Apprenticeship glossary

Work experience

What does Work experience mean?

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.

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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.
National Careers Service
England's free careers advice service, with guidance on CVs, cover letters and interviews, plus advisers you can talk to.
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.
Workplace pension
A pension your employer pays into alongside you. Many employers list it as a benefit; Sky, for example, says it contributes up to 9%.
Young Apprenticeship
A route offered by some employers that starts while you're still at school. Rolls-Royce, for example, lists a Young Apprenticeship that starts from Year 9.

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.