Many organisations advertise their apprenticeship vacancies (similar to a job vacancy) on their website or through social media platforms. One option is to research apprenticeship vacancies in this way and apply online.
The government advertises apprenticeships through their Find an Apprenticeship portal.
If you’re struggling to find a vacancy, we advise applicants who want to be an apprentice to apply for a full-time college course in a related subject, as well as applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
On the course details section on our application, it asks if you would be interested in an apprenticeship if a suitable vacancy should become available. By selecting yes, this allows us to invite you to an apprenticeship day and support you with finding a vacancy, whilst also having the back up plan of the full time course you are applying for.
If you secure an apprenticeship after you have enrolled onto a full time programme, don’t worry! We will transfer you onto an apprenticeship and you can start your working career, taking with you the skills and knowledge that you have already developed on your study programme.
1. Explore opportunities
Explore the vacancies in your sector of interest
2. Get organised
Create your CV & Covering Letter and have a professional sounding email address. Relevant work experience will help you stand out and show your commitment.
3. Know your skills and strengths
What skills are employers looking for? What are you good at and do you have examples which show this? Employers will be looking for skills such as good communication, team work, creativity, leadership, resilience and problem solving. Pages 5 - 10 of the Step-by-Step guide to applying for an apprenticeship provides some pointers for identifying your strengths.
4. Research the company
Before applying research the company by looking at their website or following their social media output. If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, consider setting one up. The National Careers Service provide an overview about setting up a LinkedIn profile.