How to apply for an apprenticeship

There are hundreds of different apprenticeships to choose from. To apply for one, you can apply directly through Northumberland College’s or the employer’s website.

Once you find the right apprenticeship, you’ll need a CV and a cover letter to apply.

If you need help, here are some handy tips for writing an impressive CV!

Personalise your CV to the job you are applying for and only include relevant information that they will be interested in.
It is important for an employer to know your hobbies and interests you enjoy doing in your free time, to give them a better idea of you as a person.
Make sure the email address you use is suitable to display on your on your CV. Always try to include your full name.
Your CV should be no longer than two sides of A4 and provide an overview of your skills, qualifications and experience. Use bullet points or lists, if needed.
Everyone has some work experience, from babysitting to helping mentor younger brothers/sisters - it's all work experience!
Lying on your CV can land you in a whole heap of trouble. Keep it real. Employers will check references.
Make a good impression by ensuring your CV is well presented and clear to read, with no spelling or grammatical errors.
Be positive and showcase your skills in the best possible light so an employer is convinced you're the best person for the job!
Each time you gain more experience, or learn a new skill make sure you update your CV.

It's a good idea to apply for a few apprenticeships at a time. This increases your chances and means you’re not waiting for a response from one employer.

It's normal to feel nervous when you're applying for an apprenticeship or waiting to hear back from an employer. Try to find out the closing date of the application as this may give you a clue about when you’ll hear back.

It usually takes a few applications to find the right apprenticeship. So, if you don’t hear back or get an interview, don’t take it personally - it’s normal and happens to everyone.

The interview process

If your application is successful, the employer will invite you for an interview. If you’re upskilling with your current employer, you may not have one.

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

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

Face to face
With a panel
Over the phone
Online - for example, on Skype, Teams or Zoom

To make sure you’re prepared, you should:

Dress smart
Work out how you will get there and turn up on time.
Prepare a lot! Research the apprenticeship and the company.
Get feedback on your performance, whether you were successful or not.
Ask questions if you don’t understand, want more information and to show you are interested.
Turn off your mobile phone.