A Guide to Apprenticeships
Careers Leader: Miss A Mederick careers@petcheyacademy.org.uk
Apprenticeship Levels
Useful Websites
C O N T E N T H A N D B O O K
Making Sure
Standing Out
Keeping Track
CV
Cover Letter
Psychometric Tests
Pre-recorded Video Interviews
Assessment Centre
Final Interview
"An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification"
(Apprenticeships.Gov.UK, 2023)
Higher 4,5
Degree 6,7
degree
Bachelor’s or master’s degree
*Higher & Degree apprenticeships are typically for those aged 18 and over*
There are a variety of websites that you can use to search for apprenticeships. Below are some of the main search engines you can use to filter through opportunities across all industries in different regions:
The Best 100 is based on the reviews and honest feedback left by 6,407 young people who completed an apprenticeship in the last year
Whilst everyone's experience is subjective, you may want to take into account feedback from apprentices who have already worked for an organisation.
You can filter the Best 100's table according to programme, industry and region.
There are also nationally recognised apprenticeship awards that you can research
National Apprenticeship Awards
Unifrog's Apprenticeships tool is an effective way to save and shortlist apprenticeships. Simply click on the tool, insert details of your desired industry and location and Unifrog will generate a list of vacancies. You can then 'shortlist' the opportunity and Unifrog will email the details to you so that you never forget about it.
If you are dedicated to securing an apprenticeship, it is highly probable that you will need to apply to numerous opportunities. In order to effectively manage this process, organisation is paramount. By organising your applications, their respective requirements, and monitoring your progress, you can maintain control and stay on top of the situation. To aid in this endeavour, we recommend utilising our application tracker spreadsheet, which offers a structured framework for effectively managing the workload associated with apprenticeship applications.
You may want to keep track of things such as:
Company
Education Provider
Application Deadline(s)
Application Stage
Salary
Interview Dates
Opting for an apprenticeship is a big step in your career trajectory. It involves a commitment to a particular company, role, and the pursuit of a formal qualification. Consequently, it is important that you genuinely enjoy what you will be doing.
It is imperative to engage in thorough research. Esteemed resources like Career Pilot and Unifrog offer invaluable tools such as personality and skills quizzes, enabling you to discern which roles resonate with you the most. Additionally, these platforms offer comprehensive insights into specific roles, industries, and labour market information.
If you are still unsure, seeking guidance from the school adviser (Ms Mederick) or the National Careers Service can prove invaluable in gaining additional clarity and making an informed decision.
You can call 0800 100 900 to speak to an adviser.
Opening Times
8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays
Closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Building a professional network plays a pivotal role in setting oneself apart. The adage "It's not what you know, but who you know" holds some truth in this context. While your knowledge and skills undoubtedly serve as primary differentiators, actively engaging in networking activities and forging meaningful connections within the desired industry can significantly enhance your prospects of standing out.
By cultivating relationships with established professionals, one gains access to valuable insights, opportunities, and potential advocates who can further amplify their visibility and reputation. Such strategic networking complements your qualifications, augmenting the overall competitive edge and increasing the likelihood of making a lasting impression.
Creating a LinkedIn account is the perfect tool for building a professional network. Most people are open to connecting with individuals whose passions and interests align with theirs. Don't be shy to message recruiters and current employees asking for insights about the company and what they do.
Many companies also hold networking events, insight days and application masterclasses. This is the perfect opportunity to get yourself in front of the employer and demonstrate your enthusiasm even before the recruitment process has started! You can use tools such as UpTree, Unifrog, and Pathways CTM to find events of this nature.
A CV is a document that provides a comprehensive overview of a person's educational background, work experience, skills, achievements, and other relevant information.
A well-structured CV typically includes sections such as personal details (name, contact information), a professional summary or objective statement, educational history, work experience (including job titles, responsibilities, and dates), skills (both technical and transferable), certifications or licenses, publications or presentations (if applicable), honors and awards, and references (optional).
It is crucial to tailor the content of the CV to the specific job or opportunity being pursued and to present information in a clear, concise, and organized manner.
Your CV should be one A4 page and a half max
You can use the CV tool on Unifrog to create your CV - it has already organised the sections for you, You also have the option to send it to your form tutor or Miss Mederick through Unifrog for feedback.
An opening paragraph stating the position you are applying for and how you learned about it
A concise and compelling body where you elaborate on your qualifications and achievements, hence why you are a suitable candidate for that specific role
A cover letter is a formal document that serves as a means to express your interest in a specific position and demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for the role. A well-crafted cover letter should showcase your motivation, qualifications, and relevant skills, that align with the requirements of the job. It typically consists of several key components, including: 1. 2. 3. 4.
A closing paragraph expressing your enthusiasm, reiterating your interest, and providing contact information
It is important to maintain a professional tone, use proper formatting, and tailor the letter to the specific company and position to make a strong impression.
Example cover letters can be found on Amazing Apprenticeships Resources. You can use the Unifrog 'Writing Tool' to write the cover letter and seek feedback from your form tutor / Miss Mederick
A psychometric test is an assessment tool designed to measure an individual's psychological attributes, abilities, and personality traits. These tests are used to provide objective and reliable information about a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioural characteristics. There are different types of psychometric tests that focus on specific aspects of an individual's psychological makeup.
Cognitive ability tests assess a person's reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Personality tests evaluate an individual's enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Emotional intelligence tests measure emotional selfawareness, empathy, and social skills.
Aptitude tests assess specific skills or talents relevant to a particular field or occupation. Interest inventories gauge an individual's preferences, motivations, and career interests.
When undergoing the recruitment process, if a psychometric test is required, the company will notify you, providing a specific deadline for completion. Furthermore, they will provide you with relevant details regarding the test duration and instructions to navigate through it effectively. Typically, there exists an opportunity to familiarise oneself with sample questions prior to commencing the actual test. In the event that you qualify for reasonable adjustments, it is imperative to communicate with the employer via email, ensuring that necessary accommodations are made to facilitate a comfortable test-taking experience. For comprehensive information on psychometric tests and access to complimentary practice tests, please refer to
The National Careers Service Psychometric Tests page .
A pre-recorded video interview, also known as an asynchronous video interview or one-way video interview, is a type of job interview where you record your responses to interview questions in a video format, instead of a live interaction with an interviewer.
They are commonly used in the initial screening stages of the hiring process to assess communication skills, presentation, and ability to articulate one's thoughts effectively.
You will receive a set of pre-determined questions and will be given a specific time frame to record and submit your response.
Once the recording is complete, the video is submitted to the hiring company for review and evaluation.
The National Careers Service Video Interview page
Test your technology: Ensure that your internet connection, audio, and video are working properly before the interview.
Choose a suitable location: Find a quiet, tidy and well-lit area for the interview.
Maintain eye contact: Look directly into the camera to create the illusion of eye contact. Practice beforehand: Familiarise yourself with common interview questions and practice your responses.
Prepare your surroundings: Have a copy of your CV, notes, and any relevant documents nearby for easy reference.
Be mindful of body language: Sit up straight, maintain good posture, and use natural gestures. Speak clearly and confidently: It is worthwhile formatting your answers using the STAR method
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
An assessment centre is a selection method used by employers to evaluate the skills, abilities, and suitability of candidates for a particular job or role. It typically lasts a few hours and involves a series of structured activities, such as group exercises, interviews, presentations, role plays, and psychometric tests, which are designed to assess various competencies relevant to the position. If you are selected to attend an assessment centre, the company will inform you of all the necessary details and preparatory tasks (if any). There is a chance the assessment centre may be held virtually.
An assessment centre schedule could look something like this:
Top Tips:
Ensure that you understand the requirements of each task
Join in with discussions, even at 'informal' times, and ask other candidates about university / sixth form if you're struggling for conversation
Maintain a friendly manner with everyone you encounter
Let your personality shine, as assessors warm to individuality and likeability
Remember that you are not in direct competition with the other candidates - there is a chance you could all get hired
The final interview is typically the last stage of the recruitment process. This may be a 1:1 interview or a panel interview. This is your opportunity to express why you are a suitable candidate directly to the employer. This is your last opportunity to leave a good impression!
Review previous interview stages: Reflect on the earlier interview rounds to identify recurring themes, questions, or areas of focus. This will help you anticipate potential topics or competencies that might be emphasised in the final stage.
Research the company thoroughly: Deepen your understanding of the company's values, mission, recent news, and any relevant industry trends. Demonstrate your knowledge during the interview by incorporating this information into your responses.
Analyse the job requirements: Revisit the job description and make a list of the key skills, qualifications, and experiences sought by the employer. Prepare concrete examples from your past that demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
Showcase your fit with the company culture: Highlight your alignment with the company's values, work environment, and team dynamics. Emphasise your ability to collaborate, adapt, and thrive within their organisational culture.
Be prepared for behavioural and situational questions: Expect questions that probe your past behavior, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle challenging situations. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers effectively.
Research your interviewers: If possible, find out who will be interviewing you and gather information about their roles within the organisation. This knowledge can help you tailor your responses and establish rapport during the interview.
Prepare thoughtful questions: Prepare insightful questions about the company, team dynamics, or specific projects to demonstrate your interest and engagement. This shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.
Demonstrate your value proposition: Clearly articulate the unique value you would bring to the company and how your skills and experiences align with their needs. Be prepared to explain how you can contribute to their goals and deliver results.
Project confidence and enthusiasm: Maintain a professional and positive demeanour throughout the interview. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to contribute to the organisation's success.
