Getting an apprenticeship

Finding an apprenticeship

There are hundreds of apprenticeships you can choose from. Think about what you enjoy and what kind of job you’d like to do. If you’re not sure where to start, you can browse by what interests you.

Find an apprenticeship website

Look at the Find an apprenticeship website to explore different roles you could have. The website is used by thousands of employers to advertise their current apprenticeship opportunities, making it easier for you to find the right apprenticeship for you.

On Find an apprenticeship you can:

• see vacancies in a certain area of work
• search with keywords and your postcode to find something near you

Look in other places

You can also find apprenticeships in other ways. If there's an employer you want to work for, visit their website and see if they're looking for apprentices.

Or, visit the National Careers Service website to search for courses and get career advice.

Choosing your employer

When you’re choosing your employer, think about whether you’d like a smaller or a larger employer. Benefits of an apprenticeship with a small employer may include:

• a more personal experience
• a smaller team, which can create stronger working relationships with colleagues, managers and mentors  
• hands-on experience across different roles 
• the opportunity to stand out and progress quickly.

Benefits of an apprenticeship with a large employer may include:

• opportunities to live somewhere new 
• the opportunity to work closely with other apprentices 
• a range of career progression opportunities 
• a recognised employer on a CV
• rotation programmes to gain experience in different roles.

Applying for an apprenticeship

What you’ll need to apply

Before you start an application form it's important to have ready:

• a list of the experience you have - this could be from school, jobs, or clubs
• the names of any qualifications or training that you have or are working towards
• any ID or documents you might need, such as a passport or driving license
• references - this could be from employers, teachers, or people you’ve volunteered with.

Create a Find an apprenticeship account

You can use Find an apprenticeship to search for apprenticeships without creating an account but you’ll need an account to make apprenticeship applications.

By setting up an account you can also:

• save any apprenticeship opportunities that interest you
• set up alerts for new apprenticeship opportunities relevant to your interests
• apply, manage and monitor your applications in one place.

You’ll need a GOV.UK One Login to create a Find an apprenticeship account. You can set one up by going to Find an apprenticeship, and selecting the link at the top of the page to sign in or create an account. Or, once you've found a vacancy, you can create an account by selecting the Sign in or create an account button at the end of the vacancy.

Tips on applying for an apprenticeship

You can apply to more than one apprenticeship at a time. Submitting applications to more than one employer increases the chance of securing an apprenticeship. 

Normally, an employer will ask for a CV and cover letter. These will vary depending on the job.

A CV normally includes:

• contact details (for example, name, address, telephone number and email address)
• a short personal profile that introduces who you are
• work and education history
• hobbies, interests or achievements.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

You should:

• write a new covering letter for each apprenticeship you apply for, to ensure it is targeted to that company and job
• write why you want the apprenticeship and what the learning opportunity would mean for you
• back up any statements you make with evidence
• keep a copy for reference in the interview stage.

The National Careers Service has lots of information on applying for jobs. We’ve also created a PDF guide to apprenticeship applications.

Interviewing for your apprenticeship

Your interview will depend on the type of employer the apprenticeship is with. You may only have one interview with a small employer but up to three with a larger employer. 

Interviews for an apprenticeship are usually similar to interviews for any other job. They could be:

• face to face
• with a panel 
• over the phone
• online - for example, a video call on Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

You may have a group interview with multiple people in.

Some employers might also do psychometric tests as part of the interview process. Read about psychometric tests on the National Careers Service.

There’s more interview advice on the National Careers Service website about preparing for interviews, common interview questions and how to answer them. We also have a PDF guide to apprenticeship interviews.

Help and support

National Careers Service has lots of information if you find interviews difficult, or if you have had a few setbacks.

If your application isn't successful, try not to be too disappointed. This is a typical part of applying for an apprenticeship or job and happens to everyone. You might have to apply for several apprenticeships before you find one that's right for you. See what else you can do if you’re struggling to get hired.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are changes an employer can make to help you take part fully in an interview or job if you have a disability or health condition.

This might mean getting extra time for a test, having the interview somewhere quiet, or using special equipment that helps you.

If you need an adjustment, you can ask when you’re invited to an interview. Just explain what you need and how it will help you show your best self. You can ask by email, phone, or on the application form.