Get ready for work life in 3 simple steps

Top tips for applying to an apprenticeship after school or college.

Getting ready to leave school or college?

About to leave school or college? It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious about what comes next. The thought of launching your career can be overwhelming, but don’t worry! Follow these three steps to prepare for success as a young professional.

1. How to create your CV

Writing a strong CV and cover letter is simpler than you think. Here are a few key tips to get you started:

How long should my CV be?

Keep it concise – just one A4 page is enough.

What should I put on my CV?

Personal details (name, phone number, email), education, qualifications, work experience, hobbies, and references. Don’t forget to include a tailored cover letter with any application you make.

Wait, what’s a cover letter?

It’s a short, engaging letter that introduces you and highlights why you’re a great fit for the job. Focus on how your skills match the job requirements and make it specific to the role.

What if I don’t have much to write about?

don’t worry if you’ve not had tonnes of work experience. You’ve definitely got tonnes of life experience – and you can relate it all to the job. Use the skills from the babysitting you do every Friday, from participating in your local club, or volunteering at school.

2. Find your calling

Once your CV is ready, it’s time to search for apprenticeships that match your skills and interests. Look for positions that excite you and align with what you’re good at – your passion will shine through and make you stand out from the crowd. Start your search with our open apprenticeship vacancies below!

Search our apprenticeships vacancies

3. Practice makes perfect

Interviews can feel intimidating, but preparation is key to feeling confident Here’s how to make a great first impression:

Research the company

Get to know the business you’re interviewing with, and take time to understand their values, mission, and what they do. This proves that you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.

Be prepared

Now you’ve identified your strengths, practice your responses to common interview questions and make sure you know the job advert inside and out. Ask a family member or friend to test you on your responses. Remember, interviewing is a skill that improves with time and practice!

Know your strengths

It’s important to know your strengths so you can answer interview questions with confidence – you need to put modesty to the side and show off your skills. Spend some time thinking about what they are. Have a read through your CV and prepare some real-life examples to help you demonstrate the things you’re good at.

Need more help?

We regularly host employability skills workshops in career planning, CV writing, interview skills, and more. Find our next available workshop and take the first step towards launching your career!