Many young people often ask ‘how can I find an apprenticeship?’, in this article, we answer that. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and valuable skills while also earning a wage. With the rise of digital marketing and business administration apprenticeships, there are now more opportunities than ever to start an apprenticeship. In this article, we will explore the best ways to find apprenticeships, and what you need to know to increase your chances of landing one.
There are several ways to find an apprenticeship, including online job boards, government websites, and reaching out to companies directly. Some of the most popular websites for finding and researching apprenticeships include the Institute for Apprenticeships, Gov.uk, and job search websites like Indeed and Monster. Each of these methods has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to explore all your options before deciding on the best way to find an apprenticeship.
Can be a great starting point for finding apprenticeships. They are usually updated regularly and allow you to search for apprenticeships by location, industry, and level. We use online job boards to produce our East Sussex Jobs & Apprenticeships List, It’s full of opportunities and gets updated every Friday! One of the main benefits of using online job boards is that you can apply for multiple apprenticeships with a single application. However, the competition for apprenticeships posted on these sites can be high, so you’ll need to make sure your application stands out.
This can be a more personalized approach and can increase your chances of landing an apprenticeship, especially if you already have a connection with the company. When contacting a company directly, it’s important to be professional and to clearly communicate your interest in an apprenticeship and why you would be a good fit for the company.
Can help you to find an apprenticeship and be a valuable resource in your apprenticeships job search. The site provides a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships and can be a great starting point for your search. This video shows you how to use the Gov.UK Website’s Find an Apprenticeship search tool, with some additional tips too.
But once again, it’s important to remember that the competition for apprenticeships listed on these sites can also be high, so it’s vital you apply early and make sure your application is as strong as possible.
Finding an apprenticeship can be competitive, but with the right approach and preparation, it’s definitely possible to secure one. The demand for apprenticeships has increased in recent years, particularly in fields like digital marketing and business administration, so it’s important to be proactive and start your search early. You should also be prepared to apply for multiple apprenticeships and to possibly interview with multiple companies before securing a position. Whichever way you’re looking to find an apprenticeship, services such as the National Careers Service & Youth Employability Service (YES) are available to support you with your search, applications, and any other barriers you may face.
When reaching out to a company directly to inquire about an apprenticeship, it’s important to be professional and to clearly communicate your interest in the opportunity. Start by researching the company and finding out what types of apprenticeships they offer. Then, reach out to the company via email or a direct message on LinkedIn. In your message, introduce yourself, explain your interest in the apprenticeship, and include your resume or a link to your LinkedIn profile. Make sure to also follow up with the company after you have sent your message to increase your chances of landing an apprenticeship. LinkedIn is a valuable tool and direct messaging is only one of the ways you can use LinkedIn to get a job.
There are four main types of apprenticeships in the UK: intermediate, advanced, higher, and degree apprenticeships.
Are suitable for those who have just left school and are looking to start their careers. They’re entry-level apprenticeships that provide individuals with basic skills and knowledge in their chosen field. They are typically available in industries such as construction, retail, and hospitality.
Are more suitable for those with some work experience, designed for individuals who have already completed an intermediate apprenticeship and are looking to further their skills and knowledge. They are available in a variety of industries and typically require a higher level of responsibility and experience.
Are designed for those looking to take their careers to the next level. They provide individuals the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of their chosen field. This type of apprenticeship is available in industries such as engineering, finance, and management, and typically leads to higher-level positions and greater earning potential.
As the name suggests, provide an opportunity to gain a degree while working and earning a wage. They combine on-the-job experience with the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This type of apprenticeship is typically offered in fields such as engineering, technology, and business.
Our 9 Levels Poster explains what each level is equivalent to in more detail, and it’s available to download for free on our Careers Poster page, alongside a number of other useful career posters.
Yes, you can go straight into an apprenticeship starting your career after finishing school or after a gap year. You can even start an apprenticeship to upskill yourself in your current job, or you can start one to change careers. Even with a previous qualification such as a degree, you can still start an apprenticeship.
However, it’s important to note that competition for apprenticeships can be high, so it’s important to start your search early and be prepared to apply for multiple opportunities.
The earlier you start applying for apprenticeships, the better. Many apprenticeships start in the summer, so it’s a good idea to start your search in the winter or spring. This will give you enough time to research different companies and opportunities, and to submit strong applications.
As you begin your search for an apprenticeship, it’s important to understand the different types of apprenticeships available to you. Depending on your career goals and interests, certain fields may be more appealing to you than others. Here, we’ll explore two popular fields for apprenticeships that CXK’s team have completed before.
If you’re interested in the world of business, a business administration apprenticeship may be a good fit for you. This type of apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to learn about various aspects of running a business, such as human resources, accounting, and management. CXK’s Lauren did a Business Administration Apprenticeship and speaks on her experiences as one in this video.
Digital marketing is a rapidly growing field that encompasses a wide range of skills, including social media management, SEO, email marketing, and content creation. If you’re interested in a career in digital marketing, a digital marketing apprenticeship can provide you with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while earning a wage. CXK’s George did a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship and speaks on his experiences as one in this video.
We hope these videos should give you an insight into both the Business Administration & Digital Marketing apprenticeships. With so many apprenticeship fields it’s important you do you research and find the right one for you. Institute for Apprenticeships is a great place to start, sharing information on the apprenticeship standards for a variety of fields.
No, 25 is not too old to start an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages, and there is no upper age limit for applying. Apprenticeships can help older people to further develop their careers through upskilling themselves, or by restarting in a new field.
As of the time of writing this, the majority of apprentices (60.7%) are aged 24 and below. However, apprenticeships are available to people of all ages with people aged 24+ making up the rest of them (39.3%), so there is no age limit for applying.
If you’re 24+ and considering an apprenticeship, you could reach out to the National Careers Service, for support and advice around your situation.
This data was extracted from the UK Government’s Explore Education Statistics website.
The minimum wage for an 18 year old apprentice in the UK is £4.81 per hour. In fact anyone under the age of 19, or aged 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship, are entitled to £4.81 per hour. Therefor an apprentice aged 19 or over who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the minimum wage for their age.
23 and over
21 to 22
18 to 20
Under 18
Apprentice
April 2022
(Current Rate)
£9.50
£9.18
£6.83
£4.81
£4.81
April 2023
£10.42
£10.18
£7.49
£5.28
£5.28
Yes, it is possible to fail an apprenticeship if you do not meet the performance and attendance standards set by your employer. However, apprenticeships often include structured training and support to help you. Then when it comes to assessments, any apprentices who fail one or more assessment methods will be offered the opportunity to take a resit or retake.
Making yourself stand out during the apprenticeship application process is crucial to increasing your chances of landing the opportunity you’re after. To set yourself apart from other applicants, consider the following strategies:
One of the most important things to convey during the application process is your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and the company. Showcase your passion for the industry and the role you’re applying for, and be sure to explain why you’re the right fit for the opportunity. Highlighting your excitement for the opportunity to learn and grow in the role will help make you stand out as a dedicated and motivated candidate.
When applying for an apprenticeship, it’s important to demonstrate your relevant skills and potential to be an asset to the company. Highlight any relevant experience you have, such as previous work or volunteer experience, and make sure to mention any transferable skills you’ve developed. Additionally, consider showcasing your problem-solving skills, creativity, and willingness to learn and take on new challenges, as these traits are highly valued in apprenticeships.
By demonstrating your enthusiasm, skills, and potential you can increase your chances of standing out during the apprenticeship application process and landing the opportunity you want.
To increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship, it’s important to start your search early, be proactive, and apply for multiple opportunities. It’s also important to research the companies you’re interested in and to make sure your application stands out.
Your CV will play a vital role, it’s important you portray the best version of you, you keep it updated regularly, and that you tailor it towards the sector or role you’re applying for. You can find further CV Advice here, but you should know it’s also important to avoid weak and passive verbs which is why we gathered 139 Action Verbs to Make Your CV Stand Out.
The final way to increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship is by seeking advice. If it’s all a bit much and you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you can ask for help. Throughout this article we’ve shared services you can access for support, below is some more information about each of them.
The National Careers Service provide free, professional careers information, advice and guidance to help you move forward with your career. You can access free of charge via webchat, on the telephone and face-to-face with a qualified adviser in your local area. Anyone living in England and aged 13+ is eligible to access the National Careers Service.
YES is a free service that offers teenage career advice, support and guidance to young people in the East Sussex area. Commissioned by East Sussex County Council, we work specifically with young people aged 16-18 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or are at risk of becoming NEET.
The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges programme (ASK) is funded by the Department for Education and offers free support to educational establishments in England to increase awareness of apprenticeships, traineeships and T-Levels and is delivered across the South of England by CXK and our partners.
Finding an apprenticeship can take time and effort, but it is well worth it for the valuable skills and experience you will gain. By researching your options, preparing a strong application, networking, and following up with potential employers, you can increase your chances of finding the right apprenticeship for you.
But even if you’ve concluded that apprenticeships might not be right for you, that’s okay too! Why not explore other options such as T-Levels? They’re similar to apprenticeships in some ways, like how they’re career focused qualifications for 16 to 19 year old’s with work placements. However, the time spent is flipped with 80% in the classroom and 20% on a work placement. Interested? Here’s Everything you need to know about T-Levels.
I hope you found this article useful, and please feel free to share it with any aspiring apprentices. Good luck with your search!
14th February 2023, George
