How To Write The Perfect CV For Apprenticeships?

Finding the perfect apprenticeship can feel like a daunting task with the pressure of choosing the right course, picking the best training school and making new friends/colleagues. Your apprenticeship is your first real experience at working life and earning a living wage. But if this is your first time applying for an apprenticeship, then we’ve got some helpful tips and tricks when writing your CV for apprenticeships!

Keep things relevant

Make sure you include as much relevant information as possible when writing your first CV, especially for an apprenticeship as employers often don’t have time to go through endless pages to find information.

For example, if your desired apprenticeship is in technology, you should include as much as you can about your computing skills, experience using different software, any experience with recognising code and any knowledge of technology, IT and computer science.

Tailor the relevant information to your desired job role if you’re applying for a sports physio apprenticeship they’re probably not interested if you can work out a balance sheet.

Write a show-stopping personal statement or profile

Your statement or profile sits at the very top of your CV and will likely be one of the first things a potential employer reads. It needs to show them that you’re a good fit and ultimately persuade them to read the rest of your CV.

Employers acknowledge apprentices may lack practical experience within the job role so they pay attention and often appreciate details about the attributes and skills you’ve gained through work experience and higher education.

A good personal statement needs to be clear and concise. It should include a sentence or two as to why you might be suitable for, or interested in, the industry you are applying for. You can also include details about past experiences that may relate to the job role and how it’s beneficial.

Mention your academic grades in your statement but try to keep it brief and focus on those that are relevant. For example, if you were applying for a digital apprenticeship who wanted applicants with strong English and IT skills, you might say that you’ve gained ‘10 GCSE’s A-C, including English A and ICT B’.

Include volunteering and work experiences

It’s okay if you don’t have much work experience to include in your CV for apprenticeships as it can be tricky to find work at a young age. But if you do have work experience, list your job title and the name of the company you worked for, dates and your key duties.

Use this section of your CV to show how committed you were to this experience and what you learned. During an apprenticeship, you will be learning a job through hands-on experience, so demonstrating what you learned during any work experience is great to show your potential.

Don’t forget hobbies and interests

Employers like hearing about hobbies and interests, especially for younger applicants, as they can start to get an understanding of your personality and how you would fit into the company culture.

What’s more, telling your employer about your hobbies and interests gives you something to talk about should you get an interview. Whilst also demonstrating your in-personal skills such as teamwork, confidence and time management.

As you finish writing a CV for apprenticeships, look back and check if you have included everything significant and relevant. Try not to exaggerate any details as this may catch you out later on, but don’t be afraid to boast a little about what you think your strongest attributes are or why you will be the perfect apprentice for an employer.

If you need help getting started, try our free CV templates.