If your son or daughter is aged 16–19 and starting to think about their future, apprenticeships can offer a practical, paid pathway into a rewarding career. Whether your young person is still in school, has recently left, or is weighing up their next steps after college, apprenticeships are now available at all levels – including degree-level – and can be a smart, debt-free alternative to university.
Some young people even return to apprenticeships after university when they realise it’s a more direct route into the career they really want.
What Employers Expect
It’s important to understand that apprenticeship roles are not just handed out. Employers see apprenticeships as a significant investment. They expect applicants to demonstrate a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and – increasingly – some existing skills or relevant experience.
How You Can Help Your Young Person Stand Out
Here are key steps your young person can take – and ways you can guide them through the process:
1. Tailor Every Application
Encourage your young person to adapt their CV and cover letter for each role they apply for. A generic application won’t stand out – especially if it mentions interests unrelated to the job (e.g. hairdressing for an engineering role). Help them highlight the experience and qualities that align with each opportunity.
2. Research the Employer
This is often overlooked. Help your young person explore the company’s website and social media channels to learn about its values, services, and workplace culture. Understanding what the company is looking for will help tailor applications and prepare for interviews.
3. Understand the Role
Good employers publish a job description and a person specification. These outline the tasks involved and the qualities required. Support your young person in reviewing them carefully and being realistic about whether the role is a good match.
4. Adopt the Right Mindset
A successful applicant focuses on what they can offer the employer, not just what they hope to gain. Apprenticeship recruiters are looking for enthusiasm, initiative, and a team-player attitude.
5. Audit and Build Key Skills
Employers consistently look for three core skills:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Digital/IT competence
Help your young person think of real examples from school, part-time work, volunteering, or hobbies that show they’ve demonstrated these skills.
6. Gain Relevant Experience
Experience matters – even at entry level. If your young person is interested in customer service, working part-time in a café or shop builds transferable skills. Volunteering can also help: think local events, youth organisations, or community roles. Programmes like Duke of Edinburgh, cadets, or Scouts also provide valuable experience.
For Degree Apprenticeships: Higher Expectations
If your young person is applying for a degree-level apprenticeship, they’ll be facing strong competition. These roles may receive hundreds of applications and typically involve several stages, including:
- A virtual screening interview (approx. 30 minutes)
- An assessment day, including aptitude and personality tests
- A presentation to an interview panel on a set topic (e.g. a leadership experience)
- A final face-to-face interview, sometimes lasting up to an hour
Your support during this process – with preparation, practice, and encouragement – can make a real difference.
What Employers Assume About Applicants
Apprenticeship employers will expect your young person to be:
- Reliable – punctual and dependable
- Work-ready – able to handle an 8-hour day with short breaks
- Genuinely interested – not just sending out applications at random
Encouraging a professional mindset early on will help them meet these expectations.
Where to Find Apprenticeship Opportunities
Support your young person in exploring apprenticeship roles through the following sources:
- Government Website – Find an Apprenticeship – GOV.UK
- Company Websites – Check the “Careers” or “Jobs” section
- College or University Websites – Some list employer-partnered apprenticeships
- CITB (Construction) – CITB Apprenticeships
- NHS Jobs – For roles in health and administration
- Speculative Applications – Help your young person send their CV directly to local employers, even if no roles are advertised. This shows initiative and can lead to opportunities.
Final Thought for Parents
Supporting your young person through the apprenticeship process isn’t just about helping them apply – it’s about helping them grow into someone an employer will want to invest in. By encouraging them to be proactive, resilient, and focused on their strengths, you’re playing a key role in launching their career journey.
