Magda Knight
Director of Content & Marketing, Youth Employment UK
Taking a strategic approach could help you find apprenticeships or paid training opportunities in your area, wherever you’re based.
1) Find an apprenticeship
The Government’s Find an Apprenticeship portal features thousands of vacancies in England at any one time, with signposting to apprenticeships in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
2) Look on the biggest jobs boards
Search online for any type of apprenticeship and you’ll find vacancies from the biggest jobs boards in the first page of results. Browse them by location and sector or use filters to refine your search. Their sheer size increases your likelihood of finding local apprenticeships matching your interests and education.
Research the role titles and descriptions of similar apprenticeships to strategise your own online searches for apprenticeships you might enjoy.
3) Think virtual as well as local
Virtual. Online. Remote. They all mean the same thing. Virtual opportunities let you participate from home if you have a reliable internet connection. If you live in a rural area or region with fewer opportunities, broaden your search to include online apprenticeships. It can increase your chances of finding training that meets your interests, goals and needs.
4) Browse the early careers database
Create Your Future is an early careers board with opportunities including apprenticeships, CV workshops, careers events and employment. Browse as a guest or sign in for opportunities in your area.
Every featured Youth Friendly Employer has committed to offering meaningful opportunities. You can also find local free training – both online and face to face – and search solely for virtual opportunities without worrying about your location.
5) Stay informed with labour market information (LMI)
LMI refers to current market job trends. The National Careers Service outlines job trends for the careers it lists, as do Prospects and Youth Employment UK’s career guides. When seeking apprenticeships or considering your next steps in education and training, use LMI to consider which work sectors are booming in your area and how much you can expect to earn over time.
6) Talk to someone
Finally, if you are still in education, contact your careers advisor. If you’re unemployed, the Work Coach at your local Jobcentre Plus can offer you ideas. Attend local careers fairs and ask your friends and family to spread the word. These are all forms of networking – because someone in your network could connect you to an ideal opportunity.