How to help your child apply for an apprenticeship - the application process
- May 7, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 22
The application process for an apprenticeship is very similar to applying for a conventional job and, with the exception of degree apprenticeships, opportunities can arise at any time of year. Your child will need a CV, be able to complete an application form, be interview-ready, and may need to complete aptitude tests. Plenty of practice is a good way to prepare.
Timelines
Unlike college and university applications, where there’s a fixed process that takes place at the same time each year, applications for apprenticeships come up throughout the year. This might feel disconcerting if your child’s peers have all made their sixth form or university applications and even received offers, while your child has yet to secure an apprenticeship, but the system is different because apprenticeships are tied to genuine jobs.
The exception is degree apprenticeships, where most companies have set application windows (for example, a January application for a September intake), aligned with the UCAS university application process.
Application process
The application process is much more closely aligned to job applications than university applications. The longer the apprenticeship, the more rigorous the process is likely to be. It differs between organisations and may include:
an online application form, which may also require a CV
online competency tests (logic, personality assessments, verbal reasoning, maths, English)
a video response (usually your child answering questions that appear on screen, rather than a two-way video interview)
an assessment day, which may include group activities as well as individual interviews
The application form
It’s always best to look through the application online, then write the answers in Word (or elsewhere), preparing and spell-checking them thoroughly, before copying and pasting into the online form. This avoids the risk of a computer crash losing the work, gives thinking time, and allows comparisons between questions so answers aren’t repeated.
Answers will be different depending on the apprenticeship. Preparation for one won’t be sufficient for an application to another (although it may form a good basis). Applications should be tailored to the specification outlined in the advert, and your child must check the company website for any specific advice and tips offered.
Giving examples is a key differentiator in applications. Make sure your child always gives examples to support their statements, and doesn’t make unsubstantiated claims such as 'I am a great team leader' or 'I am a good communicator' without showing why.
Writing a CV
A CV is a brief synopsis of experience and qualifications. While it should reflect the personal style of the person it describes, all CVs should include:
personal information, including address and contact details
education and qualifications
professional and voluntary experience, with the most recent first
skills, strengths and achievements, including a full, clean driving licence if they have one
A CV should be no more than two sides of A4, use a professional, easy-to-read font, and be checked carefully for spelling mistakes.
Where possible, your child should include a covering letter with their CV. CVs are generic, whereas a covering letter gives them an opportunity to specify why this particular apprenticeship appeals to them, and what qualities make them a good match. Make sure they read the job description carefully and use the letter to illustrate how their skills match up to what’s been requested.
Interviews
Interviewing can be nerve-racking, so it’s worth reassuring your child that interviewers aren’t looking to catch them out and pick fault. Quite the contrary: they’re just as keen to find the right person for their apprenticeship as students are to find the right opportunity.
That said, employers like to be taken seriously, as there’s a lot of time and money invested in the interview process. There are some fundamental must-dos, before moving on to some tips that could make your child stand out from others.
Fundamental things they should do for interview
Dress smartly, whether the interview is face-to-face or online. Be fresh, clean and alert (make sure they haven’t been out partying the night before). Wear smart, suitable shoes (no trainers, slip-ons or open toes), no brightly coloured nail varnish and minimal make-up. If the interview is online, make sure the background is appropriate and uncluttered.
Find out about the organisation. Your child must be able to give a heartfelt, credible reason why they want to work for whoever is offering the apprenticeship; if they’ve had work experience with them already, so much the better.
Be on time. It reflects very poorly to arrive late for an interview, even by a few minutes. Interviews usually run to a tight schedule, so aside from making a poor first impression, they’ll have less time than others to stand out; the interview is unlikely to be extended.
Allow some contingency. Make sure your child plans their journey so they can arrive with time to spare. If there are problems with transport or traffic, they’ll have factored in a buffer. If they need the toilet, they’ll have time. If it’s hot outside, they’ll have chance to cool down. If nerves strike, they can get a glass of water.
Check whether they’ll be expected to give a presentation, and prepare for it if so.
Be able to talk fluently about what they’ve mentioned in their CV and application. It can be a long time between applying and being interviewed, so brush up on anything relevant that’s happened in between.
Preparing for interview
To help your child prepare, a list of commonly asked interview questions is included below. The aim isn’t to encourage your child to learn answers off by heart, but to help build their confidence in speaking around these topics.
Questions on the company itself are likely to come up, so make sure your child has carefully researched the values and aims of the business. Direct them to the required skills and competencies in the job description to gain a better understanding of what the employer is looking for, and how they can demonstrate these in their responses.
You might also get your child to write down some short answers to the questions below. Preparing thoroughly gives your child thinking time and helps them provide considered responses to difficult questions. One of the key things employers look for is good communication skills, so encourage your child to practise their responses out loud. You may wish to role-play interviews using the lists below, paying particular attention to what your child says, how they speak, their body language, and whether they can support their answers with specific examples.
Finally, make sure your child prepares their own questions. It’s very common for interviewers to ask applicants if they have any questions at the end. This is a great opportunity for your child to demonstrate their interest, so help them prepare some in advance. Some ideas are included below.
Questions about the company
Why do you want to apply for this apprenticeship?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What do you know about this company?
What qualities do you think are important to this role?
Which part of the job role do you think will be the most challenging?
What do you think are the most challenging issues facing the company at the moment?
Questions about the applicant
Tell me about yourself.
What skills can you bring to the role?
What makes you stand out from the other applicants?
What are your three key strengths?
Do you have any weaknesses? (The answer is always yes.) What are they, and how are you addressing them?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What do you think you’d like least about this role?
Give an example of why you feel you’re a good communicator or team member.
How have you influenced team decisions?
How do you respond to stressful situations, pressure or difficult customers?
Questions your child might ask the interviewer
Where do you think this company is going to be in the next five years?
What do apprentices usually go on to do?
Will there be the option to continue my training after the apprenticeship finishes?
How regularly will my work performance be reviewed?
Tip: get your child to find a recent news article on the company or industry they’re applying to. Based on what they’ve read, help them think of a question they might like to ask at the interview.
Is your child applying for an apprenticeship?
For more information on apprenticeships and how you can help your child apply and prepare for an interview, you may be interested in The Parents' Guide to Apprenticeships.
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