How do I find an employer for my apprenticeship?

rFinding an employer for an apprenticeship starts with combining proactive outreach, smart online searching and strong personal presentation to show businesses why you’d make a valuable apprentice.

Find local companies

One effective approach is to search for local companies on Google Maps and contact them directly by phone and email, asking whether they are open to taking on an apprentice and giving a short elevator pitch about why you want to work for their organisation and what you can offer.

If you're looking to go into the construction trades, you can widen your search by exploring local employers on Checkatrade..Tradespeople often prefer direct communication, so a friendly and confident phone call about apprenticeship opportunities can make you stand out.

Use job boards

It’s also important to use the government's Find an Apprenticeship service, which lists up-to-date vacancies from employers who are actively looking for candidates. You can also create a LinkedIn account to connect with hiring managers and create content related to your desired field of work to showcase your skills.

SHCG Candidate Pool

To make sure you never miss an opportunity in your chosen field, you can opt in to the candidate pool mailing list and receive employer updates straight to your inbox.

Contact companies even if they aren't advertising

A well-written cover letter paired with a strong CV can open doors, especially since around 70% of jobs are never advertised publicly. Employers appreciate initiative, so following up with a phone call can leave a positive impression.

Have a professional CV

If you already have a CV—or are building one—taking time to review and refine it will help you present yourself clearly and professionally. Follow this link to find tips on crafting a CV.

Create a video reel

To boost your chances further, you can create a short video reel showcasing your personality, enthusiasm and communication skills. You can also include video highlights of work you have done to sell your skills. To get started, watch this explainer video, follow these tips and upload your reel here to our password protected online portal. 

Have a backup option

Lastly, it’s wise to apply for a backup course while searching for an apprenticeship, ensuring you have a solid progression plan even if an employer match takes a little longer.

If you’d like help improving your CV, crafting your elevator pitch or getting more confident with employer outreach, feel free to contact Rory McCarthy on rory.mccarthy@shcg.ac.uk