Your apprenticeship application is probably something you've been putting off finishing, but - as much as you wish it would ? it's not going to fill itself in. As with revision, homework and awkward family gatherings, the sooner you get it over with, the better you'll feel!
Every step of the process when applying for an apprenticeship is as important as the next. But, the first impression that potential employers will get is from your application and CV, so make extra sure that they're clear, informative and well-written. Here are some tips to help you get started on your path to finding a good apprenticeship:
Be realistic
Before you apply, look at the skills and experience the apprenticeship asks for. If your background is strong in engineering and mechanical skills, you might have trouble getting something in health and medicine. Also, check where the job is based. Can you get there easily? Will it cost you more to travel than what you're being paid? If you think you don't have the required skills or experience, or the job is too far away, then take some time to rethink your options and decide if this is the right apprenticeship for you.
Include all qualifications and relevant experience
When you fill out the application and put your CV together, don't leave anything out that will help you get the apprenticeship. Make sure you list all of your qualifications, including your predicted grades. Give clear, concise details about any work or voluntary experience you've had in the field that your apprenticeship is in. List the most recent item first, and work backwards, explaining how each one gave you the skills you'd need for a job in the industry. Even something like babysitting for your neighbours during the summer will show that you're committed, reliable and self-driven.
Make yourself stand out
Your application is basically an advert for you, and a chance to promote the skills and experience that you can give to a job. Emphasise what you've got that you can do better than anyone else! Your application needs to be informative and interesting, but not dishonest - it can be very easy to over-generalise how much you know about a certain topic, or how much experience you have in a given area, but this is essentially lying to your future employer. If you can't deliver on your promise of knowing how to use a computer programme or name all the parts of the human body, it won't take long for your employer to find out.
Apply for several vacancies
It's important to give yourself as much chance of securing an apprenticeship as possible, so keep your options open by applying for more than one. If you end up being successful with one or more of your applications, then you can decide which you want to take. It's always fine to say no to a job offer when you?re deciding between two or more, but make sure you let the people considering your other applications know that you?re no longer looking for a position.
Check before sending
When you've finished your application, set it aside for an hour or so, then give it a thorough read-through to make sure that you have answered all of the questions properly. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes as well. If you like, ask a friend to read it too, as they'll be able to spot any errors you might have missed.
