Starting your career through an apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to acquire valuable skills from skilled and knowledgeable professionals, all whilst being paid for your work. Apprenticeships involve a dual approach to learning, combining both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Completing an apprenticeship program results in earning a reputable qualification, enhancing prospects for securing employment in your chosen field.

If you are considering applying for an apprenticeship, it is essential to create a compelling apprenticeship CV.

What is a CV?

CV is short for curriculum vitae; it is a personal document used to sell yourself to prospective employers. As an apprentice, you are at the beginning of your career, so if you are thinking about doing an apprenticeship, you may be wondering why you need an apprenticeship CV at all. Your CV tells the employer about:

• Your education
• Transferable skills that you have picked up from school.
• Your interest in your chosen field such as an electrician or gas engineer, and why you want to pursue an apprenticeship.

To write a great apprenticeship CV, be sure to include these.

Your name and contact details – These are to go at the top of the page so that your potential employer is immediately introduced to you. Employers may have many CV’s to look through, so make it easy to find your phone number if they want to contact you, it is always best to use your mobile number to make sure that they can reach you at any time of the day.

• Your personal summary – This is to briefly tell the employer what experience you may have or what interests you about the apprenticeship and what your professional goal is (keep it short, just two or three sentences.
• Information about your education – most apprenticeships have specific educational requirements, such as a certain number of GCSEs OR GCSEs in a specific subject. Include your education level and your grades so that the employer can easily see whether you meet their requirements. This is because if the apprenticeship requires a GCSE in a subject and you have an A-Level in it, be sure to tell them.
• Your previous professional experiences – This could include part-time work, schoolwork experience, voluntary work or perhaps an apprenticeship you’ve already done. Outline your responsibilities and the duration of your experiences.
• Any relevant training – If you have already completed any training relevant to the role you are applying for, be sure to mention this on your apprenticeship CV. This training could be part of another apprenticeship or work experience.
• Extra-curricular activities and hobbies’ – If you have done any activities that are relevant to the apprenticeship, mention them on your CV. Include a brief note on your hobbies, even if they are not directly relevant. This tells the potential employer a bit about your personality and makes your application a bit more personal but do ensure it is professional and brief.

Remember to be realistic as this is a chance for you to talk about your skills and achievements to a potential employer before you have even met them. Use it to show what value you can bring to their company. For example, if you have a Saturday job that involves interacting with customers, you could put on your CV that you are a good communicator, which is valued in any industry.

Find out more information here – National Careers Service