How to become an apprentice

Your step-by-step guide to getting started

Choosing to become an apprentice is a practical and career-focused decision. It means stepping directly into employment while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required in your chosen industry.

If you’re considering this pathway, here’s what you need to know about how the process works and what to expect along the way.

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Is an apprenticeship right for you?

Choosing an apprenticeship is about more than gaining a qualification — it’s about deciding how you want to begin your professional journey. An apprenticeship places you directly into a real working environment where you are treated as an employee from day one. You will be expected to contribute to your team, demonstrate professionalism and take responsibility for your development.

This pathway is particularly suited to individuals who are motivated by practical experience and clear career progression. Rather than remaining in full-time classroom education, you will be applying knowledge in real situations, building confidence and developing industry-specific skills in a structured and purposeful way.

An apprenticeship could be right for you if you:

Prefer hands-on learning instead of primarily classroom-based study
Are motivated by clear goals and structured progression
Feel ready to take responsibility in a professional environment
Communicate effectively and work well within a team
Are committed to developing long-term skills within a chosen sector

The Step-by-Step Process

Each stage is designed to guide you clearly through the process, helping you secure the right opportunity and start your apprenticeship with confidence.

Becoming an apprentice follows a clear and supported structure.

Check your eligible. To begin an apprenticeship in England, you must be aged 16 or over, not in full-time education, and have the right to work in the UK.

Research your career options. Explore the sectors available, consider your strengths and interests, and identify a pathway that aligns with your long-term ambitions and preferred working environment.

Apply for a vacancy. Submit an application to an employer, attend interview, and demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to learn and develop.

Start your apprenticeship. Once employed, you will enrol onto your apprenticeship programme, begin workplace training and work towards completing your qualification and End-Point Assessment.

What happens after you apply?

Support and next steps

After submitting an enquiry or application, you may be contacted to discuss your goals, experience and suitability for current vacancies. If shortlisted, interviews will be arranged directly with employers.

If a suitable vacancy is not immediately available, you may be advised on alternative options or upcoming opportunities within your chosen sector.

Understanding the commitment

An apprenticeship is a professional commitment that combines employment with structured training. Whether you are starting your career, changing direction or developing existing experience, you will be expected to meet the standards of both your employer and your qualification.

You will balance day-to-day workplace responsibilities with study, assessment and skills development. This requires consistency, organisation and a genuine commitment to progressing within your chosen sector.

To succeed, you will need to:

Manage your time effectively between work and training
Meet employer expectations and maintain professional standards
Complete coursework and assessments to agreed deadlines
Engage fully in training sessions and learning activities
Communicate openly with your employer and training provider

Progression and future opportunities

Completing an apprenticeship can create strong foundations for long-term career progression. Many apprentices move into permanent positions with their employer, take on increased responsibility within their team, or progress onto higher-level qualifications to continue developing their expertise.

Because you gain recognised certification alongside practical, real-world experience, you build both credibility and capability within your sector. This combination can strengthen your professional profile, improve your prospects for promotion, and position you well for future advancement within your chosen industry.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact our team for guidance on your next steps.