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Where to Start Applying For Apprenticeships [Plus Advice Request]?

I'm currently doing a BTEC level 3 IT Extended Diploma, it's reaching January and I haven't made any applications to any companies. Is there a masterlist of companies/resources that offer apprenticeship as my college is mostly geared towards ucas applications.

I attended an assessment centre once and was rejected due to not having a level 3 qualification.I'm afraid if I go for this as my main option I might get rejected and have nothing to do after college.Any Advice

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Hi @hamroebe

I am not too sure about a master list of companies but there are some websites where you can search for apprenticeships in the UK. I will link them down below, you may have come across them before or not!

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Browse apprenticeships before you apply

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Find an apprenticeship (findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk )

Universities offer degree apprenticeships too, so it may be worth researching what sort of options you may be eligible for in that area.

I would also advise looking to get some work experience under your belt this could be through volunteering or other means but it is a great way to demonstrate to employers what kind of skills you have.

I wish you all the best and good luck!

Anastasia,
BCU Student Rep.

Reply 2

apprentinsideryt

Original post by hamroebe

Hi there,

Hope you're well. I would say don't be scared of applying - if you apply and don't get through or you decide you don't want the job, there's no commitment at all - you can just turn it down. I would say apply to a lot now/beginning of January and just see what happens. Apprenticeships are considered an extremely valuable career option and I can definitely recommend them.

Let me just speed run some advice for you which will give you value for applying.

1) Online application

Find vacancies at:
https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

You will need a CV and cover letter, and need to make sure you complete application questions. Focus on the skills you have learnt from your BTEC and extra curricular activities - ask yourself the question, what skills/values/traits could you bring to benefit the organisation? Make sure you research the company heavily, focusing on their values, goals and current projects/services/products/activities.

Work experience is key here and looks very good on your CV (virtual work experience is ok too) so I would definitely make sure you have some.

If you're struggling on how to start writing a CV or cover letter, how to do proper research for apprenticeships or how to get work experience, I can send over a few links - just let me know if you're interested and I'll send them through.

2) Subsequent stages

Once you get through the online application, the next step may be a virtual interview and/or online testing.

After this is an assessment centre which can involve an interview, a presentation, a case study and a group exercise.

Worry about these later - just focus on the online application and applying for a good number of companies now.

Hope all these tips help and are valuable to you. Let me know if you want any of those resources I talked about earlier.

Just out of interest, which apprenticeship role are you thinking of applying to? Will it be DTS (Digital and Technology Solutions) because of your IT Diploma?