The short answer
Rejection is a normal part of applying, and the government says many people apply for several apprenticeships before getting one. Ask the employer for feedback, improve your application, look at other areas of work or a lower level, and use hobbies, sport or volunteering as evidence of skills. If you think you were treated unfairly, you can complain.
Key figures
- The government says it's okay to start at Level 2 if you're new to an industry
- Level 2
- Source: Apprenticeships.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)
- When Aldi recruits for its warehouse and driver apprenticeships
- All year
- Source: Aldi UK (opens in a new tab)
- How often the Environment Agency's apprenticeships start, depending on the programme
- Monthly to yearly
- Source: Environment Agency (opens in a new tab)
Getting a “no” hurts, but it’s normal. The government’s own apprenticeship site says rejection happens to everyone, and you might have to apply for several before you find the right one.
1. Ask for feedback
GOV.UK says you can ask for feedback whether you were turned down before interview or after. Not every employer will give detailed feedback, but ask anyway. Keep it short and polite.
2. Improve your application
Look back at what you sent with fresh eyes:
- Was it tailored? The government specifically asks whether your application was tailored enough to the company. Generic answers stand out for the wrong reasons.
- Did you use examples? Show what you’ve done, not just what you’re like.
- Did you research the employer? Our guide to researching an employer shows how.
Our guides to writing a CV and cover letters and application questions can help.
3. Widen your search
The government suggests:
- Other areas of work. You might not have considered construction, health and science, or education and early years.
- Further away. If you can travel, look beyond your local area.
- A lower level. It’s okay to start at Level 2 if you’re new to an industry.
- Contacting companies directly. Look at companies in your area and check their websites.
Some employers recruit all year rather than once a year. Aldi does for its warehouse and driver apprenticeships, and the Environment Agency has start dates from monthly to yearly. You can also look at employers by city or by industry.
4. Build your experience
If experience is holding you back, think about the skills you already have. The government gives examples: hobbies show a willingness to learn, sport shows teamwork, and gaming shows problem solving. Volunteering helps too.
If you think you were treated unfairly
GOV.UK says you can complain if you think you weren’t successful because of discrimination, or if the interview or application process was unfair. The National Careers Service also has advice if you’ve had a few setbacks or find interviews difficult.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.