Finding and applying for apprenticeships
You can find the right apprenticeship opportunity for you in a number of ways.
The Lifepilot Apprenticeship Course Search will help you find apprenticeship vacancies
You can search for live apprenticeship vacancies, find out the salary, level of the apprenticeship and how to apply.
You can also save the vacancies in your Career Tools (if you are signed in)
Different ways of Finding an Apprenticeship
If you are interested in a national company like Google you could find out about their typical apprenticeships by looking at Amazing Apprenticeships and checking the company websites for opportunities.
If you want to do a very specific job and would like to see what companies developed the apprenticeship. Go to the apprenticeship standards and find the role - it will provide you with a list of the employers that created this job. Go to their website to see if they are recruiting and contact them.
Up to 20,000 vacancies at any one time are advertised on the government website. You can search for vacancies on Find an Apprenticeship. If you create an account you can get useful email and text alerts about new vacancies and you can apply and track your applications.
- Colleges and training providers usually advertise apprenticeships on their websites.
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeships vacancies are also advertised on UCAS.com
- Searching for vacancies on major national recruitment sites – try entering ‘apprentice’ in the search box and also consider signing up for alerts.
Checking employer websites eg NHS jobs search for 'apprentice'.
For many local apprenticeships in areas such as hairdressing or construction it can be a good idea to approach employers directly to see if they have any vacancies.
Ask family and friends - they may know of a company that may consider offering an apprenticeship.
Amazing Apprenticeships provide a list of degree and higher apprenticeships. This is the list for 23/24.
Making your application
- There are no fixed deadlines for apprenticeship applications – vacancies appear throughout the year. However, many vacancies are advertised in the Autumn or the Spring for a Summer start, so it is worth starting early.
- The application process will vary depending on the employer – smaller organisations may have less formal processes than large ones. You will have to complete an application form or submit a CV, and you may have to do some online tests and even have an online or phone interview before any face-to-face interviews or other assessments.
- Once you spot an opportunity, apply as soon as possible just in case the employer shuts down their recruitment once they have enough applicants.
- Applying for an apprenticeship is very similar to applying for a job, but you will need to demonstrate that you’re prepared to study alongside your job.
- Entry for some apprenticeships is very competitive so make sure you submit a good quality application and ‘sell yourself’. It should show your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you are suitable. Write it carefully and get someone to check it through.
- A few well-targeted applications may be better than lots of 'scatter gun' applications.
- When you get an interview, make sure that you’re prepared – research the employer, think about the kinds of questions you may be asked and what answers to give, and make a list of anything you want to find out.
- Follow this link to the Gov.uk Apprenticeships for information and tips on finding and applying for apprenticeships.