Guide

The apprenticeship application process

Most competitive programmes have five stages. Here is what happens at each one and how to prepare.

Stage 1 · Day 1

CV and Application

Your CV is the first filter. Most applications are rejected here before a human even reads them — automated ATS systems screen for keywords first.

Tailor your CV to each job description. Use the same language the employer uses.
ATS systems scan for role-specific keywords before your application reaches a recruiter. Our CV Scanner checks your CV against any job description and highlights missing keywords before you submit.
Keep your CV to one page. Include a personal statement of two to three sentences that names the specific company and role.
Complete every field in the online application form. Incomplete forms are rejected automatically.

Stage 2 · 1 to 2 weeks after applying

Situational judgement, numerical reasoning, and verbal reasoning tests. These are usually timed and completed at home.

Situational judgement tests (SJTs) present workplace scenarios. There are no universally correct answers — the employer is calibrating your decisions against their values.
Numerical reasoning tests typically give you 25 to 30 seconds per question. Practise with similar timed formats beforehand.
Verbal reasoning tests check whether you can identify whether a statement follows from a passage. Common mistake: treating your prior knowledge as evidence.
Most tests are provided by assessment platforms such as SHL, Talent Q, or Korn Ferry. Each has a distinct question style. Practise on the specific platform if possible.

Stage 3 · 2 to 4 weeks after applying

Pre-recorded or live. You answer questions on camera, usually without an interviewer present. The recording is reviewed later.

Pre-recorded interviews give you one or two takes per question. Treat each answer as a final take.
Use the STAR format: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Answers should be 90 to 120 seconds. Longer answers are penalised for rambling; shorter answers are penalised for lacking evidence.
Practise with our Interview Coach tool, which generates role-specific STAR questions from any job description and grades your answers in real time.
Set up before the day: test your camera, microphone, and lighting. A plain background is required by most employers.
Look at the camera lens, not your own face on screen.

Stage 4 · 4 to 8 weeks after applying

Group exercises, written case studies, and one-to-one interviews. Usually the final stage. Held in person or virtually.

Group exercises observe how you work with others, not just whether you have the right answer. Listen actively. Build on others' ideas rather than redirecting every time.
Case study exercises test structured thinking. Structure your answer before you start writing: identify the problem, consider at least three options, recommend one with clear reasoning.
The one-to-one interview at an assessment centre is usually competency-based. Prepare six to eight STAR stories covering teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and commercial awareness.
Assessors are watching all day, including during breaks. Stay professional throughout.
Prepare two or three informed questions to ask at the end. Questions that show you have researched the company or the specific team are most effective.

Stage 5 · 2 to 6 weeks after the assessment centre

Background checks, references, and onboarding paperwork. You made it. Now track the next application in parallel.

Verbal offers are not binding. Wait for a written offer before withdrawing other applications.
Background checks typically cover identity, right to work, education, and sometimes criminal record. Gather your documents early.
References are usually contacted only after a verbal offer. Inform your referees so they are prepared.
If you receive an offer while other applications are still in progress, you can ask for a short extension to respond. One week is usually reasonable. Be honest about why you are asking.
Track every application with our Kanban tracker. Even after an offer, keep your other applications live until you have signed a contract.

Find apprenticeships, track your applications, and use AI tools to improve every stage of your search.