stand-Out Application
It’s About You – Not Just Your Qualifications
How you get an apprenticeship is almost precisely the same as how you get a job, except the employer will not expect you to have all the necessary skills already. This means that your apprenticeship application shouldn’t concentrate so much on your qualifications, but on which behaviours and skills make you the perfect candidate for the role.
This is also relevant for fitting into the company. Whether you went to a prestigious school or not makes no difference – being someone who will get on with the staff does.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
To impress, you should get in the mindset of the employer. They have likely sifted through hundreds of similar applications, so yours has to stand out. If you just put in the necessary information that every other candidate has added, the employer will end up ignoring it.
Think about what makes you unique and celebrate it. Today more than ever, employers are keen to be as diverse as possible – so don’t be scared to be different; it could be your greatest asset.
Do Your Research
No role is the same. Sending out a standard application to every different job will be a significant red signal to the employer that you can’t be bothered to do your research. Having that kind of proactivity will make the difference between yourself and another candidate.
There are a few easy wins that you should always consider when going for an interview. They are principally about making sure you are on time, know where you are going and prepared for the oncoming discussion.
The latter means having some examples regarding your skills and experience that you can discuss and having a question or two lined up for the interviewer. Such questions include things like “What has kept you working for this organisation?” or something simple such as “What is the typical working day like in this apprenticeship?”.
There are some common interview questions which are mostly the same as in a typical interview. Just be clear and confident about why you want this position and why you would be good at it, and you will be fine. Some examples include:
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Can you tell us more about yourself?
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Why do you think you would suit this role?
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Why did you apply to this apprenticeship?
Whether it is through Skype, Microsoft Teams or Zoom, everyone is getting used to shifting to online methods of communication. This means that even employers aren’t sure what rules to set.
As a rule of thumb, almost all employers will keep the rules the same as they had them before. So, do your research and find out if they would ask for a smart dress code in a face-to-face interview.
If it isn’t clear, try looking at what kind of attire their staff wear in staff photos on the website. By fitting in with their usual dress code, you will seem like a good fit for their company culture and shows that you are proactive at doing your research.
