Are you ready? #BeTheFuture

Frequently asked questions

As apprenticeships are becoming more popular, they are also becoming more competitive. This page has been created to fully prepare you in taking the first step in applying for your ideal apprenticeship and kickstarting your career. If you haven't got much experience, or if you have been unsuccessful in applying for an apprenticeship before, this site has been designed to equip you with all the tools, top tips and support to make you apprenticeship ready #BeTheFuture.

What if I have been unsuccessful before?

Don't get disheartened, apprenticeships are competitive and this should not discourage you from applying for your ideal apprenticeship.

Did you receive feedback? If not, ask for it: this can be a really useful way to find out how you can improve! Follow our top tips below, or if you want some personalised support, contact Wolves at Work or the City of Wolverhampton College who will be more than happy to help you find your ideal apprenticeship.

The Wolves at Work team can offer you support with your application and interview preparation. Contact them on wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk

What if I do not have GCSE Maths and English?

Not all apprenticeships require GCSEs in English and Maths and some will let you work towards these qualifications during your apprenticeship. However, these requirements will be stated in the vacancy advert.

If you don’t have the qualifications to meet these requirements, you can contact wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk and we can support you to work towards achieving them.

Do I have enough experience?

Apprenticeships are for people without experience, however, if you feel like you want to gain some to make your application stand out or if you have been unsuccessful before maybe you should consider work experience or a traineeship.

What are pre-apprenticeships?

Pre-apprenticeships are opportunities for individuals they do not have their English and Maths and are a programme of support where you can gain your qualifications and get some work experience.

Find out more and contact wolves at work wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

What if I am unsure what level qualification I should apply for?

This is dependent on your own experience and qualifications. If you need further help please get in touch with wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk

What can I expect in the application process?

The recruitment process can vary between companies. This should be detailed in the job advert, but if it is not, you can expect to have to complete an application form, take some assessments and attend an interview. Other elements may include online testing and video interviews, but these are less common.

To help you complete your application form and to prepare for interview, the person specification (sometimes called a role profile) will tell you the skills and qualities that the company is looking for.

For some other larger organisations there may be more steps which you will need to complete:

1. Complete an application form
2. Online testing
3. Video interview
4. Assessments
5. Interview
6. Job offer

What do I need to have ready?

It is completely dependent on the level of apprenticeship you are applying for, so ensure you read the job advert carefully.

1. You need to make sure you have researched the organisation you are applying for and make sure you are applying for an apprenticeship you want to do. Additionally, you need to ensure you are clear about the next steps in the application process, so you are fully prepared if you are successful.
2. You need to complete an application form. Please see this great guide on how to write a winning apprenticeship application

Top tips for CV writing

You will not always be expected to submit a CV but it is an excellent idea to write one. A CV is an opportunity to showcase your skills and qualities, and demonstrate why you would be a great candidate for the position you are going for.

Find out how to write a great CV and explore this document for top tips to make your CV stand out

Top tips for the interview

Explore our top tips here and for more great tips see this great site on how to prepare for an interview

Not sure what type of questions you might get asked? See some example questions here.

Tools for online testing

If you are requested to do some online testing please see the link below for further information about what they entail and to do some practice testing.

Explore the target careers website to find out more information.

How to prepare for video interviews

Not everyone will have to complete a video interview but, like any interview, it is important to make sure that you are prepared. A video interview is essentially the same as a face-to-face interview, but there are some additional things to consider:

You have a good internet connection and your webcam is working
You are in a tidy environment with no personal items in the background
You won’t be disturbed during the interview

Find out more about virtual interviews.

Assessments

Some employers may want you to take part in an assessment centre and this will vary depending on the employer. Assessment centres are used by big employers to see if you are a good fit for the organisation. Information about what this involves should be available on their website

However, here is what they typically involve:
- You may have a series of interviews: such as group, panel and individual interviews, or they might involve a mixture of tests, group exercises and interviews
- Usually the assessment centre exercises will be designed to reflect the type of work you’ll be doing during your apprenticeship.
- The employer will also be looking for other qualities, like how well you work in a team and your leadership skills.
- Some of the exercises might reflect real working environments; for example, you might be asked to work through a problem or case study.

Top tips
1. Preparation is vital - find out what to expect. Make sure you have researched the company
2. Focus - It is important listen and play close attention to the instructions you are given
3. Be enthusiastic - employers are looking for personality and energy
4. Stay calm - remember what you have done really well to get this far, so have confidence
5. Ask questions - Prepare some questions to ask about the company and the job. This will help you will stand out if you show some more interest
6. Dress smart!

I already have a qualification at the same level, is it still worth doing an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are slightly different to the equivalent academic qualification as you are working in a full-time job. The apprenticeship level is decided by the duties involved in the job and the work experience you have.

For example, a level 4 apprenticeship may involve more project management or line management responsibilities than a level 3 qualification.

Still unsure?

Please refer to this essential guide for apprenticeship support.

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