If you've never done an apprenticeship course or had work experience, it can be difficult knowing how to be an apprentice. Though in many ways apprenticeships are different to 'normal' employment, the basics are more or less identical. Unsure of how to go about it? Don't worry; we're here to give you tips on how to be an apprentice.

How to be an apprentice - Step 1

Have a think about what you're interested in. Apprenticeships are ideal for people who want to learn a specialised trade or skill, such as hairdressing or plumbing, so a keen interest in one of these areas is a bonus, but not mandatory. Remember that your chosen trade will be heavily featured in your career so make sure that it's something that you're likely to enjoy! However, some apprenticeships such as customer care give you the ability to learn valuable skills that can help you get on in many career paths.

How to be an apprentice - Step 2

Becoming an apprentice takes a lot of motivation. Learning a skill for the first time or turning a hobby into a profession both require a lot of drive and determination as you won't become an expert overnight. If you're willing to put the effort in and stick by your trade of choice, the results are well worth it.

How to be an apprentice - Step 3

The next step to becoming an apprentice is to find some vacancies! The key is to know exactly where to look and how. To be an apprentice, try looking at our thousands of apprenticeship vacancies where we have a wide range of different job roles in a number of different sectors and locations. Make sure that you take the course's location into account, especially if you don't have a driving licence, and read the vacancy listing carefully.

How to be an apprentice - Step 4

Following on from the previous step, not reading the advert properly could end with you wasting your time! Some trades require you to complete a pre-apprenticeship training program to ensure that you have all the necessary skills and techniques needed to join their course.

How to be an apprentice - Step 5

Having the appropriate high-school grades and qualifications are usually crucial to the apprenticeship application process. Most employers won't even consider you without a decent mark in a subject relevant to your trade, such as Design Technology. It's usually also mandatory to have GCSEs in English, Science and Maths.

How to be an apprentice - Step 6

Once you're happy with the course and your qualifications all match the expectations, it's time to get your application together! You'll need to put together a CV (if you haven't already got one) and a covering letter unique to that vacancy. For more information on jobs application processes, please read the linked articles below…

What is a covering letter and why are they so important?

Ten steps to a successful CV

Understanding job adverts

How to be an apprentice - Step 7

You're almost finished! Follow the advert's submission process (do they want you to email them or write a letter?) and get your application sent off! While you're waiting to hear from the employer, carry on looking around! There's a chance that you won't get on the course, so the more options the better!

How to be an apprentice - Step 8

Make sure you're ready for your interview! It's likely that an employer will want to conduct a personal or telephone interview with you to determine whether you're suited to the apprenticeship or not. For some preparation tips and advice, check out our articles below:

Interview first impressions

Pre-interview checklist

Telephone interviews made easy

Tough interview questions and answers

So there you have it! How to be an apprentice explained step-by-step! For more information on apprenticeships, head over to our apprenticeships articles page for a wide range of helpful hints, tips and guides to all things apprenticeship!