How To Apply for Apprenticeships in 8 Steps (With Tips)

While going to college is a popular way to learn skills for a career, there are other alternative methods that you can pursue. One way to prepare for a career without going to school is to apply for an apprenticeship. If you're interested in finding an apprenticeship, understanding the basic steps and suggestions for pursuing one may be helpful. In this article, we discuss what apprenticeships are, how to apply for apprenticeships and some tips to help you with your application.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an alternative type of learning program where an individual at a skilled trade accepts to hire and train an assistant. This apprentice learns by performing tasks in a real work environment under the direct supervision of an expert. Apprenticeships are usually paid positions and often relate to skilled trades, such as carpenters, electricians and automotive technicians. Related: How Does an Apprenticeship Work? (Plus Other FAQs)

Why apply for an apprenticeship?

Many people apply for apprenticeships instead of going to college or finding an entry-level job because it allows them to learn a trade while earning some money. If you're a hands-on learner, you may appreciate developing skills for a certain career by assisting a mentor. You can also form relationships with people who work in your industry. Finally, apprenticeships usually accept only a few people, which means you may receive more personalized learning. Related: 11 Apprenticeship Benefits

How to apply for apprenticeships

These are a few steps you can take to help you apply for an apprenticeship:

1. Find an apprenticeship

Before applying for an apprenticeship, find an opening for the position you want. You can usually find apprenticeships on apprenticeship-specific job sites and some government job sites. Consider searching for job fields that interest you and browse for specific apprenticeships within those industries. It may also help to apply for a few apprenticeships at a time to increase your chances of getting the role. Read more: How To Find an Apprenticeship Program To Boost Your Career

2. Research the apprenticeship

Once you find an apprenticeship, try to research it as thoroughly as possible. Understanding the company or person offering the apprenticeship may help you know what qualifications they're looking for in an apprentice and may increase your chances of getting the position. You can also use the apprenticeship description to find keywords that you can include in your application.

3. Prepare your resume

Apprenticeships often require you to submit a resume, which can show your professionalism and willingness to learn about your field. You can also showcase your educational background, work experience and skills. Related: How To Write a Resume for an Apprenticeship

4. Fill out the apprenticeship application

Most apprenticeship programs put their application forms on their personal websites. Once you are done researching the position, navigate to the application and fill out the requested information. While apprenticeships usually use questions similar to standard job applications, they may ask for some information unique to the position. Try to read the whole application before applying.

5. Customize your application

When filling out information for your application, try to customize it for the particular apprenticeship as much as possible. When describing your work experience or answering short-form questions, consider including answers that reflect your research on the apprenticeship. You can also include how your skills and qualifications make you an ideal candidate whenever possible.

6. Explain your background

Most apprenticeships include a section for questions about any past experience. Include your past jobs and how they can help you with this particular position. You may also add other details that may demonstrate how well you match the apprenticeship, such as hobbies, volunteer positions or school clubs. Related: Interview Question: “Tell Me About Your Educational Background”

7. Add a cover letter

In the application, you may find an area for a cover letter or personal statement. While this section is usually optional, it's an opportunity to further explain your unique qualifications and what makes you qualified for the role. Some applications may also allow you to add a cover letter as an attachment. Related: Is a Cover Letter Necessary? (With Other FAQs About Cover Letters)

8. Proofread your application

Before sending your apprenticeship application, look over all of the sections carefully. You can prove your strong attention to detail by ensuring that your answers are neatly organized and use proper spelling and grammar. Consider asking a friend or family member to review your application to help you catch additional errors. Related: 27 Proofreading Tips That Will Improve Your Resume

Tips for applying for an apprenticeship

Here are some suggestions that may improve your chances of getting an apprenticeship:

Make a list of your qualifications

When applying for an apprenticeship, list as much about your experiences, hobbies and interests as possible so that your potential mentor can determine if you're a good fit for the role. Consider taking some time to list all your interests and past work experiences. You can then reference this list when filling out your application.

Mention positive qualities

When working as an apprentice, you may perform your duties either individually with the trade expert or in small groups. This means that it's important to match with an apprenticeship that fits your personality and qualities. In your application, try to include your personal traits and characteristics alongside your skills and qualifications.

Ask for feedback

Most people apply to several apprenticeships before getting a positive match. If you receive a letter of rejection from an apprenticeship, you can contact them to ask if they have any feedback about your application. Then you can use their response to create a stronger application for the next apprenticeship. Related: Positive Feedback: Why It's Important and How To Deliver It

Ask for references

References are people an employer contacts to gain more information about a particular applicant. Many apprenticeships ask you to provide a few references that they can call. Consider choosing people who have worked with you in the past or know you very well and ask them if you can use them as a reference in advance. Related: FAQ: How Many References Should I Have? (With Tips)

Prepare for an interview

Most apprenticeship programs require you to attend an interview before officially getting the position. Some apprenticeships interview all candidates while others choose only a few qualified individuals. While filling out your application, you can also prepare for an interview by writing down any qualifications or hobbies that you want to talk about more. Then when practicing for a potential interview, you can strategize ways to include those particular qualifications.