Advice

Our advice will ensure you are as well prepared as possible when you leave school. From attending careers fairs to choosing the right apprenticeship and succeeding at all stages of the application process: CVs, online tests, interviews and assessment centres.

Featured apprenticeship advice

Don’t miss this hand-picked selection of advice content that we think you’ll find the most useful as you make career plans and get ready to apply for school leaver opportunities. There’s no better place to begin your apprenticeship journey.

Modern office with people working

How do you choose the apprenticeship for you?

Not sure where to begin with choosing an apprenticeship? Our checklist of questions will help you research employers and decide where to apply.

5 min read

Young people having a discussion in common room

Top tips for apprenticeships: insights from school leavers

Current and recent apprentices share their best advice for choosing an employer, attending interviews, making a great first impression in the workplace and more.

4 min read

Meeting taking place in office with people talking and smiling

What are apprenticeships and school leaver programmes?

How do apprenticeships work and what are the different levels of apprenticeships you can do? Find out what you can expect from an apprenticeship.

3 min read

all apprenticeship advice

Browse through our advice articles on topics ranging from the top skills that will get you a job when you leave school to how to stand out in your applications and interviews for apprenticeships and school leaver programmes, and everything in between.

Two Allen & Overy apprentices walking out of office building

Supported by: Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy apprenticeships: start your solicitor career now

Solicitor apprenticeships offer a work-based route into law careers. Discover what Allen & Overy’s new apprenticeship will involve to decide if it would suit you.

6 min read

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Young woman in modern office during interview

Apprenticeship interview questions and tips

Beat your nerves and make a good first impression with our tips on video interviews, how to answer competency questions, what to wear and much more.

9 min read

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Group of young people sat in large room at assessment centre

Assessment day tips for apprenticeships

Our advice will steer you through your assessment day, from the group exercise, e-tray exercise and case study to the social breaks and the final interview.

10 min read

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Three young people talking around laptop

Create a great apprenticeship CV and covering letter

You’ll normally need to write a CV and covering letter when you apply for apprenticeships Here’s what to include in each and how to format them.

8 min read

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Modern office space

How do you choose the apprenticeship for you?

Not sure where to begin with choosing an apprenticeship? Our checklist of questions will help you research employers and decide where to apply.

5 min read

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Wide angle photograph of a busy careers fair

How to get the most out of school leaver fairs and employer events

School leaver careers fairs and open days are a great way to meet employees at companies that interest you. Here’s how to get the best out of them.

5 min read

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Young man works on laptop

Online ability tests for apprenticeships

Find out about online ability and aptitude tests for school leaver programmes, including numerical and verbal reasoning tests.

5 min read

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Tools for crafting

The top ten skills that’ll get you a job when you leave school

Find out about the essential soft skills you need to get hired, and pick up tips on how to develop your skills through activities such as team sport and present them to employers.

11 min read

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Young people having discussion in common room

Top tips for apprenticeships: insights from school leavers

Current and recent apprentices share their best advice for choosing an employer, attending interviews, making a great first impression in the workplace and more.

4 min read

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Aerial view of desk as woman writes in notebook

Top tips for filling in apprenticeship application forms

Make sure your online application form stands out for the right reasons and helps you get the school leaver programme or apprenticeship place you want.

6 min read

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Meeting taking place in office with people talking and smiling

What are apprenticeships and school leaver programmes?

How do apprenticeships work and what are the different levels of apprenticeships you can do? Find out what you can expect from an internship.

3 min read

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Two young men sit on wall talking

Will I miss out on the experience if I don’t do a full-time degree?

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, you might be concerned about missing out on the university experience. Could working life deliver something equally appealing?

3 min read

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Working with leading apprenticeship providers

Apprenticeships and school leaver programmes are offered by employers large and small, across a wide range of career sectors. Discover what different organisations can offer you when you start your career with them.

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