Apprenticeships & Employment

University isn't the only route to a successful career. Apprenticeships and employment can give you the opportunity to earn, gain qualifications and develop valuable workplace experience at the same time.

Whether you're looking for a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship, a higher or degree apprenticeship, part-time employment, a full-time job, a school-leaver programme or work experience, this page will help you understand your options and prepare for the world of work.

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Why consider an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships combine paid employment with structured training. Depending on the level, you can gain qualifications ranging from Level 2 through to degree and higher-level qualifications.

An apprenticeship could allow you to:

• Earn a salary while you learn
• Gain valuable workplace experience
• Develop practical and transferable skills
• Work alongside experienced professionals
• Gain industry-recognised qualifications
• Build professional contacts and networks
• Progress within an organisation
• Avoid or reduce the student debt associated with traditional university study

Apprenticeships are available across a huge range of industries, including business, finance, law, engineering, digital and IT, healthcare, construction, marketing, media, public services and many more.

Degree apprenticeships

A degree apprenticeship combines employment, university-level study and a degree qualification.

You are employed by an organisation, spend part of your time working and part of your time studying, and your employer typically covers the cost of your degree.

Degree apprenticeships are highly competitive, so you should treat the application process much like applying for a job — because you are applying for a job.

Finding opportunities

Don't wait for an apprenticeship or job opportunity to find you.

Make researching opportunities part of your regular routine.

You can:

• Search the Find an Apprenticeship service
• Search employer websites directly
• Use apprenticeship vacancy websites
• Follow employers on LinkedIn and social media
• Attend careers fairs and employer events
• Speak to the Careers Team
• Contact employers directly to ask about opportunities
• Sign up for vacancy alerts
• Research companies you would like to work for

Think about employers, not just vacancies

You don't have to wait until you see the perfect vacancy.

Make a list of organisations you would be interested in working for and research:

• What they do
• What roles they offer
• Whether they recruit apprentices
• When they usually recruit
• What qualifications they look for
• What skills and experience they value
• Whether they offer work experience or insight opportunities

The more you know about an employer, the stronger your application and interview answers are likely to be.

Applying for jobs and apprenticeships

A strong application takes preparation.

You may need to complete:

• An application form
• A CV
• A cover letter
• Online assessments
• Situational judgement tests
• Video interviews
• Telephone interviews
• Assessment centres
• Interviews with the employer

Don't send the same application to every employer. Tailor your application to the organisation and the role.

Before applying, research the employer and identify examples from your experience that demonstrate the skills they are looking for.

Think about:

• What have I done?
• What did I learn?
• What skills did I develop?
• How does this make me suitable for the role?

You don't need years of experience

As a sixth form student, you may not have extensive professional experience yet — and employers understand this.

You can demonstrate your skills through:

• Part-time jobs
• Volunteering
• Work experience
• School and sixth form responsibilities
• Sports and clubs
• Caring responsibilities
• Personal projects
• Competitions
• Enterprise activities
• Community activities
• Hobbies and interests

For example, working in a café could demonstrate customer service, teamwork, communication, reliability and working under pressure.

The important thing is being able to explain what you did and what you learned from it.

Getting your first opportunity

Your first job or apprenticeship can be difficult to secure because employers are looking for people who can demonstrate potential.

Don't be discouraged by rejection. It is normal to make several applications before receiving an offer.

Use each application as an opportunity to improve.

Build your employability before you need it.

You could use your time in sixth form to:

• Develop your CV
• Gain work experience
• Volunteer
• Complete relevant online courses
• Attend employer events
• Practise interview questions
• Research careers and employers
• Build your professional network
• Create a LinkedIn profile
• Develop skills relevant to your chosen industry

Getting an apprenticeship or job isn't just about having the right qualifications.

Employers want to see evidence that you are reliable, motivated, able to communicate, willing to learn and capable of applying your skills in a workplace.

Your qualifications might help you meet the entry requirements, but your skills, experience, attitude and application can help you secure the opportunity.

Don't wait until Year 13 to start looking.

The earlier you start researching employers, developing your CV and gaining experience, the more prepared you will be when the right opportunity comes along.