AV Application Guide

Nottingham Apprenticeship Hub

Your guide to a successful application

November 2012

This guide has been published on behalf of the Nottingham City’s

Apprenticeship Hub. With special thanks to Bedfordshire and

Hertfordshire Provider Network and Hertfordshire County Council

for the inclusion of text which has been taken from ‘How to write a

Winning Apprentice Application.’ (September 2012)

First Published November 2012

National Help Desk 0247 682 6482 2

1. A quick guide to applying Page 4

2. Introduction Page 6

3. What is an apprenticeship? Page 6

4. The registration process Page 7

- Your email address

- Registering online

5. Searching for an apprenticeship Page 9

- Live Vacancy Feed

- National Apprenticeship Website

6. How to apply Page 13

- My Profile

- Your strengths

- The application

- Key words and phrases

7. Preparing for interview Page 22

- Telephone interview

- Attend an Interview

8. After the interview Page 26

9. Additional support Page 27

- Drop-in centres

- Useful links

Your Guide to a Successful Application

ContentsContentsContentsContents

www.apprenticeships.org.uk 3


Need help completing your

application?

Then choose one or more of these

3 options 3 options 3 options 3 options

1. Follow this guide

2. Attend a Nottingham Drop-in Centre (see page 27)

3. Use the Online Application Advice page (see page 32)

1. A quick guide to applying

1a. Additional Support1a. Additional Support1a. Additional Support1a. Additional Support

Create a professional email address

seeseeseesee page 7page 7page 7page 7

visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk


select Login to Apprenticeship Vacancies


select register and complete online form


1b. Registration1b. Registration1b. Registration1b. Registration




1c. Search and Apply1c. Search and Apply1c. Search and Apply1c. Search and Apply

Select the vacancy you are interested in


Complete the online application form highlighting your skills and strengths


Submit the form seeseeseesee

page 20page 20page 20page 20

There are 2 ways to

search for

Apprenticeship Apprenticeship Apprenticeship Apprenticeship VacanciesVacanciesVacanciesVacancies

Nottingham’s

Live Vacancy FeedLive Vacancy FeedLive Vacancy FeedLive Vacancy Feed (see page 10)

National Website

www.apprenticeships.org.ukwww.apprenticeships.org.ukwww.apprenticeships.org.ukwww.apprenticeships.org.uk

(see page 12 )

Make sure you prepare for the interview


Dress appropriately and act accordingly

seeseeseesee page 24/25page 24/25page 24/25page 24/25

1d. The Interview1d. The Interview1d. The Interview1d. The Interview

This guide is for anyone living in Nottingham who is

interested in becoming an apprentice.

Our step-by-step guide is full of useful information and top tips to help you achieve your Apprenticeship aims,

whilst providing you with the skills to:

• register on the National Apprenticeship Website • search for apprenticeship opportunities

• identify your strengths

• complete an application form • prepare for the interview

• evaluate your performance

In addition, if you feel you need some extra support why not visit one the city’s apprenticeship drop-in

centres, which are being delivered across the city.

An Apprenticeship gives you hands on experience in

the work place and enables to earn while you learn. Key benefits of being an apprentice include:

• earning a salary

• getting paid holidays • receiving training

• gaining qualifications • learning job-specific skills

If you would like to learn more about Apprenticeships

then visit the National Apprenticeship Website.


3. What is an Apprenticeship?


2. Introduction

Before you can register on the National Apprenticeship

website you will need an appropriate email address.

The email address you choose should be professional as employers may use it to contact you. Therefore, try

to avoid nicknames or inappropriate names.

[email protected]

[email protected] ��

��


Google Mail

Microsoft Live

Yahoo Mail

Don’t worry, it’s free, you just need to have

access to the internet.


Top Tip No. 1

Are you strugg

ling to find an e

mail

address that

hasn’t been ta

ken?

Then try using

your name follow

ed

by your year of

birth.

[email protected]

Keep your email address and

password safe s

o you don't for

get

them.

If you do not have an email address or you wish to

change it then you might want to register with one of the email providers below:

4a. Your email address

4. The registration process

Registering on the National Apprenticeship website is

easy and free of charge. To start the process visit:

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

1. You should now be on

a web page that looks similar to that

opposite.

2. To register you need to select

Login to Apprenticeship vacancies

3. Next, you need to

select Register Now



4b. Registering online

5. Complete the web form

with your personal details and select Register

You will need to create a

username and password. Make sure you keep these

details safe, as you will need them every time you log on to

the Apprenticeship website.

When you have completed and registered your details

you will receive an email from

the Apprenticeship service.



Top Tip No.2

Your password must

contain:

• a lower case lette

r

• a capital letter

• a special characte

r

• a number

You need to open this email and click on the link to

activate your new account. Using the username and password you created, log on to the Apprenticeship

vacancies website.

You can now start to search for vacancies on the

Apprenticeship website

LIVE VACANCY FEED


5. Searching for an Apprenticeship


In Nottingham, there are two ways to search for an

Apprenticeship vacancy. You can use the city’s unique Live Vacancy Feed or using the search facility on the

National Apprenticeship Website.

5a. Live Vacancy Feed

The quick way to search for Apprenticeship vacancies

in Nottingham is to use the Live Vacancy Feed. To view current vacancies click on the button below or

visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/apprenticeshiphub and click on the link.

Once opened, the Live Vacancy Feed will look similar

to the page below, with Apprenticeship vacancies on the left and a search facility to the right.



Type keywords in the text box

Sort by Date posted or Job Title

Search by category

Top Tip No. 3 To make sure that you

are viewing the latest

vacancy information

click on

at the top of the page.

If the last post is more

than a day old click on

your refresh button.

When you find a vacancy that you

are interested in, just click on the job title.

This will take you to the National

Apprenticeship website where you will receive more information about

the vacancy and be able to apply.

5b. National Apprenticeship website

Make sure you are logged on to:


The first page that appears is

called ‘My Home’. This page is personal to you. From here you can access messages

and manage all of your Apprenticeship applications. To start searching for vacancies click Go in the top right

box called ‘Search for Vacancies’.

The page displays all the Apprenticeship vacancies for

Nottingham. To narrow down your search you can:



Once you have selected

your options click Search

There are a range of options available to help you narrow down your search


Top Tip No.4

If you save your f

avourite

searches you can

receive

alerts by email, text

and

on your message b

oard.

To find out more just

click ‘My Alerts’ on your

profile page.

13


Selections are based upon the option that has

been chosen from above

Occupation Type/Job Role: Gives the option to

search by a particular sector and job role

Employer: Search by employer, just type the

employer/company name in the box provided

Keyword: Search by any other word/words

Learning Provider: Search by training provider or

college by typing their details in box provided

Vacancy Reference Number: If you know the

vacancy number, just type it in the box

By Location:

By Postcode: Nationally:

Search by vacancies that have been posted during

the last day, last week or last month

Select preferred maximum and minimum wage

Choose your preferred level of Apprenticeship

Select a county

Enter a postcode and distance Search all UK Apprenticeships

If your search returns

no vacancies then try to widen your search by

changing some of your options.

There are a range of options available to help you narrow down your search



Having clicked on search

you will be given a list of current vacancies. To see

more details about any of the vacancies, just click

on the preferred job title.

6a. My Profile

Before you apply for a vacancy

you need to make sure your profile is complete and up-to-

date.

Click on ‘My Profile’ and using the drop down menus select your

preferred job sector and job role.

Now check that your personal details and contact details are complete and accurate. When finished, click

Update on the bottom right corner of the form.

6. How to apply Top Tip No.5 Have you found a vacancy but

not got the time to complete it? Then save it for later!

At the bottom of each advert there is an option to save. Next time you login just go to ‘My Saved Vacancies’ on your profile page.

6b. Your Strengths

Before you complete the application form you will need

to consider your strengths.

If you have any qualifications, certificates and a CV get them out, as they will help you to remember what

you have already achieved.



Passportfolio is free website

which has lots of resources to help you prepare your application.

There are quizzes to help you think about your strengths, skills and prepare for an interview, as well as

tips on writing a personal statement for your application.

There is also a CV builder and action plan plus information and videos about jobs and careers. Set up

an account today by going to www.passportfolio.com and selecting Register for Free!

Over 20 people could be applying for the same vacancy

as you but only 5 may be asked to attend an interview. So you need to make sure your application stands out.

Employers will expect your application to:

• demonstrate your skills and experience

• show enthusiasm for the company and job role

• have good spelling, grammar and Punctuation

• be submitted on time

IMPORTANT

Whenever you complete a new

application you need to make sure that it’s relevant to the job that you

are applying for.

Top Tip No.6

To avoid mistakes, ask

friends or family to read

through your applic

ation

to check your spelling,

grammar and punctuation

before you submit it.

6c. The Application

For extra help:

Click on the application

form

Ring the National Help Desk

0247 682 6482

Visit a local drop-in centre (see page 25)


1. When you find

a vacancy that you wish to

apply for, just scroll down to

the bottom of the advert and select Apply

24/03/1992

[email protected]

Joe

Bloggs

Christopher

0115 844 4444

14 Loxley Street

Bulwell Nottingham NG12 3PO

07934 333 333

2. Your personal details

are completed automatically.

If there is an error

then you need to update your details

in ‘My Profile’


The application form for apprenticeship vacancies

needs to be completed online, To get started, you can follow our simple step-by-step guide below.

Top Tip No.7 You can complete most of the

application form at any time.

Just click on Application Form,

complete the form and save.

Then when you find a vacancy

and click apply, you will only

need to complete 2 Additional

Questions that have been

added.

Click Add employer for

additional work experience.



3. Add the name of the school you attended and the

town/city. A drop down menu should appear. From the menu select your school. Finally, add the dates

that you attend the school.

5. Add details of all

work experience you have gained, paid or

voluntary.

For Type of Work, provide details of

your job roles and responsibilities held.

This is a good time to save your work, scroll

down to the bottom of the form and select

Save

4. Complete the form as

requested with the relevant details.

To add additional qualifications click on Add Subject


Good time to Save


6. About You - This is where you need to sell yourself

and explain why you are the best person for the job. Think carefully about how you are going to answer

these questions because this is where the employer will start to create an opinion of you.

Good time to Save

You can also check your spelling by clicking

on the spell checker icon

Think about all the skills you have

gained either from school, home, clubs or work experience. Look at the advert and see

if any of your skills match the requirements. You might want to use some of the key words from page 19.

Suggest a skill that you think you

can gain from an apprenticeship such as, improving your communication, developing a

specific skill or improving your knowledge. Do not list too many skills to develop as this may go against you.

Good time to Save



Text box too small?

Then make it bigger, just click on the grey

corner and drag out.

Top Tip No.8 You could write your personal

statements in a text editor

such as Microsoft Word.

That way, you can easily check

what you’ve written and just

copy and paste the text into

the application form. Did you know that you

can use 4000 characters in each box, that’s about

600 words!

The employer wants to give you

every opportunity to sell yourself, so if you need extra support don't

be afraid to ask. If you don't need support, never leave an empty box, instead write Not Applicable.

To try and break the ice, some

interviewers may ask questions about your interests. Think about whether any of your

interests might be useful to the job.

e.g. if you compete in a team sport then it is likely you understand the value of team work.

Good time to Save

7. Additional questions relate

to the post and are written by the employer.

Explain why you want to work for the company and

what experience you can bring. Always give examples, where possible.

Good time to Save



10. One last chance to review your

application before sending it. If you have access to a printer

then you might want to print a copy to remind you what you

wrote, should you get an interview.

Finally, select

8. This is for monitoring

purposes only and will not be used as part of

the selection process. If you prefer you have

the option not to say.

9. Once you have completed the form click on Save

and if you are ready to submit your application, click

Top Tip No. 9 Change your application so it meets the criteria of each job that you apply for.

The employer will recognise this and value your effort.



Key PhrasesKey PhrasesKey PhrasesKey Phrases To describe your strengths you might want to start

your sentence with:

Key Words Key Words Key Words Key Words

Able

Accurate

Adaptable

Alert

Ambitious

Analytical

Articulate

Assertive

Bright

Capable

Calm

Confident

Committed

Common Sense

Competent

Computer literate

Consistent

Cooperative

Creative

Decisive

Dedicated

Dependable

Desire to succeed

Determined

Diplomatic

Diverse

Drive

Dynamic

Educated

Effective

Efficient

Energetic

Enthusiastic

Fast learner

Flexible

Focused

Friendly

Good communicator

Hard working

Helpful

Honest

Imaginative

Inter personal skills

Independent

Innovative

Intelligent

Intuitive

Keen

Knowledgeable

Leader

Like a challenge

Loyal

Mature

Methodical

Motivated

Objective

Organised

Patient

Perspective

Persistent

Polite

Positive

Practical

Pro active

Qualified

Punctual

Rational

Reliable

Resourceful

Respectful

Responsible

Supportive

Tactful

Team player

Thorough

Trustworthy

Versatile

Willing

Below is a list of key words that you might want to use

to describe some of your personal strengths.

I am able to...

I am competent in…

I have experience of...

I am an excellent...

I am familiar with...

I am qualified in…

I am skilled at…

I can demonstrate that...


National Help Desk 0247 682 6482

7. Preparing for interview

Having submitted your application there is a really good

chance that you may be interviewed. This could be a telephone interview, attending an interview or both.

The key to either is planning.

Telephone interviews are usually used

to help the employer screen potential applicants.

Therefore, how you respond is likely

to determine whether you progress to actually attending an interview.

Since you do not know when or where you will be if

called, you need to ensure that you are fully prepared.

Think about what questions you might be asked and how

you would respond to them.

If it is an inconvenient time

when you are called, be polite and let the interviewer know

by responding:

"I'm so sorry I'm not able to talk with you right now.

Is there a time I can call you back?”

7a. Telephone interview

22

Top Tip No.10

If you have an a

nswer phone,

make sure you record an

appropriate message.

Also, if you get

a call from a

number you don’t kno

w, answer

the phone giving y

our full name.

Avoid phrases like, “Ello, wot

yer want?”



Attending an interview is the perfect opportunity to

demonstrate your personal skills, talk about your experiences and show your enthusiasm for the role.

By following our guide below you will be able to give

yourself a good chance of being offered the position.

7b. Attending an interview

Prior to the interview

Preparation is key to a good interview and by spending a bit of time planning

you will feel less stressed on the day.

• Refresh your memory - print the job description, application form and CV to take to the interview. If

you have a skills diagnostic, take that too.

• Research the organisation - go online and read about the company and their aims

• Prepare answers - think about what questions you may be asked and how you would respond to them

e.g. why you want the job, what skills you can bring

• Prepare questions - to demonstrate your interest

think of at least one question to ask the interviewer about the organisation

• Plan your journey - you should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early, so check bus timetables,

parking, walking distance etc

• Appearance - Make sure you dress appropriately

and plan in advance what you are going to wear. (see page 22)



Appearance

A judgement about your appearance and

you will be made before you even utter a word. Therefore, if you look presentable

it will give a good first impression and probably increase your confidence too.

Do’s

• Have a haircut prior to the interview

• Dress smartly, wearing cleaned and ironed clothing

• Polish shoes

• Wear minimal jewellery and piercings

• If you plan to wear makeup or nail varnish keep it

minimal and simple

• Ensure good personal hygiene including teeth

and nails

• Wear subtle deodorants/aftershave/perfume

• Hide Tattoos with clothing, if possible

Don’t’s

• No trainers

• No chewing gum

• No caps or hats

• No casual clothing

this includes: shorts,

t-shirts, jeans, hoodies,

half-mast ties or untucked shirts

Bonus Tip For further advice, watch the video on Sortitonline or visit one of the drop-in centres that are based in Nottingham providing FREE apprenticeship support (see page 25 for further details)

At the Interview It’s natural to be feeling nervous so

take a few deep breaths before entering the room. If the employer is a good

interviewer they will try to make you feel more at ease.

Do’s

• Report to the reception giving your name and details

of the interviewer(s)

• Switch off your mobile phone

• Shake hands firmly

• Smile and give good eye contact

• Speak clearly, using good grammar

• Sit up straight and look interested

• Be enthusiastic and mature

• Give examples of your strengths but be honest

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the business

• Ask questions you prepared beforehand

• Ask when they will let you know the outcome

• Thank the interviewer for their time

Don’t’s

• Avoid yawning, crossing arms, fidgeting, clock

watching, tapping etc.

• Avoid swearing or use of slang language





8. 8. 8. 8. After the interview

Once the interview is finished, you probably just want

to run away and not think about the interview again, unless they contact you to offer you the job.

However, now is a good time to reflect on what went

well and what you could do better. Make some brief notes so you know what to improve next time.

Offered the position

Fantastic, you’ve been offered the position. Before you

except you might just want to consider:

• How do you feel about working for the company • Does the location cause a problem e.g. travel,

parking etc

• Is the wage what you expected • Are the benefits what you expected

If you are happy with the terms and conditions, accept

the offer and they will explain the next step.

Not offered the position

If you are not offered the position on this occasion don’t despair. Give the company a ring and ask for

some feedback to find out what you can improve.

You might also want to consider attending one of the Apprenticeship drop-in centres in Nottingham offering

FREE application and interview advice (see page 25).



9. 9. 9. 9. Additional Support

For further information and additional support you can

attend any of the FREE Apprenticeship drop-in centres that are offered in Nottingham. See details below:

We provide information advice and guidance sessions

on most week days. Sessions last 1 hour and include: updating CVs, career choices and barriers to learning.

Parents/carers are welcome to attend to sessions.

For apprentices there is a learner support manager who provides continuous support both in the work

placement and at Access Training.

Age:

Days Delivered:

Times:

Where:

How to apply:

Web address:

16-18

Monday - Friday

Ring for details

Cawley house

96, Cliff Road Nottingham. NG1 1GW

Call 0115 958 7257 and speak to

Karen Beeby or Emma Brynes

www.atem.co.uk

9a. Drop-in Centres



Age:

Days Delivered:

Times:

Where:

How to apply:

Web address:

16-18

Monday - Friday

9.30 start

Clinton House

2-4 Clinton Terrace Derby Road

Nottingham. NG7 1LY

Call 0115 9599 544 or request call back from our webpage

www.ctem.co.uk/ignite

Ignite - supporting you to find an Apprenticeship.

We provide training and support to make sure you are

selling yourself to employers. We can support you to:

• build an Apprenticeship profile • create a CV

• write an application form • improve interview techniques

Whilst you are with us we will also invite you to attend

any selection days and interview days that we host for employers who are recruiting in your chosen sector.



Age:

Days Delivered:

Times:

Where:

How to apply:

Web address:

16+

Ring for details

Ring for details

Three City Sites:

Arnot Hill - Arnold Beeston Centre—Chilwell

Maid Marion Way - Nottingham

Call 0115 945 7293 or email [email protected]

www.snc.ac.uk

We offer a work club for anyone needing help applying

for Apprenticeships or jobs. This includes:

• creating CV’s • setting up email accounts

• general job searching advice • support completing applications

• general assistance

We also provide a range of training courses to help improve your skills before starting an Apprenticeship.

For further information visit one of our assessment centres or call Kim Gunn on 0115 945 7293.



Age:

Days Delivered:

Times:

Where:

Contact us:

Web address:

16 - 18

Monday - Friday

10am - 4pm

57 Maid Marian Way

Nottingham NG1 6GE

Call 0115 960 1597 or email

[email protected]

www.sortitonline.com

If you are aged 16-18, not in education, training or

employment, then our Careers Advisers are able to support you and provide advice on Apprenticeships.

We can also support you to:

• develop your CV

• search for courses and Apprenticeships • provide guidance on completing application forms

• improve your interview techniques

For further information contact us by telephone or email using the details below.



Age:

Days Delivered:

Times:

Where:

Contact us:

Web address:

16+

Ring for details

Ring for details

Various sites across Nottingham

Call 0115 9 100 100 or email your

query to [email protected]

www.ncn.ac.uk

We provide one-to-one support and advice on applying

for an Apprenticeship.

We will support you to:

• improve your work ready skills • search for Apprenticeship vacancies

• complete online applications • develop good interview techniques

For further information please contact NCN’s contact

centre

9b. Useful links


Apprenticeships Information


www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/apprenticeshiphub

Apprenticeship Vacancies


www.futuresaa.co.uk

www.ncn.ac.uk/vacancies

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/jobs

Information, Advice and Guidance

www.direct.gov.uk/nationalcareersservice

www.careersbox.co.uk

www.sortitonline.co.uk

Online Application Advice

www.apprenticeships.org.uk/avtm/Candidate.aspx

Online CV Builders and Tools

www.passportfolio.com



‘Your Guide to a Successful Application’ was written and

produced by Nottingham City Council on behalf of the

Nottingham Apprenticeship Hub

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/apprenticeshiphub

First Published November 2012

Documents

AV Application Guide