Apprenticeships Toolkit

We have put together an Apprenticeship Toolkit to help provide you with the information you need to find an Apprenticeship.

If you’d like to contact our Apprenticeships Team first, please email apprenticeships@stcg.ac.uk 

• Job Searching

  If you’re interested in applying for an Apprenticeship, it’s a good idea to regularly search online for vacancies. Below are a list of websites where job roles are advertised.

  • • South Thames Colleges Group stcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-vacancies
    • Find an Apprenticeship Service gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
    • National Apprenticeship Service apprenticeships.gov.uk
    • Prospects prospects.ac.uk
    • UCAS Degree Apprenticeships careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship
    • Get My First Job getmyfirstjob.co.uk

• Approach Employers Directly

  If there is a particular company or industry that you would like to work in, then it’s worth contacting them directly to enquire whether they would have any Apprenticeship roles available. You can either contact their HR department via phone, email a copy of your CV or approach an employer in person.

• Network

  Speak to family and friends for inspiration and leads. They may know someone who is interested in hiring an apprentice. Talk to local businesses and research company websites. The BBC, Sony, Thames Water and local councils all take on apprentices every year.

• Convert Work Experience into Employment

  A work experience placement is an opportunity to make a great first impression with an employer. Arrange work experience at a company you would like to work for and then approach them once the placement finishes to find out whether they’d be interested in hiring you as an apprentice. If they are, then provide us with the details and we will contact the employer directly to organise the start of your Apprenticeship.

• Volunteering

  Volunteering is another way to build links with a company that you’re interested in working for. It is also an opportunity to build your experience, make connections and eventually get your foot in the door for an Apprenticeship.

• Ask Your Current Employer

  If you are already employed, approach your employer directly to find out if they would be willing to put you on an Apprenticeship programme. They may be eligible for Government funding to cover some or all funding costs for your training.

• How to Write a CV

  If you’re applying for an Apprenticeship job role then you will need to write a CV and covering letter to show that you are a good match for the job. Include: 

  • Contact details – name, address, email, phone
  • Profile – details about yourself e.g. qualifications, skills, experience, job role search
  • Education – all secondary and college qualifications
  • Employment history – work experience placements and part-time work
  • Hobbies and interests – extra-curricular clubs, sports, groups
  • References – advisable to put ‘references available on request’

• How to Prepare for an Interview

  Once you’ve secured an interview, you will need to prepare for it. Here are our tips for making sure you’re ready:

  • Check the employer’s website for information on the company
  • Ensure you know the job title of the person you are meeting
  • Location of the company – check you know bus/train or driving route
  • Look presentable – smart dress
  • Be punctual – arrive five minutes before the interview start time
  • During the interview – firm handshake, good listening, clear responses, smile and engage with your interviewer

  During an interview, you will be asked a variety of questions which will help the employer ascertain if you are right for the job role. You will also get the opportunity at the end of the interview to ask the employer any questions you may have.

• Typical Interview Questions

  • Why do you want to work for this company?
  • Why do you want to work in this job role?
  • What do you think you can offer this company?
  • How would you deal with a difficult situation?

• Typical Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview

  • How large is the company?
  • Will I be working with you directly? If not, who will I be working with?
  • If you have previously employed apprentices, what has been their progression?
  • How many other candidates are you interviewing?
  • What is the next step?