Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain access to a company, and open doors to a number of opportunities in any chosen sector. As with any job application process it can feel daunting, so we’ve pulled together some of our tips and advice to help guide you through the apprenticeship application process.
How To Apply For An Apprenticeship
You apply for apprenticeships in the same way you apply for any other job! Write your application, apply, and if successful – attend an interview! Most apprenticeships, including all of those delivered by Tyne North Training are advertised on https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
What Do I Include In My Apprenticeship Application?
Before starting your application it’s important that you research the apprenticeship thoroughly! Knowing the role inside out will help give you a better understanding of how to make a good impression and make sure that you list the relevant skills that you possess. Your application will also need to be tailored to the apprenticeship that you’re applying for, so if you’re applying to a variety you’ll need to adapt your application to each one by listing the relevant and applicable skills on your application form.
Tie in any relevant hobbies and experiences with what you’ll be doing in the apprenticeship, and make sure that you talk about your interests, skills and qualities too! However make sure that you have examples for these – for example if you state that you have good communication skills make sure you can back it up with an example of a time of when you’ve shown this, e.g. if you were in the school debating team.
Perhaps find out if there’s a number that you can call to have an informal chat about the role to help you gain a better understanding and feel more confident when writing your application. If this is your first apprenticeship application process, it is only natural that you may have a few questions about how the process works and what is involved. Once your application is complete, make sure you get someone else to read through your application form, just to check for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
When Do I Need To Apply For An Apprenticeship?
Just like with any other job, you should apply for an apprenticeship as soon as you see one that appeals to you. There’s no ‘right time’ to apply for an apprenticeship, as application deadlines and start dates vary from business to business. However, it’s always best to apply in advance, get your application in early, and avoid rushing to submit a last minute application. Ideally you should start looking around 6 months before you’re hoping to start. Large employers will typically recruit in advance so they may advertise for a vacancy in February but it may not start until October, but it’s good to get something secured and then be free to get on with exams in school, college or sixth form. If you are struggling to find an apprenticeship that’s right for you, make sure to keep checking back for any new vacancies and sign up to alerts. Additionally, if there are companies you’re interested in working for, but they aren’t advertising, it’s always worth contacting them to ask.
Apprenticeship Interviews
If your application is successful you’ll then be shortlisted and asked to go in for an interview. As with any other job interview you’ll need to prepare and ensure that you make the best possible first impression. Your application is your opportunity to sell yourself on paper, but your interview is your opportunity to sell yourself in person!
Interviews can be extremely nerve wracking, but the more prepared you are the more confident you’ll feel. Doing practice interviews in the lead up will help you feel more confident and ready for the big day. Ask a friend or family member to run through some practice interview questions, and researching the company beforehand will help you understand the company’s values and help you with talking points.
Remember to ask questions! This will show you’re paying attention and interested in what the interviewer is saying. It might help to come up with a few questions in preparation so you’re not put on the spot on the day. Think about anything you want to find out from the employer – maybe some areas of the job description were unclear, or you want to confirm what you’ll be doing on a daily basis.
On the day of your interview it’s important that you dress formally and present yourself professionally. For boys we recommend a pair of smart trousers, and a shirt and tie. For girls a smart blouse with tailored trousers or a skirt.
There are also a few things you should take with you on the day:
- Your CV – the interviewer will most likely have a copy of your CV in front of them during the interview, but it’s useful to bring your own as you can refer back to it whenever you need to.
- A copy of the job/apprenticeship description – this will be useful to refer back to during the interview, and might help you with talking points.
- Notepad and pen – making notes throughout the interview will show the employer that you’re interested and engaged.
Interested in finding out a few more interview tips? Read through our ‘Top Tips For Your Apprenticeship Interview’!
Tyne North Training is a specialist apprenticeship training provider. – We have a proud history of training apprentices dating back almost 50 years. Thousands of North East employees have taken the first steps in their successful careers with a Tyne North Training apprenticeship. We provide apprenticeships in the Engineering and Business Administration sectors and currently manage around 450 apprentices, working in approximately 150 different employers.