Careers Resources

How to Apply for an Apprenticeship online

Applying for apprenticeships
Apply for apprenticeships

 

Read the Apprenticeship Description carefully

Before clicking Apply:

  • Check:

    • Age requirements

    • Entry grades (GCSEs or predicted grades)

    • Location and travel

    • Working hours

  • Make sure you understand:

    • What the job involves

    • What training you’ll get

If you can explain the role in your own words, you’ve read it properly.

2. Create a Simple, Strong CV

You don’t need work experience to have a good CV.

Include:

  • Name & contact details (professional email)

  • Education (school, subjects, predicted/achieved grades)

  • Skills (teamwork, time management, communication)

  • Experience:

    • Part-time work

    • Work experience

    • Volunteering

    • Clubs, sports, caring responsibilities

Use short bullet points and correct spelling.

3. Answer Application Questions Properly (Not Quickly)

Many online applications ask:

  • “Why do you want this apprenticeship?”

  • “Why should we choose you?”

  • “What skills do you have?”

Tips:

  • Avoid one-line answers

  • Don’t copy and paste the same answer for every application

  • Mention:

    • The company

    • The role

    • What you want to learn

 Employers can tell when you’ve rushed.

4. Use a Professional Email Address

Bad example ❌

coolkid123@email.com

Good example ✅

firstname.lastname@email.com

Check your inbox daily and reply politely.

5. Check Spelling and Grammar (This Really Matters)

Mistakes make it look like you don’t care.

Before submitting:

  • Re-read everything

  • Use spellcheck

  • Ask a teacher, parent, or trusted adult to proofread

This is one of the biggest reasons applications are rejected.

6. Show Enthusiasm, Not Confidence You Don’t Have

You are not expected to know everything.

Good phrases:

  • “I’m eager to learn…”

  • “I’m keen to develop skills in…”

  • “I’m motivated and reliable…”

Avoid pretending you’re an expert.

7. Apply Early (Don’t Wait for the Deadline)

Apprenticeships often:

  • Close early

  • Interview as applications come in

✔ Apply as soon as you’re ready
✔ Keep a list of what you’ve applied for

8. Keep Your Online Presence Clean

Some employers may check:

  • Social media

  • Public profiles

Check:

  • Privacy settings

  • Old posts or photos

  • Usernames

If you wouldn’t show it to an employer, remove or hide it.

9. Prepare for Online Tests or Video Interviews

Some applications include:

  • Short online assessments

  • Recorded video answers

Tips:

  • Find a quiet space

  • Dress smart-casual

  • Speak clearly and smile

  • Practice answers out loud firstApprenticeship Application