How to apply for an apprenticeship

Applying for an apprenticeship is applying for a job. You’re up against other people for a paid role, so employers assess you in a similar way to any other candidate. The difference is they know most applicants are just starting out, so they don’t expect loads of work experience.

This guide walks you through what usually happens. We’ve got separate guides on each part: writing a CV, cover letters and application questions and interviews and assessment centres.

Before you apply

Do your research first. Our guide to researching an employer has the full list, but the big ones are:

• Can you apply? Check age, where you need to have lived and right-to-work rules first, because they can rule you out whatever your grades.
• Entry requirements for that exact programme, not just the employer in general.
• Location. Make sure you could get to work and to the training provider every day.

In England you can also find apprenticeships through GOV.UK’s official apprenticeship service, where you make an account and apply. Lots of big employers, including the ones we’ve researched, use their own application systems on their careers websites instead.

What the process usually looks like

Most big employers use several stages, and fewer people get through each one. The exact steps vary, so read each employer’s process carefully. Common stages are:

Stage	What happens
Application	An online form, often with a CV, a cover letter or written questions
Online assessment	Tests of reasoning, numbers or how you like to work, or a game-based test
Video or phone interview	Live or recorded questions, usually about why you want it and what you’ve done
Assessment centre	A day of interviews, group tasks and sometimes practical tests
Offer	An offer, which might depend on your exam results

Real examples

• Williams F1 Team has five stages: an application with a CV and a cover letter of around 400 words, one online assessment, an online group task, an assessment centre at its headquarters (with an interview and a practical skills test), and then the result. You can only apply to two departments.
• KPMG UK has a four-stage process, including online assessments and video interviews.
• Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team asks for a cover letter, a CV and a filled-in questionnaire in one document, then online tests. It treats an empty questionnaire as an incomplete application, and it doesn’t allow AI in its online tests.
• BT Group has a staged process with an online application, an online assessment and a final stage.

Tips for every application

• Follow the instructions exactly. If they ask for one document, a word limit or a certain format, do exactly that. Missing bits can mean your application doesn’t get looked at.
• Quality beats quantity. A few well-researched, tailored applications are better than loads of copy-and-paste ones. Some employers limit how many programmes you can apply for anyway.
• Write it somewhere else first. Draft long answers in a document, check the spelling, then paste them in. Once you hit submit, you usually can’t change anything.
• Use the free help. Rolls-Royce, for example, publishes an application preparation guide and an assessment centre guide.
• Keep track. Note what you’ve applied for and where you’re up to, and save a copy of every application, because they might ask you about it at interview.
• Be careful with AI. If you use AI tools to help, make sure every answer is true and in your own words, and check the employer’s rules. Some don’t allow it at certain stages.

If you need adjustments

If you have a disability or condition that affects how you do tests or interviews, you can ask the employer for reasonable adjustments, like extra time or a different format. Employers usually explain how to ask in their application process.

If you don’t get it

Rejection is normal, especially for popular programmes, and it happens to almost everyone at some point. GOV.UK says you can ask for feedback if you’re not picked for an interview or the apprenticeship, and you can complain if you think you were turned down because of discrimination or treated unfairly.

In England, the Apprenticeship helpline (0800 015 0400, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) can help with questions about applying. Use any feedback to make your next application stronger. Lots of people apply to several programmes, or try again the next year, before they get an offer.