Finding an apprenticeship

How to find an Apprenticeship

Finding an apprenticeship isn’t difficult but if you want to explore a range of options it is worth widening the net. Apprenticeships are a popular choice for school leavers as they provide training alongside a wage and a qualification on completion too. Finding the right apprenticeship for you will depend on a number of factors. Many people are surprised by the wide range of companies offering apprenticeships in a diverse range of different industry areas and fields.

There are many places to look for an apprenticeship and we’re looking at some of the options. Keep in mind there are different levels of apprenticeship dependent on your qualification level so this will influence the apprenticeships you are eligible for.

Company Websites

If you have a particular interest in a particular company then visiting their website is a good place to start. Many companies have formal apprenticeship programmes that open each year for new applicants. This information may be on a dedicated page on their website, or it may be incorporated into their careers page. It should provide all the information you need to apply, and you might be able to see the qualification requirements and levels of apprenticeship available. Some apprenticeships lead directly into a job on completion so you can also see if this is the case on a company’s website.

Some large employers also offer scholarships alongside apprenticeship training so it can be worth looking for this.

Direct Contact

If you have a real passion or interest in a particular company or industry, it can’t hurt to contact them directly. Perhaps this information isn’t on their company website or perhaps they haven’t considered apprentices before. You may find they appreciate your interest and give you all the information you need about their programmes.

Secure Work Experience

Work experience in a company you’d like to do an apprenticeship at can be a great stepping stone. Securing an apprenticeship can be really difficult but if you’re already known to the company they may even suggest or recommend you apply. Work experience is usually voluntary, but it is a chance to get first-hand experience in the industry you want to work in and get to know some of the staff there too. A week or two of unpaid work experience can be invaluable when seeking to improve your contacts.

Consider a Traineeships

Traineeships are a form of pre-apprenticeship training. It can help get you in the right mindset for a full-time apprenticeship role and help to test the water to see if it is the right option for your future. A traineeship can give you a taste of the potential career path and help you make the decision regarding full apprenticeship training,

Many organisations are recruiting for apprentices on a regular basis. Knowing where to look really helps and if you have your heart set on a particular company or industry, a little extra effort is often worth it.

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