Apprenticeship glossary

National Careers Service

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England's free careers advice service, with guidance on CVs, cover letters and interviews, plus advisers you can talk to.

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Guide Writing a CV for an apprenticeship How to write a clear CV that stands out when you don't have much work experience, section by section, based on official careers advice. Applies to: All of the UK
CV
Short for curriculum vitae: a one- or two-page summary of your education, experience and skills. If you're starting out, put education first.
Reference
A short statement about you from someone who knows you, like a teacher or manager, that an employer asks for before you start.
Transferable skills
Skills you can use in lots of jobs, like communication, teamwork and organisation. School, hobbies and part-time work all build them.
Work experience
A short placement to see what a job is like, usually while you're at school or college. Employers like Williams, BAE Systems and Laing O'Rourke run work experience, and it can strengthen an application.
Cover letter
A short letter, usually three to five paragraphs, sent with an application to explain why you want the job and what you'd bring. Write a new one for every application.
National Insurance
A payment taken from your pay if you earn over a set amount, which builds your entitlement to things like the State Pension. Apprentices pay it like other employees.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.