This guide explains what apprenticeships are, how they work, who they can suit, what employers usually look for and how to find apprenticeship opportunities that match your goals.
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What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid role where you work for an employer while also receiving training. The aim is to help you build practical skills, gain experience and work towards a recognised career path.
Unlike a normal job, an apprenticeship usually includes a structured learning element. You may spend most of your time working and some time completing training, coursework or assessments.
Apprenticeships can be found in many areas including business, construction, engineering, healthcare, digital, finance, marketing, hospitality, transport, education and more.
Who are apprenticeships suitable for?
Apprenticeships can suit different types of people, not just school leavers. They may be useful if you want to earn while learning or move into a new career without going straight into full-time study.
They can suit:
- School leavers
- College leavers
- People who want practical training
- Career changers
- People returning to work
- People who want to gain qualifications while working
- People who prefer learning by doing
The right apprenticeship depends on your interests, current qualifications, location, transport, confidence and long-term goals.
Are apprenticeships paid?
Yes, apprenticeships are paid. Pay can vary depending on the employer, industry, age, level of apprenticeship, location and working hours.
Before applying, read the advert carefully so you understand the pay, hours, training structure, location and expectations. Some apprenticeships may start at a lower wage than experienced jobs, but they can provide training and a route into long-term career progression.
Apprenticeship vs trainee job
Apprenticeships and trainee jobs can both involve learning while working, but they are not always the same.
- Apprenticeships usually include a formal training structure and recognised learning route.
- Trainee jobs may include training, but the structure depends more on the employer.
- Entry-level jobs are beginner-friendly roles that may or may not include formal training.
- Junior jobs may require some existing knowledge or basic experience.
If you want a structured path with training built in, an apprenticeship may be worth considering. If you want to start work quickly and learn informally, a trainee or entry-level role may also be suitable.
Examples of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can appear across many industries. Examples include:
- Business administration apprenticeships
- Marketing apprenticeships
- IT apprenticeships
- Digital apprenticeships
- Engineering apprenticeships
- Construction apprenticeships
- Finance apprenticeships
- Accounting apprenticeships
- Healthcare apprenticeships
- Customer service apprenticeships
Some apprenticeship adverts may use different wording, so it is also worth searching for apprentice, trainee, entry-level and full training provided roles.
What do employers look for in apprenticeship candidates?
Employers hiring apprentices usually understand that you are still learning. They may not expect lots of work experience, but they will want to see potential and commitment.
Useful qualities include:
- Reliability
- Good timekeeping
- Willingness to learn
- Interest in the industry
- Clear communication
- Teamwork
- Organisation
- Professional attitude
- Ability to follow instructions
- Motivation to complete training
If you do not have much work experience, use examples from school, college, hobbies, volunteering, part-time work, family responsibilities or personal projects.
Do you need experience for an apprenticeship?
Many apprenticeships are designed for people who are still building experience. You may not need previous work experience, but some apprenticeships can ask for certain qualifications, grades, skills or basic knowledge depending on the sector.
For example, a digital apprenticeship may value basic computer skills. A construction apprenticeship may require practical interest and reliability. A business administration apprenticeship may look for communication, organisation and attention to detail.
Read each advert carefully and apply when you can show genuine interest and some matching qualities.
How to find apprenticeships
Use a mix of search terms when looking for apprenticeship opportunities. Employers may use different wording in job titles and descriptions.
Try searches such as:
You can also search by industry, such as IT apprenticeship, marketing apprenticeship, engineering apprenticeship, finance apprenticeship or construction apprenticeship.
How to tell if an apprenticeship is right for you
Before applying, think carefully about whether the apprenticeship matches your goals and situation.
Check:
- The job duties
- The training provided
- The qualification or learning route
- The employer
- The pay
- The hours
- The location and travel
- The long-term career path
A good apprenticeship should help you build useful skills and experience, not just fill a short-term vacancy.
What to put on your CV for an apprenticeship
Your CV should show your interest, reliability and potential. You do not need a long work history to apply for many apprenticeships.
Useful things to include are:
- A short personal statement
- Education and qualifications
- Relevant subjects or coursework
- Any work experience or volunteering
- Transferable skills
- Hobbies or projects linked to the role
- Achievements
- Availability and location if helpful
If you are applying with little work history, read our guide on how to write a CV with no experience.
How to apply for apprenticeships
When applying, make it clear why you want that specific apprenticeship. Employers want to see that you understand the opportunity and are serious about completing the training.
In your application, explain:
- Why the role interests you
- Why you want to learn that type of work
- What skills or qualities you already have
- Why you would be reliable
- What you hope to build towards
Keep your application clear and honest. You do not need to sound experienced if the role is designed for someone still learning.
Apprenticeship interview tips
In an apprenticeship interview, the employer may focus on your attitude, interest and ability to learn.
Prepare for questions such as:
- Why do you want this apprenticeship?
- What interests you about this industry?
- What are your strengths?
- Tell me about a time you learned something new.
- How do you manage your time?
- Where do you see yourself in the future?
Use examples from school, college, volunteering, hobbies, part-time work or personal responsibilities if you do not have formal work experience.
Ready to search apprenticeships?
Search live apprenticeships, trainee roles and entry-level jobs on TavaJobs.
Final thoughts
Apprenticeships can be a strong option if you want to earn while learning and build a long-term career path. They can help you gain experience, develop skills and show employers that you are serious about progressing.
Focus on opportunities that match your interests, location, learning style and future goals.
FAQs
Can adults apply for apprenticeships?
Yes. Apprenticeships are not only for school leavers. Adults and career changers can also apply, depending on the role and eligibility requirements.
Do apprenticeships count as real jobs?
Yes. Apprenticeships are paid jobs with training included. You work for an employer while developing skills and experience.
Do I need qualifications for an apprenticeship?
Some apprenticeships ask for certain qualifications or grades, while others focus more on attitude, interest and potential. Always check the advert carefully.
Is an apprenticeship better than a trainee job?
It depends on your goals. Apprenticeships usually offer more structured training, while trainee jobs may be more flexible or employer-led.
What should I search for besides apprenticeships?
Try apprentice jobs, trainee jobs, entry-level jobs, junior jobs and full training provided roles.
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