Applying for an Apprenticeship – Why, When and How
Our recruitment process is designed to understand you — your interests, motivations, qualifications, skills and what you want from an engineering career.
Finding the Right Engineering Apprenticeship
Our aim is to help you find an engineering apprenticeship that is right for you.
We look at your interests, abilities, qualifications, location and the requirements of our partner employers so that we can consider you for opportunities that could be a good match.
Your application, assessment, interview and preferences all help us understand the kinds of engineering opportunities that may suit you.
Why Choose an Engineering Apprenticeship?
An engineering apprenticeship combines a real job with structured training and practical workplace development.
Earn a Salary
You are employed by a business while completing your apprenticeship.
Gain Experience
Develop practical workplace skills while working alongside experienced people.
Build Knowledge
Complete structured training linked to your engineering occupation.
Start Your Career
Build skills, experience and confidence within the engineering sector.
Engineering Covers a Huge Range of Careers
Depending on the apprenticeship, you could work across many different areas of engineering and manufacturing.
When Should You Start Applying?
Start Looking Early
Many employers recruit apprentices to begin around August or September, particularly when recruiting school and college leavers.
However, there is no single national apprenticeship application deadline.
Keep checking vacancies and apply when you find something that genuinely interests you.You Haven't Missed Your Chance
You do not have to be a school or college leaver to start an apprenticeship.
There is no upper age limit, and vacancies can become available throughout the year.
Don't assume September is the only time apprenticeships begin.Apprenticeships Are Not Only for School Leavers
First Job
Begin your career and start developing workplace skills.
Already Employed
Develop new knowledge and skills within your occupation.
Career Change
Move into a different role or area of engineering.
Returning to Work
Use structured learning to support your next career step.
It's a Competitive Process
An apprenticeship is a real job vacancy. Employers may receive several applications, so there is no guarantee that applying will result in an offer.
Take your time and give enough information to show why you are interested in engineering and why you could be a good fit.
Join the ETT Talent Pool
You can apply for a specific vacancy or submit a general application to be considered for suitable current and future engineering apprenticeship opportunities.
It allows our team to understand your interests and abilities before suitable vacancies become available.
If you are unsuccessful with one employer, we may still be able to consider you for other suitable opportunities.
Our Recruitment and Shortlisting Process
We use a structured recruitment process to help us understand candidates and identify people who could be suitable for our partner employers.
Submit Your Application
Tell us about your qualifications, interests, experience, skills, engineering motivation and apprenticeship preferences.
Don't just tell us you like engineering — explain why.Vocational Aptitude Assessment
Our online assessment helps us understand abilities that may be relevant to engineering and technical roles.
One assessment score does not determine your entire future.Interview with an ETT Training Officer
Talk to someone with an engineering background about your interests, ambitions, skills, location and the opportunities you would like to be considered for.
Shortlisting
We consider vacancy requirements alongside qualifications, assessment information, interests, motivation, skills and practical considerations such as travel.
What Does the Aptitude Assessment Look At?
The vocational assessment gives us additional information about abilities that can be relevant to engineering occupations.
What Will We Talk About?
Engineering Motivation
Why engineering interests you.
Your Skills
What knowledge, interests and experience you already have.
Career Ambitions
Where you would like an apprenticeship to take you.
Practical Considerations
Your location, travel distance and possible relocation.
Shortlisting Is About More Than Grades
When an employer asks us to recruit for a vacancy, we consider a range of information to identify candidates who could be a good match.
Employer Interviews and Selection
The final recruitment decision belongs to the employer.
We can recommend candidates who we believe could be suitable, but the employer decides who they want to progress and ultimately employ.
Receiving an Apprenticeship Offer
Employment Offer
The employer normally provides an offer of employment and completes its onboarding process.
Initial Assessment
Qualifications, knowledge, skills and relevant experience are reviewed.
Training Plan
The apprentice, employer and training provider agree how training will be delivered.
Your Apprenticeship Begins
Once the required employment and apprenticeship arrangements are in place, your programme can start.
Give Yourself the Best Chance
Apply Early
Apply when you see a suitable vacancy that interests you.
Take Your Time
Complete the application properly rather than rushing it.
Give Examples
Show your skills and interest through real examples.
Research the Employer
Understand the business before your interview.
Understand the Role
Know what the apprenticeship involves.
Practise Interviews
Prepare answers and examples before the interview.
Think About Travel
Be realistic about how you'll get to the workplace.
Keep Applying
Do not rely on only one apprenticeship opportunity.
Start Your Engineering Apprenticeship Journey
Apply for a specific vacancy or submit a general application to join our ETT Talent Pool and be considered for suitable current and future opportunities.