Where to find apprenticeships and how to apply

Applying for an apprenticeship is similar to applying for a job. With the number of apprenticeship starts rising across England for the last three consecutive years, to 354,000 in 2024/25, more people are finding apprenticeships to be the most convenient and constructive way to get into a new career.

Read on to find out more about the process and where apprenticeships are offered.

Where are apprenticeships advertised?

Recruiters will advertise for apprentices both online and in local listings such as newspapers or Jobcentre Plus branches. They’re advertised in much the same way as jobs, so they can reach the same people looking for a new role.

Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK

The ‘find an apprenticeship’ service on the gov.uk website could be the first port of call for learners who are interested in finding out what kind of apprenticeship courses are on offer.

The search function allows users to look up potential roles by interest, as well as by job title, company, or location.

Job listings websites

Job boards listing vacancies for roles such as Indeed also provide details of apprenticeships. Users can search for roles by location to see what’s available in the area.

Employer websites

Employers also tend to list details of job vacancies, including apprenticeships, on their own websites. Learners who have an idea of what company they’d like to work for can search the site for local vacancies and get in touch to find out more information, and to apply.

Where are degree apprenticeships advertised?

Degree apprenticeships at level 6 and Master’s degree apprenticeships at Level 7 are also advertised on the government’s ‘find an apprenticeship’ service. The UCAS website also offers details on their apprenticeships and advice on applying.

Visit employer websites direct to look at their Careers resources. Larger employers might have a specialist offering for early careers listings, such as degree apprenticeships.

Specialist resources for school and college leavers such as Not Going To Uni also offer extensive details on degree apprenticeships, and updated listings of the latest roles.

What are flexi-job apprenticeships?

Most of the time apprenticeships take place on a permanent basis with full-time working hours. But for occupations and sectors where work is provided on a short-term basis or other ways of working, specialist agencies take responsibility to recruit and hire apprentices and place them within these roles at host businesses as they become available.

See the government website for more guidance on flexi-job apprenticeships:

Flexi-job apprenticeships using an approved agency - GOV.UK

What does an apprenticeship job advert look like?

A job listing for an apprenticeship looks a lot like other kinds of job adverts. They contain details on working hours, wage, and what the job involves. It might list day-to-day tasks, and provide minimum requirements for the role such as qualifications or other skills.

An apprenticeship job listing will also include details on the training provider, the name of the qualification and apprenticeship level.

(Read more on apprenticeship levels: What are the most popular apprenticeships? | News | EAL)

How to apply for an apprenticeship

Applying for an apprenticeship is also much like applying for a full-time job. If applicable, create a new user account with the apprenticeship service, or apply directly to the employer. Candidates may need to submit a CV detailing previous work experience. They might also need documentation to prove they can meet minimum requirements for qualifications. The application process may involve interviews or taking a skills assessment.

Get more tips and advice on apprenticeships with the EAL Learner Hub.