Apprenticeships and Jobseekers Pack for School Leavers

Contents:-

  • Apprenticeship and Employment Checklist
  • Apprenticeship Applications
  • Applications Record Sheet
  • CV Top Tips
  • Speculative Letter

For further information, follow the link below:

Searching for apprenticeships

Try the links below to search for local and national apprenticeship vacancies:-

Link to National Apprenticeship Service vacancy search page.

On this page there is a list of apprenticeship vacancies updated daily covering the last two weeks. Vacancies are in or around Worcestershire.

On this page there is a link to an RSS feed of live Worcestershire apprenticeship vacancies similar to the above list but which is also searchable by job types.

The “Opportunities Finder” page on the plotr website allows you to look on a map at apprenticeship opportunities close to your home postcode which you can then highlight to find out more and to apply. There is also an option to search for some national vacancies.

Apprenticeships and Jobs Checklist

Done / Date
Register on the National Apprenticeship Service website .org.uk
Note: You will need an email address suitable for employers to contact you and a mobile telephone number if you want text alerts / ☐ /
Activate your account
Note: Keep a note of your login details / ☐ /
Set up and save a search/ searches for the type of vacancy you want to apply to
Note: Your Search will include the type of work, location (distance you are prepared to travel from home) and may include level of apprenticeship. / ☐ /
Set up alerts by email and/or text of vacancies matching your search / ☐ /
Complete sections of the application form below ready to apply for vacancies:
Note: Don’t forget to save the application when you have completed it
Education History / ☐ /
Work Experience/History / ☐ /
About You / ☐ /
Monitoring Information / ☐ /
Apply to full time education course(s) as a backup
Check local college prospectuses (paper or online versions) / ☐ /
Attend college open evenings/days / ☐ /
Apply (online or hard copy) / ☐ /
Attend interview(s) / ☐ /
Accept place on course
College
Course / ☐ /
Apply to one or more training provider/college for an apprenticeships
Note:Training providers may be able to identify suitable employers or offer help in finding an employer for your apprenticeship.
Search for training providers (follow link below) and/or speak to a careers adviser
/ ☐ /
Apply for apprenticeships (ring/ apply online) / ☐ /
Attend interview with training provider
Training provider(s) / ☐ /
Speculative applications to local employers / Done / Date
Ensure your CV is up to date and be prepared to change your CV to suit the type of work/ employer you are sending it to
Note: Check the CV Top Tips link below:
/ ☐ /
Ask someone to check your CV (a careers adviser, tutor, parent/carer, etc.) / ☐ /
Prepare a speculative covering letter to send out with your CV
Note: Check the Speculative letter link below but don’t forget to personalise the letter and target it to the employer/ type of work: / ☐ /
List employers you could contact who offer the sort of work you are interested in (this could be employers where you have been for work experience, employers suggested by family members, teachers, careers adviser, etc.). / ☐ /
Use directories like Yellow Pages or to find local employers who you could contact / ☐ /
Write to or email employers with your CV and covering letter
Keep a record of all applications and letters sent (see document in following section) / ☐ /
Follow up letters with a phone call, email or letter if you don’t hear back from employers / ☐ /
Replies and Interviews
Keep a note of all replies and any interviews (see document in following section) / ☐ /
Prepare well for your interview (See section on interviews)
Note: Have a look at the “Interview Checklist (pages 25 & 26 of “How to Write a Winning Apprenticeship Application) / ☐ /
Attend interview / ☐ /
Accept apprenticeship place/ employment offer
Employer
Training Provider / ☐ /

If you take all of the above steps, you will be giving yourself the best chance of securing an apprenticeship (or employment). However, apprenticeships are competitive often with several applicants chasing every apprenticeship vacancy. There is no guarantee you will find a suitable apprenticeship so it is important to have a backup plan. It is important to apply for other options such as full time education (school or college) or other training alongside your apprenticeship/ employment applications so that you have something in place for September when most schools and colleges start back after the summer break.

Apprenticeship Applications

Work Experience/History

Type of Work

You only have 200 characters to describe the type of work and tasks you did. If possible highlight tasks that may be relevant to the type of work you are applying for

About You

This is one of the most important sections of your Application Form. Plan what you are going to type in this section.

What are your stengths (eg. team working, organising, etc.)?

Note:Check the skills that the employer is looking for and include any skills that you have that the employer is looking for. Write in sentences. Try to give examples/evidence of how you have demonstrated the skills you have included.

What personal skills would you like to improve (eg. time managing, questioning skills)?

Note: Try to link your answer to skills you may want to develop which are relevant to the job that you are applying for.

Is there anything that we can do to help you at an interview?

Note: If you have any additional needs which need to be considered by the employer ahead of the interview, this is your opportunity to let the employer know. If not – don’t leave this section blank. You could write “Not applicable”.

What are your hobbies, interests or achievements?

Note: Include hobbies and interests that are current. Don’t be tempted to exaggerate or make up hobbies, interests and achievements as the employer may ask about these at interview. Be careful what you include as a hobby and what an employer may think this says about you as a person.

Applications Record Sheet

Application
  • Name of employer
  • Reference (NAS apprenticeship vacancy reference)
  • Speculative letter/ email
/ Date / Follow up
Eg. follow up phone call made, request for feedback, etc. / Date / Reply and outcome/ Actions
Eg. Invited for interview, progressed to next stage, unsuccessful, etc. / Date

CVs Top Tips

1.Type your CV in a simple easy to read font (e.g. Arial)

2.Check Your spelling and grammar

3.Keep it short (ideally one side of A4 but not more than two)

4.Make it easy to read – bullet points are a good way of presenting information

5.Take care of the layout and appearance – use clear headings

6.Keep it positive – use the CV to highlight your good points and skills

7.If you haven't done any work experience think about the personal skills you have that an employer would be interested in such as teamwork or communication skills.

8.Keep it up to date – review your CV regularly to include your latest education skills and experience.

9.Ask your referees for their permission

10.Tailor it to each job application, to show that you have the right skills, qualities and qualifications to do the job you're applying for.

If you are writing to employers with a CV, this should always be sent with a covering letter to explain why you are applying for the job/ writing to them with your CV.

Types of CV

  • Traditional style CVs –A traditional CV would show your personal details, education, and work experience in date order (starting with the most recent). Your skills and interests would be recorded after this.
  • Skills-based CVs –This type of CV would have a personal skills section near the top of the CV to allow you to highlight skills relevant to the job to the potential employer. Your education and work experience sections would come after this. This type of CV would suit school leavers who do not have a lot of work experience but who have relevant skills to highlight.

Examples of CVs

Some examples of School/ College Leaver CVS are included in the following section.

William Jones

16 Corbett Way

Hagley

Worcestershire DY9 9XX

Tel 0789 45612 (Mobile), 01384 741852 (Home)

Date of Birth: 10.10.93

Personal Skills

  • excellent practical skills - I am good at technology subjects and repairing bikes
  • good communicator – I am able to talk to people of all ages
  • punctual and reliable – my school attendance and punctuality has been excellent
  • team player – I enjoy team sports and work well with others on projects and activities
  • hard worker – I always try my best even at subjects I find difficult
  • keen to train and gain motor vehicle qualifications

Education

Hagley Technical College 2009- 2014

Predicted to achieve:

  • Resistant Materials GCSE grade C
  • Maths GCSE grade D
  • English Language GCSE grade D
  • English literature GCSE grade E
  • Science GCSE grade D/E
  • Geography GCSE grade E

Achieved a British Red Cross Certificate in July 2011

Work and other relevant experience

  • June 2010 Williams Cars (school work experience).During my two week work experience I learnt about health and safety, kept the garage clean and tidy, helped a trained mechanic replace tyres and with MOT tests.
  • I am able to maintain and do some basic repairs on my bicycle.

Hobbies and interests

I play football in a Sunday League team and basketball for the school team. I enjoy mountain biking.

References

Mr W Young
Head of Year 11
Hagley Technical College
Wheel Lane
Hagley
DY9 9FQ / Mr B Williams
Williams Cars
Canal Lane
Stourbridge
DY8 3QZ

Curriculum Vitae

Jayne Marston

177a Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Worcs DY11 3EB

06789 171241 (mobile)

Date of Birth: 14/11/96

Personal Statement

I am currently studying a Level 3 Travel and Tourism course at college and am keen to pursue a career in travel retail

Education

2012- 2014 Wyre College, Kidderminster

  • Extended Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism - to be completed July 2014. Additional studies in travel industry-based ICT systems.

2007-2012 Kidderminster High School

  • June 2012 achieved GCSEs Art (C), Business Studies (B), Double Science (CC), English language (C), English literature (D), French (A), Maths (C), Technology/Food (D).

Work and Other Relevant Experience

  • July 2012 - still current – Morrisbury’s Supermarket (part time). Main duties: Serving customers on the till, dealing with customer enquiries and complaints, working with others in the warehouse and using ICT to help with checking stock levels.
  • July 2013 - still current - Community Action Volunteers (volunteer). Help for one evening a week and some holidays on community projects. These have included helping children’s activities and helping to design a website.
  • May 2011 – Happy Tours Travel Agency. Main duties: Researching information on a PC for customers, help on a foreign exchange desk, restocking

Knowledge and Skills

  • Excellent customer service – demonstrated through my current job and work experience.
  • Communication skills – used in dealing with enquiries and complaints and voluntary activities.
  • Working in a team – I work in a team both at Morrisbury’s and Community Action Volunteers.
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Willing to train to gain more qualifications.

Hobbies and Interests

I enjoy using IT and have created different web sites. I play table tennis and badminton.

Referees

Mr A BluntMrs M Reason

Course TutorStore Manager

Wyre CollegeMorrisbury’s Supermarket

Hoo Street Wyre Retail Park

Kidderminster DY10 1ED Kidderminster DY10 2EZ

Email: ail:

Tel: 01562 82011Tel: 01562 47237

CURRICULUM VITAE

Richard Wilkins

6 River Walk, Stourport DY14 4NV

Tel: 01562 5964 (Home) 07890 7962796 (Mobile)

E-mail:

Date of Birth: 12th September 1994

PERSONAL STATEMENT

On completion of my A levels in summer, I am keen to secure an apprenticeship to further my career and gain qualifications in a health or social care setting

EDUCATION

September 2012 - June 2014:Severn College, River Lane, Stourport DY14 5CD

A levels to be completed in 2014 with predicted grades:

Business Studies (C), Chemistry (C/D), Maths (D).

A/S (June 2013):

Biology (E), Business Studies (C), Chemistry (D), Maths (D).

September 2007 - June 2012: Valley High School, Valley Lane Stourport, DY14 5DV

GCSEs (June 2012)

Maths (A*), Double Science (A/A), Sociology (C), Business Studies (B), English Language (B), English Literature (C), History (D).

EMPLOYMENT AND WORK EXPERIENCE

August 2013: Oakview Nursing Home, Stourvale Road, Kidderminster, DY10 1VQ (work experience)

During three weeks work experience at the nursing home I was able to gain an insight into nursing care work with the elderly. I particularly enjoyed helping to organise and manage a summer fate for the residents.

April 2012 – present: Waitco Supermarket, Canalside, Kidderminster, DY10 3PQ (Saturdays and Bank Holidays)

I am responsible for serving customers, handling cash, keeping the shop and store areas clean, restocking the fresh produce section, and collecting trolleys.

OTHER SKILLS & INTERESTS

  • Driving – passed driving test in January 2014.
  • IT literate – I regularly use the internet and a range of software programs such as Office and Excel.
  • Keen footballer - I play for Ferndale Kings
  • Planning and organisational skills – I was an active member of the school prom planning committee and demonstrated planning skills when on my work experience placement.

REFEREES

Mr T Wall, PrincipalSevern College, River Lane, Stourport DY14 5CD

Tel: 01562 1911 Email:

Mrs R Dunsley, Care ManagerOakview Nursing Home, Stourvale Road, Kidderminster, DY10 1VQ.

Tel: 01562 4576. Email:

44 West Road

Hagley

Worcestershire

DY9 1XX

Mobile: 0002112212

3 February 2014

Jones & Sons

13 Market Street

Kidderminser

DY10 3XX

Dear Mrs Smith / Dear Sir/Madam

I am hoping to gain an Apprenticeship in/as ...... when I leave school this summer.

I am writing to enquire if your company will be taking on any apprentices this year. I am currently studying for my GCSEs at...... School. I hope to gain grades...... in all my subjects.

I have wanted to train in...... (type of work) for quite sometime.I am keen to learn and become a qualified...... (name of job).

I had a successful work experience at ……………….. which I really enjoyed. Ihad the chance to get involved in tasks such as (name the type of things that you gotinvolved in).

My CV is enclosed for your information and I would be grateful if you would consider me for any apprenticeship vacancies you may have.

I am available for work from July 2014. I would be happy to meet you at any time to discuss my request and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully

Tip

You should personalise this letter and may want to add in any interests you have or activities you are involved in if they are relevant to the job.

For further information check out the following article