How To Find An Apprenticeship Using The GOV.UK Website

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn and make yourself more employable by gaining practical experience as well as a qualification. To look for an apprenticeship, you can look at the current vacancies listed with Loughborough College or visit GOV.UK where all current apprenticeship vacancies are listed with all providers.

There are a variety of filters that you can apply to help narrow down the choices and ensure the apprenticeships you see are relevant to you.

1. Browse tab: If you want to see what apprenticeships are available in different industries, you can search by category (e.g. construction or retail).
2. Search tab: If you know the type of apprenticeship you’re looking for, use the keyword search.
3. Keywords drop down list: Select this option if you'd like to refine your search by job title, employer or reference number.
4. Keyword search: Type your keyword, alternatively you can leave it blank to look for any apprenticeship in your selected area.
5. Your location: If you'd like to use your device's position to get your current post code, click and then click "Allow" when prompted.
6. Postcode, town or city: You can search for apprenticeships in any location in England. This can be near your home or where you’d like to work.
7. Within x miles: Choose how far from your location you want to search.
8. Apprenticeship level: You can search by level. Intermediate is equivalent to 5 GCSE passes, Advanced is 2 A-level passes, a Higher can lead to a foundation degree and Degree is equivalent to bachelor's or master's degree.
9. Reset search options: If you want to start with blank fields, you can clear the form with the reset button.
10. Create an account: Fill in your details and click to receive alerts for your search

When you do apply for an apprenticeship, the form might ask you what your strengths are. It is a good idea to say the skills, qualities and qualifications that they are looking for, with an example to prove that you have them (e.g. I am well-organised and always hand in my assignments on time at college). It might then ask you what you want to learn on the apprenticeship. It is a good idea to say the tasks that you will be doing there (e.g. I want to learn how to make a business phone call). So, every application you make should be different, because every apprenticeship advert is different.

Apprenticeships are like jobs in that you apply to an advertised one and sometimes you get an interview and then sometimes you get offered the apprenticeship. They might not even get back to you however, and you can apply for lots and not get one. Even if you do, it can take a while. Ideally, you would stay in education whilst you apply for apprenticeships, because if you get one, that is great, but whilst you are waiting, you could be getting qualifications. Most apprenticeships need people to have qualifications before they start. Alternatives are a Traineeship, which are listed on Gov too, or if you have an EHCP, a Supported Internship. These are shorter, unpaid versions of an apprenticeship, which help to get you ready for paid work.

Further support is available from Loughborough College's Apprenticeship Team, Careers Team or or by contacting the governments National Help Desk.

Despite the Coronavirus, careers information, advice and guidance is still available at Loughborough College, just via email, rather than face to face. 

You can contact Careers on: careers@loucoll.ac.uk and ask for assistance with choosing a career; choosing a course for next year at college, university or another training provider; writing a CV or personal statement; applying for a job or apprenticeship; planning a gap year; or anything else related to your future study or employment.  We are here to help you to progress.

Loughborough College Careers.