How to apply for an apprenticeship

To become an apprentice, you’ll need to be working in a suitable role and have the support of your employer.



I already have a job

If you’re already in a suitable job role, think about approaching your line manager about training and upskilling opportunities. Talk about whether an apprenticeship could be the solution.

Essentially, you need to:

  • identify a suitable apprenticeship (see our degree apprenticeships and college apprenticeships)
  • make sure your current job role can cover all the occupational competencies
  • check your employer is willing to fund the apprenticeship
  • check your line manager is willing to support you, by allowing time for off-the-job training and providing on-the-job training.

Get tips on how to speak to your employer about apprenticeships.

Further information for your line manager

For degree apprenticeships: contact [email protected], call 01245 686707 or visit Degree apprentices for employers.

For further education (college) apprenticeships: contact [email protected], call 01245 424275 or visit Writtle College apprenticeships for employers.

I’m not in a job

If you aren’t currently employed, you’ll first need to apply for an apprenticeship job role.

Applying for an apprenticeship job vacancy is like applying for any other job vacancy. You search for the right apprenticeship vacancy, apply and go through the interview process, if shortlisted.

Where can I look for apprenticeship opportunities?

You can find apprenticeship job vacancies advertised on most job sites, the Gov.UK website, UCAS and, for degree apprenticeships, usually on the university’s website.

Here are some good sources:

  • Go to www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
  • Click Search
  • Add in your keywords, location, level etc
  • This will give you a list of apprenticeship vacancies that match your search criteria
  • You will be asked to either apply through the employer’s website or create an account within the Gov.UK website

Go to our apprenticeship vacancies listing.

You can view and apply for any current degree apprenticeships vacancies we're advertising on behalf of our employer partners. You can also complete the ‘register your interest’ form to receive regular degree apprenticeship email alerts.

Sending a speculative application

You could consider accessing the ‘hidden jobs market’ by sending a speculative application to a company you’d like to work for.

Highlight your interest in starting an apprenticeship at ARU and ask if it’s something they might support you with. Here’s advice to help you with sending a speculative apprenticeship letter.

If you find an employer that’s interested in taking you on, please get in touch and introduce us to them. Email [email protected] (degree apprenticeships) or [email protected] (further education apprenticeships). We’ll take them through the details of what it means for them to employ you as an apprentice.

What’s next?

You’ve searched for apprenticeship job vacancies and found one you want to apply for. Great! Next you’ll need to apply for it, and that means writing a winning job application.

Want to talk to someone?
If you’d like to discuss any aspect of degree apprenticeships, our team of experts would be delighted to hear from you.
[email protected] 01245 686 707