The short answer
After your application, many big employers send online tests (like logical reasoning or behaviour assessments) and then a recorded or live video interview before an assessment day. Practise reasoning tests, use the STAR method for answers, test your camera and microphone, and log in early. Some employers, like Arup, ask you not to use AI writing tools.
Key figures
- Online assessments Arup uses: behaviours, logical reasoning and critical thinking
- 3
- Source: Arup (opens in a new tab)
- Length of Arup's final virtual interview, with a case study
- 90 minutes
- Source: Arup (opens in a new tab)
- How early the National Careers Service suggests logging in to a video interview
- 30 minutes
- Source: National Careers Service (opens in a new tab)
If you apply to a big employer, there’s a good chance your first “interview” won’t be with a person at all. Online tests and recorded video interviews are now a standard part of apprenticeship recruitment.
What different employers do
| Employer | After your application |
|---|---|
| PwC | Online tests, a recorded video interview, then a virtual assessment centre |
| Aviva | Online tests, then a recorded video interview with a practice question first |
| easyJet | An online aptitude test, a phone interview, then an assessment day |
Online tests
Employers describe tests that look at how you think and behave, rather than what you know:
- Arup: behaviours, logical reasoning and critical thinking
- PwC: cognitive skills, behaviours, natural preferences and reasoning
- easyJet: an aptitude test
National Highways says its assessment has no right or wrong answers; it’s about how you think and work.
How to prepare:
- Do practice tests so the format isn’t a surprise.
- Find a quiet place without distractions, as Arup recommends.
- Read the instructions carefully, and check whether you’re timed.
Video interviews
There are two kinds:
- Recorded: questions appear on screen and you record your answers.
- Live: a real interviewer on a video call.
The National Careers Service suggests:
- researching the company and preparing examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- testing your microphone and the software beforehand
- finding a quiet spot with good light and nothing distracting behind you
- using a laptop rather than a phone, with the camera at eye level
- logging in at least half an hour early
A note on AI
Employers have different views. Arup asks you not to use AI writing assistants in your application. Aldi says AI can help you prepare for an interview, but wants to hear your genuine voice. When in doubt, check the employer’s guidance and make sure every answer sounds like you.
After this stage there’s usually an assessment day. Our guide to interviews and assessment centres covers that.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab)
- Flying Start degree programmes (opens in a new tab)
- Claims apprenticeship pathway (opens in a new tab)
- easyJet Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab)
- Early careers (opens in a new tab)
- Video interview tips (opens in a new tab)
- Warehouse Operations Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab)