1. Using Apprenticeship vacancies
Speakers notes:
Today we are going to look at how you can find an Apprenticeship by registering on the Apprenticeship vacancy system
Presenters note:
This presentation has been designed for teachers and careers advisers to guide pupils on how to use Apprenticeship vacancies, the online system provided by apprenticeships.org.uk. It follows on from The Apprenticeship Starter presentation.
For this presentation it would be ideal if computers are available for students to go through the registration process
 Purpose: Using APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES - from Year 10+
Aim: To show the target audience how to Register, Use and maximise potential success using the Apprenticeship Vacancies (Av) system
By the end of this tutorial pupils should:
Have a clear understanding of the Apprenticeship vacancy system and how it works
Have created an account, or know how to create a personal account
Be ready to start searching and applying for Apprenticeship jobs

2. How to register and use the Apprenticeship vacancy system
Message and purpose
How to register and use the Apprenticeship vacancy system
Register
Search/find
Apply now
Speakers notes:
The Message and Purpose of the presentation is to register on the Apprenticeship vacancies system, be find out how you can search for an Apprenticeship vacancy according to search terms like sector, area or type; and how you can apply for a vacancy one you have found one that you like.
Presenters note:
Assumes prior awareness of what an Apprenticeship is, benefits etc. See Apprenticeship starter pack
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3. What is an apprenticeship
An Apprenticeship is a way for young people to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future
Presenters notes:
The next three slides provide a recap of pack one Apprenticeship Starter pack and are optional or for refreshers.
Speaker notes:
Who is an Apprenticeship for?
An Apprenticeship is available to anyone over 16 years old and living in England
Duration of an Apprenticeship
All apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long and lead to a national qualification but can vary in length depending on your existing skills levels, the level of Apprenticeship, and industry sector.
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4. Learn job specific skills Gain a variety of transferable skills
The benefits
Earn a salary
Learn job specific skills
Gain a variety of transferable skills
Work towards nationally recognised qualifications
Progress into higher education
Advance in your chosen career
Presenters notes:
Optional slide - recap of pack one (refreshers)
Speaker Notes:
Earn a salary
The national average is £200 per week (according to a national pay survey 2011). But this depends of the area, level of the Apprenticeship, sector and experience and can vary between £150 - £400 per week.
The minimum wage an apprentice can earn is £2.68 per hour (as at October 2013) for under 19’s and first year apprentices, £5.03 for 19 and 20 year olds and £6.31 for those aged 21 and over.
Job specific skills
These are skills that apply to the job e.g. a carpenter needs to know how to use the tools of his trade
Transferable skills
Transferable skills could be computer skills or communications skills
Nationally recognised qualifications
A qualification such as a City and Guilds certificate (also : National Vocational qualification (NVQ) and/or BTEC Award, Certificate or Diploma)
Progression
Apprenticeships show a clear path of progression with Higher Apprenticeships being equal to degree level and above
Advance in your chosen career
Employers favour Apprenticeships – one third of all apprentices receive a promotion within 12 months of finishing their Apprenticeship
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5. Level of Apprenticeships
Different levels of Apprenticeship available
Intermediate
Apprenticeship
Advanced
Higher
Level 2
12-18 months
Equivalent to 5 GCSEs A* - C
Level 3
18-48 months
Equivalent to 2 A-levels
Levels 4,5,6,7
24 months+
Equivalent to foundation degree level+
Recap of pack one
Speaker notes:
There are 3 levels of Apprenticeships
Intermediate Level Apprenticeships – equivalent to 5 A*-C GCSEs
Advanced Level Apprenticeships – equivalent to 2 A-levels
Higher Apprenticeships – equivalent to foundation degree and 4-5 vocational qualifications. Higher Apprenticeships are in development for levels 6 and 7 equivalent to bachelors and masters degrees
Apprenticeships have a minimum of 12 months, and can take up to four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices ability and the industry sector
Additional notes:
When looking for an Apprenticeship vacancy you will need to look at the entry criteria e.g. just because you already have GCSE’s at levels A-C does not automatically mean you can apply for an Advanced Apprenticeship in engineering. You would not want an untrained person to service your car or cut your hair so some sectors still require you to start at an introductory level.
Also, A-levels do not automatically mean you can move directly into a Higher Apprenticeship, there may be additional criteria depending on the sector.
Plus knowledge, competence, and employability skills
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6. Applying for an Apprenticeship vacancy
Speakers notes:
We are now going to watch a film that gives some hints and tips on applying for an Apprenticeship vacancy.
Presenters notes:
(click on picture to activate link).
If you cannot access You Tube you can visit Careers info.
If you do not have access to the internet leave this slide out.
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7. There are up to 20,000 vacancies on apprenticeship.org.uk right now!
Speaker notes:
The apprenticeship.org.uk website gives you the opportunity to search and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies. At any one time there are thousands of jobs available in a variety of industry sectors across England
(the following information was included in the optional slides so can be ignored if they were used)
There are more 1,500 roles, covering 280 skills and industries from engineering to accountancy, business administration to dental nursing.
The national average is £200 per week (according to a national pay survey 2011). But this depends of the area, level of the Apprenticeship, sector and experience and can vary between £150 - £400 per week.
The minimum wage an apprentice can earn is £2.65 per hour (£2.68 from October 2013) for under 19’s and first year apprentices, £4.68 for 19 and 20 year olds and £6.19 for those aged 21 and over.
There are up to 20,000 vacancies on apprenticeship.org.uk right now!

8. Apprenticeship vacancies
Below are just a few of the companies who have recently advertised their vacancies:
Speaker notes:
These are just a few of the employers that advertise Apprenticeship vacancies on the system:
Barclays bank (Finance)
Cap Gemini (IT)
BAE Systems (Engineering)
The Cabinet Office etc
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9. Apprenticeship vacancies
There are 10 easy step to help you secure the career of your dreams 1. Go to apprenticeships.org.uk 2. Complete your registration and profile 3. Activate your account 4. Prepare your application form 5. Ensure your profile details are correct 6. Search and apply for vacancies online 7. Browse your results 8. Set-up ‘alerts’ 9. Apply for vacancies 10.Manage your future
Speaker notes:
Just follow these steps to register online and set up you account and start applying for vacancies. It only takes a few minutes to register and activate your account.
We will go through the process step by step in the following slides
Help is available with using Apprenticeship vacancies: There is online guidance, FAQs and a dedicated helpdesk to provide support with any technical issues or
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10. The following slides illustrate what you will see on screen when using Apprenticeship vacancies
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11. Accessing Apprenticeship vacancies
Visit apprenticeships.org.uk
Click on ‘Search for vacancies’
Speaker notes:
Go to apprenticeships.org.uk
When you go to the apprenticeships.org.uk website click on the ‘Search for vacancies’ box on the home page.
You can start by either registering your details and creating an account, or alternatively get searching straight away, for Apprenticeship opportunities near you.
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12. Apprenticeship vacancies Home Page
Search for vacancies
Log in
Speaker notes:
You can register for the first time by clicking on the ‘Register now’ link under ‘New User?’
or if you are returning click on ‘Log in’
Tips
Make sure the address you use is a professional one. Your address will be seen by potential employers and inappropriate addresses may not create the best first impression.
Make sure your username is relevant, you can use either a distinct username, or alternatively to make it easier to remember, use your address as your username. Make sure that your password is something that you can remember. Your password must be between 8 and 20 characters long and include a combination of letters, numbers and special characters such as % or {.
If you forget your username or password you can request the information by clicking on the ‘forgotten’ prompt on the login page.
Register for the first time
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13. Register to use Apprenticeship vacancies
Speaker notes:
Fill in your details. It’s free to register and once you have set up your account you can receive alerts to tell you about new vacancies that may interest you.
Account Activation
Before you can get started using Apprenticeship vacancies, you must activate your account. When you register for the first time, you’ll receive a confirmation through your registered address. You must activate your account by clicking on the link in the confirmation . Login to your account by using the username and password you used to set up your account.
Tips
The activation will usually appear in your inbox but it may be diverted to your spam folder – so you should check this too.
Try to avoid creating multiple accounts – remember lots of usernames and passwords can lead to confusion.
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14. Home Page Speaker notes:
Every user has a Home Page which is your personal secure space.
You can use it to:
Search for Apprenticeship vacancies and save your results
Log your areas of interest e.g. Business Administration
Manage your applications
Set up or text alerts to inform you when a vacancy is posted that matches your favourite search criteria
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15. Completing your Application
Speaker notes:
When completing the application it is important to add your school details under ‘Education History’ as soon as you register, even if you’re not ready to complete the rest of your application.
Under ‘About You’ – This is your chance to shine and show your skills and experience
There are a number of ways you can describe yourself and your strengths e.g.
I am skilled at…
A skilful…
Familiar with…
A talented…
(Presenter’s notes: You could have an interactive discussion on skills and hobbies)
Tips
Lazy mistakes
The information you enter when you register will automatically appear on each job application form. So any errors or lazy shorthand typing will be show too! For example, remember to use capital letters for your name.
My Profile
Always check that your profile is up to date – as your profile details automatically pull through to your applications firm and this information will be used to contact you during the recruitment process. Always include a contact phone number, add your mobile and your home number if possible so that the Learning Providers or Employers can get in touch with you to confirm interviews or clarify information. Make sure that you have an appropriate answer phone message on your phone as this may be the first impression that you give a potential employer.
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16. Search for vacancies Speakers notes:
Once your registration is complete you can start searching for vacancies. You can search for your ideal job in a number of different ways including using keywords, occupation type, job role or postcode.
Your search can also be refined by selecting the date the vacancy was posted, indicating the weekly wage or the level of Apprenticeship you are looking for such as an Intermediate, Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
When looking for an Apprenticeship vacancy you will need to look at the entry criteria e.g. just because you already have GCSE’s at levels A-C does not automatically mean you can apply for an Advanced Apprenticeship in engineering. You would not want an untrained person to service your car or cut your hair so some sectors still require you to start at an introductory level.
Also, A-levels do not automatically mean you can move directly into a Higher Apprenticeship, there may be additional criteria depending on the sector.
Presenters notes:
Exercise (If you have access to the internet):
Ask the class to search for Engineering (or Business administration) vacancies within 5 miles of their home postcode
How many Advanced Apprenticeship vacancies are available in Travel or Tourism?
How many vacancies in your county are available with a salary greater than £180 per week?
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17. Browse your results Speakers notes:
Once the search results appear you can click on any of the vacancies listed for more information.
You can save your search results, so they are easy to access at any time, or start a new search.
Tip:
If you are saving a vacancy, remember to go back and apply for the opportunity before it closes, and be aware that some vacancies may close early, so it is better to apply as soon as you find a good opportunity. Always tailor your application for each individual job advert, this will make you stand out from the crowd!
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18. Vacancy Details Speakers notes:
Each vacancy listing gives detailed information about the job, including the employer, training, pay and qualifications you will be working towards.
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19. Setting up Alerts Speakers notes:
Speakers notes:
You can set your alerts to choose how you would like to be notified about new vacancies. Go to ‘Manage Alerts’ and tick the boxes to receive ‘ Alert’ and ‘Text Alerts’ and press Save. There is no cost to you for receiving alerts. You will be sent an ‘activation’ word by text, enter this word into the ‘Text Alerts’ section and save.
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20. Managing your Applications
Speaker notes:
Once you’ve found the job you want, applying is easy. The application form is simple, secure and reusable, so you can respond to vacancies and save your application forms. The status of your applications can be viewed and managed online.
You can apply for as many vacancies as you wish, we recommend up to ten live vacancies at any one time. If you are successful with any of your applications, and you accept the Apprenticeship offer, remember to withdraw your remaining live applications. This will save the learning providers and employers time as these are no longer necessary.
Tip
Check that your application is relevant to the job advert and that you have answered all of the questions.
Make sure your phone has an appropriate voic recorded. An inappropriate message may put off your potential employer!
Once you have sent your application you need to keep checking on the vacancy system for updates, also check your and phone messages and answer any incoming calls as this could be an invitation to interview.
Track your applications – Ensure you log on to your home page to track your applications. If you need to follow up an application use the contact details on the vacancy.
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21. Applying for an Apprenticeship
You can also download the free smartphone app ‘AV Search’
QR Code
Speaker notes:
You can also download the ‘Av Search’ application for android or i-phone to search for Apprenticeship vacancies while on the go.
If you have a smartphone you can also scan in the QR code to go straight there.
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22. The application
When applying for an Apprenticeship vacancy make your application FIT for the job:
Find out more about the employer, the training provider and job description before applying
Identify yourself, your skills and interests clearly – be professional, but try to allow your personality to come out
Tailor your application to each vacancy – don’t just send the same CV and covering letter to each employer
Speaker notes:
When you apply for a vacancy make your application FIT the job
Find out as much as you can about the employer, the training provider and the job description. This will help you decide if the position is right for you and will help you prepare for the interview and prepare some questions.
Identify yourself – think how your skills and hobbies may apply to the role and use examples of how you have applied your skills to solve a problem in the past
Tailor your application to each vacancy – make sure you highlight the experience that is relevant to the role. Use some of the ‘buzz words’ that appears in the job description.
Tip
Don’t forget to follow up your application with a phone call to ensure your CV is top of the pile
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23. Case study: Charlotte Adnams
With her GCSEs and A-Levels behind her, Charlotte hoped to study public relations (PR) at university but fee increases mean that she couldn’t afford it so she started looking for an Apprenticeship. She visited the Apprenticeship website and started using the Apprenticeship vacancies system, which she says she found very easy to navigate. Charlotte found an Intermediate Apprenticeship, which she completed in April 2013, gaining an NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration. Her employer is so pleased with her progress that they are now sponsoring her to complete a Higher Apprenticeship in Public Relations.
Speaker notes:
Here is a case study of a real Apprentice – Charlotte Adnams who successfully used the Apprenticeship vacancy system to find an Apprenticeship and start on the path to her dream career.
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24. Checklist for applying
Be thorough
Be realistic
Qualifications
Work experience
Your application
Be formal
Standout from the crowd
Spell check
Make sure it has been sent
Speaker notes:
Be thorough – Read the advert carefully before you apply. Check the closing date for applications to be submitted
Be realistic – can you travel to the job if it is not local? Do you have the required skills or experience?
Qualifications – Make sure you list all of your qualifications, including your predicted grades if you are awaiting results
Work experience – Make sure you list any work experience whether this has been paid or voluntary work
Your application – use your application as your own personal advert. Ensure it relates to the job you are applying for
Be formal – Always remember your application is part of the formal recruitment process. It will be viewed by your potential employer
Standout from the crowd – When asked to answer additional questions make sure you explain your response and give an example if you can – don’t copy the examples given
Spell check – Always read through and check your application before sending or ask someone to read through your application for you to check for spelling or grammar mistakes
Make sure it has been sent – check it appears in the ‘sent applications’ section
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25. Attending an interview
Plan your travel arrangements and how long it will take to get there – be on time!
Prepare for the interview or assessment - research the company and the job – have some examples of when you have used skills relevant to the job
Thoroughly read information regarding the interview /assessment centre
Take copies of your CV, the applications and vacancy printout to the interview
Prepare a couple of questions to ask at the interview
Dress smartly
Speaker notes:
Ideally try to get to the interview slightly early to allow for traffic problems. It will also give you time to relax.
Think about the type of questions you could be asked and prepare some answers that show off your skills
Do your homework and check if they have given you any additional information about the interview or assessment
Take copies of your CV and the job description with you in case you need to refer to something
Think about the job and have a couple of questions prepared e.g. you could ask about the team you would be working with
Look professional and take some pride in your appearance
Apprenticeship places are competitive – do not be put off if you are not successful the first time. Try again.
If you are not successful remember to ask for feedback from the learning provider/college or employer to improve your next application.
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26. Set up favourites/alerts Revisit Apply
Summary
You can now…
Register on Av, search vacancies and apply successfully – to become an apprentice in your chosen career!
Next steps…
Complete profile
Set up favourites/alerts
Revisit
Apply
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27. Any Questions? Next Steps: What you can do now? Presenter notes:
Other useful tools follow

28. Additional help
For technical support call the help desk on: or Or For additional help download ‘How to write a winning Apprenticeship application” from the website. If you are not sure what Apprenticeship you would like to do you can speak to a careers adviser at or search National Careers Service
Presenter notes:
The National Apprenticeships Service has an enhanced personalised service for year olds to support Apprenticeship applications
Here is a link to the page where you can download ‘How to write a winning Apprenticeship application’
National Career Service - Please note for those aged under 18 face-to-face contact is not available but a telephone and web service is offered.
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29. Further information
If you would like further information about Apprenticeships please visit apprenticeships.org.uk
Presenters notes:
For more tools to help teachers and careers advisers visit the Partners/IAG section of the website
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30. Employer case study: Gabriele
Gabriele, Channel 4
Business administration
assistant
Having an apprentice scheme is about recognising raw talent over qualifications or work experience. But ours is also about diversity. We’re proud of the range of voices our apprentices represent. Many
of them even take part as key speakers in high-level brainstorms around programming and content
for young audiences. They add
huge value to what we do.
Case studies (optional)
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31. Employer case study: Miles
Miles, Bentley Motors
Junior engineer
Apprenticeships give us the
flexibility to train individuals to
meet the skills needs for the future. Once trained our apprentices become highly skilled, effective and valuable employees. We
find that the apprentices have a refreshing outlook and they often bring new ideas to the company. They can be a real inspiration.
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32. Employer case study: Sam
Sam, Jelson Homes
Bricklayer
Apprenticeships bring young
people into our industry, many
of them with huge potential.
If they work hard enough, like
Sam did on his Apprenticeship,
we can build on their training
so they become a vital part of
our company. They get a future
in construction and we get
quality employees. That’s worth
its weight in gold.
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