Step 1 — The Application

Most apprenticeships use an online application either through the employer, a training provider or the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service.

What to expect

• A short form about you, your interests and motivation
• Sometimes a CV and a brief personal statement
• Occasionally quick open questions (e.g. “Why this apprenticeship?”)

Tip: Employers don’t expect loads of experience. They’re looking for potential, effort and attitude.

Step 2 — Online Tests or Questionnaires

Some employers include short assessments to understand how you think and decide.

Common types

• Numerical or verbal reasoning — understanding information
• Situational judgement — what you’d do in real work scenarios
• Values or preferences — what motivates you at work

Step 3 — Shortlist & Interview Invitation

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview or an assessment day.

Prepare this

• What the company does, their customers and values
• The basics of the apprenticeship standard (e.g., Business Admin, Customer Service, Engineering, construction)
• 3–4 examples for evidence to questions you might be asked. 

Practice out loud. Clear, short examples beat long, waffly answers.

Step 4 — The Assessment Centre (if invited)

It’s a set of short activities so employers / assessors can see you in action.

What you might do

• Group task — solve a problem together
• Short presentation — usually with prep time
• 1-to-1 interview — structured competency / strength based questions

Insider note: assessors score behaviours like communication, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability.

Step 5 — The Offer & What Happens Next

If you’re successful, you’ll receive an offer by email or phone with your start date and next steps.

• Check hours, pay, training schedule and location
• Have your ID/right-to-work documents ready (usually passport or if no passport, birth cert, national insurance number, proof of address, photo ID if no passport. 
• Look out for induction details or a welcome session

Step 6 — Getting Ready for Day One

• Plan your route and arrive a little early
• Bring a notebook — capture names, tools, tips
• Sleep well, dress appropriately and bring positive energy

You were chosen because they saw potential. Be curious, ask questions and learn fast.

Step 7 — Ongoing Reviews & Support

You’ll have regular check-ins with your manager and training provider to track progress.

• Note what’s going well and what you want to improve
• Ask for feedback and act on it
• Raise challenges early, there’s support to help you succeed