Finding a Potential Apprenticeship

Working out what suits you

Before you start searching for apprenticeships, spend some time thinking about the type of work that might suit you. Apprenticeships cover a wide range of industries, including construction, engineering, healthcare, digital media, finance, veterinary nursing, museum curation and broadcast production.

Consider your interests, the subjects you enjoyed at school, and any skills you already have. Are you someone who prefers working with your hands? Do you like helping people? Are you drawn to creative work or more technical tasks? There are no right or wrong answers here, but having a rough idea of direction will make your search more focused.

You do not need to have everything figured out at this stage. Many people discover new interests once they start looking at what is actually available, and your preferences may continue to evolve even after you begin an apprenticeship. Try narrowing your options down to two or three broad areas that appeal to you, which should give you enough focus without closing off possibilities too early.

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Where to search

The main place to look for apprenticeships in England is the Find an Apprenticeship service on GOV.UK. This is a free government website where employers list their vacancies. You can search by location, industry and level of apprenticeship. The UCAS website also lists some opportunities and may be useful if you are already familiar with that system through university research.

It is worth checking these sites regularly. New positions are added throughout the year, though the frequency varies depending on the sector. Some apprenticeships have traditionally started in September, but many employers now recruit on a rolling basis.

You can also look at individual company websites, as some larger employers advertise apprenticeships directly. Local training providers and colleges often have links with employers in your area. The National Careers Service website or helpline can offer guidance, and local job boards or council websites sometimes list opportunities in your region.

If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the process differs. Scotland uses Apprenticeships.scot, Wales has Careers Wales, and Northern Ireland provides information through nidirect. Check the relevant service for your area.

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Getting help and advice

If you are unsure where to start or need support with applications, there are free services available. The National Careers Service offers advice by phone, webchat and in person. They can help you think through your options and point you towards relevant vacancies.

Schools and colleges sometimes have careers advisers, though the quality and focus of this support varies. If you have left education and are claiming benefits, Jobcentre Plus may offer guidance, though their expertise tends to be broader job seeking rather than apprenticeships specifically.

Some training providers also run information sessions or open days where you can learn more about specific apprenticeship programmes. These can be useful if you want to get a feel for what a particular industry involves before you commit.

Preparing to apply

Once you find an apprenticeship that interests you, take time to read the job description carefully. Entry requirements vary. Some apprenticeships ask for specific GCSEs, while others focus more on attitude and enthusiasm.

You will usually need to submit a CV and covering letter, and many employers include interviews or assessments as part of the process. Be honest about your skills and experience, and show that you have thought about why the role appeals to you.

Competition for popular apprenticeships is typically high, so applying to several positions may increase your chances. Keep track of your applications and any deadlines, and follow up if you do not hear back within the timeframe given.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Apprenticeship Eligibility Checker lets you tell us about your situation and find out which UK apprenticeships you qualify for and how to apply. Try it now →