There are a wide variety of different apprenticeships out there, ranging from the more traditional roles like electricians and plumbers, to more modern positions such as digital marketers, data analysts and even charity fundraisers. However, before you jump straight in, it is important to ensure that the apprenticeship you are thinking of choosing is the right fit for you. 

First of all, there are some fundamental criteria in which you will have to meet as an individual in order to be eligible to become an apprentice. You will have to be:

• Aged 16 or over
• Living in England
• Not in full-time education

The apprenticeship landscape can look like a minefield when you first start searching. To make things more digestible, they tend to be split into the respective sectors that the job role operates in, as follows:

• Agriculture, environment and animal care
• Business and Administration
• Care Services
• Catering and Hospitality
• Construction
• Creative and Design
• Digital
• Education and Childcare
• Engineering and Manufacturing
• Hair and Beauty
• Health and Science
• Legal, Finance and Accounting
• Protective Services
• Sales, Marketing and Procurement
• Transport and Logistics

Not only are there different career paths in which apprenticeships are offered, but within each industry and sector there are varying levels of apprenticeships too. Starting as low as Level 2 and climbing as high as Level 7 each will have its own set of entry requirements relevant to the course on offer. The complete breakdown and equivalent standards are as follows:

• Level 2 Apprenticeships (Intermediate) 

Equivalent of 5 passes at GCSE level

Entry requirements could be: none

• Level 3 Apprenticeships (Advanced) 

Equivalent of 2 passes at A-Level

Entry requirements could be: 5 passes at GCSE or an equivalent Level 2 Apprenticeship

• Level 4 Apprenticeships (Higher)

Equivalent of a foundation degree, Higher National Certificate (HNC) or year one of an undergraduate degree

Entry requirements could be: A Level 3 Apprenticeship or a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ qualification or a BTEC qualification or 2 passes at A-Level

*Employers may also require 5 passes at GCSE as standard*

• Level 5 Apprenticeships (Higher)

Equivalent of a complete undergraduate degree

Entry requirements could be: A Level 4 Apprenticeship or a Level 4 NVQ/SVQ qualification

*Employers may also require a grade C in a relevant subject at A-Level and 5 passes at GCSE as standard 

• Level 6 Apprenticeships (Degree)

Obtain a bachelor’s degree

Entry requirements could be: *Employers are likely to have strict and specific requirements including previous qualifications in relevant subject areas*

• Level 7 Apprenticeships (Degree)

Obtain a master’s degree

Entry requirements could be: *Employers are likely to have strict and specific requirements including previous qualifications in relevant subject areas*

Dependent on the level in which you are looking to complete, the duration of each apprenticeship will vary from 1 year to 5 years. However, whilst undertaking one of the courses you will be working for a company and earning a wage and holiday entitlement, alongside experienced staff gaining job-specific skills, as well as training on and off the job for 20% of the time. During your time as an apprentice, you will also be entitled to National Minimum Wage - although some employers could pay more – in line with your age. For apprentice minimum wage, if you are:

• Aged between 16 – 18 you will be paid a minimum of £5.28 per hour 
• Aged 19 or over and in your first year you will be paid a minimum of £5.28 per hour 
• Aged 19 or over and completed your first year you will be paid the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age at the discretion of your employer

The level of apprenticeship that you are undertaking does not reflect the wage in which you will receive, e.g. if you are completing a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Data Analysis and are 16 you will be entitled to the same amount as someone else completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Sales Executive. 

If you are ever unsure about the level of pay in which you are receiving, you can check what you should be getting via the Government website: 

Once you have done the necessary research into the type of industry you would like to work in, the job roles which lend to your skillset and the length and level of apprenticeship you wish to undertake, it is time to start searching for available opportunities. There are a variety of different ways in which you can go about doing this. The Government website has a plethora of apprenticeships for a host of different companies ranging from private limited to governing bodies and more. You can also apply direct through company websites and via training providers too. 

After carefully reading through a number of job descriptions and course content for each apprenticeship that interests you, then the next step is to prepare your CV in order to apply. It’s an important step to ensure that your CV is stand-out as this is the factor that will set you apart from the competition. There are a few key concepts that will help you to do this:

• Make sure the basics are on there such as your full name, contact details and location
• Keep the details as concise and straight to the point, minimise irrelevant details where possible
• Include a personal profile that outlines your current situation and generally what you hope to achieve in your career
• Outline your current skillset, particularly any that match up with the course/role that you are applying for
• Work experience is a must – most recent first and work backwards highlighting duration, job roles and main responsibilities 
• Education is another must – same format as work experience start with most recent first and work backwards including name of place of study and qualifications achieved
• Optional areas you can incorporate are things like volunteering, links to a portfolio and references
• Keep the design and layout simple, don’t overcomplicate and overcrowd 

If you follow the basic guide above and add a bit of your own je n’ais ce quois then you should be well on your way to securing an interview where you can show off your skills and capabilities in more depth. Once you have submitted your CV and received an invite for an interview you need to do some preparation to sell yourself. 

It is only natural to be apprehensive and nervous when going for an interview, so try your best to use this fact to calm the nerves on the day and try to be slightly early, as getting to familiarise yourself with your surroundings can also help relieve anxiety. Prepare, prepare, prepare! This is arguably the most important part of any interview. You’re likely to blow the interviewer’s socks off if you know your stuff inside out and that doesn’t necessarily mean job specific processes or industry jargon, but more so the company you’re applying to work at. It’s simple things like checking their social media and website, carrying out your due diligence on the product and/or services that they offer, as well as their company values and ethos. Wearing the correct clothing will help you feel the part and running through practice questions beforehand you’ll know where your qualities lie, so you can ace whatever they ask you about yourself on the day. 

Similar principles will also help you after you’ve received an offer and are ready to start your first day on the job. Arrive early and dress appropriately, get a good night’s sleep the day before and greet everybody with a smile. If you approach the first day with open arms and positivity it’s highly probable to be the start of a good opportunity, which apprenticeships are nothing short of. 

Now, not everything goes to plan and it’s not always smooth sailing. Sometimes, you can plan and prepare as much as you want, but life gets in the way and things happen. Whether that is in your interview or during your time as an apprentice, but Apprentify are here to support you on your journey, from application to apprentice. We work tirelessly to help match you with the right apprenticeship for you and support you throughout your application process. Our dedicated teams ensure that you get all the help and guidance you need once you are enrolled too! Whether it’s safeguarding issues at home, or things that seem to be misaligning at work. We are here for you with advice, pointers, tips and tricks to ensure that you are getting the best learning experience you can. We have a number of fantastic vacancies available here, so check them out, get in touch and we’ll be there every step of the way to help skyrocket your career!