Applying for apprenticeships is a significant step on the way toward a fulfilling career. But for a lot of people this is the first time they’ve even applied for a job (let alone filled out an apprenticeship application letter) so it can feel quite daunting as you may be worried whether or not you’ve done it properly. If this sounds like you, there’s no need to panic. At Avant Skills Academy we’ve put together this blog to help you with the application process, and if you’ve never had a job before, by the end you’ll know how to write a cover letter for an apprenticeship with no experience.
What Is An Apprenticeship Cover Letter?
An apprenticeship cover letter is the letter you send with your CV and tells the employer (or potentially the training provider) what role you want and why you’re a sensible fit. Your apprenticeship cover letter should make it easy for the employer to understand why you applied and what you can do already. It should also show how you’ll approach the training element of the course, and how you’ll effectively balance this alongside your day-to-day work.
You might upload your apprenticeship cover letter as a document alongside your CV or there may be a form to fill out with the application. It’s different from a CV as you usually have one copy that you send to multiple vacancies, whereas a cover letter needs to be unique and feel written for that specific job opening. If it reads like it could go to any company, it won’t help you!
Why Is It Important To Write A Cover Letter For An Apprenticeship?
A CV can show what you’ve done. It doesn’t always show intent. Employers want to know you chose this specific apprenticeship vacancy, not that you’re simply applying to everything. This matters most when you’re writing a cover letter for an apprenticeship with no experience. You’re not expected to arrive fully trained. You are expected to be reliable and take feedback well. Your apprenticeship application letter is where you prove those habits with a real example, even if it came from college or a weekend job.
How To Write An Application Letter For An Apprenticeship?
So how exactly do you write an application letter for an apprenticeship? Below are some tips you can follow when you’re putting one together; do all these steps and you’ll be sure to look like an attractive candidate to potential employers:
Research The Company Before Writing A Cover Letter For An Apprenticeship
Read the advert twice. The words they repeat are what they care about. If it keeps mentioning working in a team for example, talk about being a teamplayer and show you understand how to communicate well internally. Spend a good amount of time on the company site too. Pay attention to what the company actually does, their values, clients they’ve worked with, services they offer etc. All of these details you’re picking up might not seem important now, but if you can relate to these in your cover letter, you’ll more likely be offered an interview than someone who’s put zero effort into their application.
Express Your Interest In The Apprenticeship Cover Letter
Throughout your letter you should be expressing your enthusiasm in the position, especially if you’re writing a cover letter for an apprenticeship with no experience. Say where you found the vacancy, then explain why you want it. You might mention you want a job with training built in because you learn best by doing the work properly, with someone checking you. You might bring up a lesson or a shift that made you realise you enjoy that type of work. If you’re choosing an apprenticeship instead of university, say so. You don’t need to justify your life. But you do need to show why you think it’s a positive choice.
Talk About Your Qualifications
Now match the advert. If it asks for GCSE English and maths, state your grades or predictions. If you’re studying something relevant, mention it and be clear about what you actually do on the course.
Don’t hide gaps. If you’re resitting maths in May, say that. If you finish college in June, say your earliest start date. Employers plan around timelines every day, so give them yours.
Explain Why Your Right For The Apprenticeship
This is the part most people get wrong. They list traits. The employer wants proof. Pick one requirement from the advert and give a short example. If the role involves customers, talk about a time you dealt with someone who was unhappy and you kept your tone steady. If the role involves admin, talk about how you kept records correct, like checking names and dates before submitting work.
If you have no direct experience, say it plainly. Then bring it back to behaviour. A cover letter for an apprenticeship can be strong when it shows you turn up and listen. Then show you improve after feedback. It’s a job with training attached, so your attitude matters as much as your starting skill level.
Conclude Your Apprenticeship Application Letter
Keep the closing short. Thank them for their time. Confirm your CV is attached. Say you’d welcome an interview.
If your availability is limited by exams or college days, mention it briefly so the employer isn’t guessing. If you’re working now, mention your notice period. If you used a named person, sign off with “Yours sincerely”. If you didn’t, “Yours faithfully” is fine.
Proof Your Apprenticeship Cover Letter
Proofreading is basic, but it’s where a lot of people lose points. Check the company name and the apprenticeship title. If you used a name at the top, check that too. If you reused an old letter, search for the old company name. Remove it.
Read the letter out loud once. If a sentence sounds stiff, rewrite it. If you repeat a phrase, change it. Your aim is a letter that feels careful, because that’s what the employer is hoping you’ll be like at work.
Discover Avant Skills Academy For Apprenticeships
If you’re applying for apprenticeships, Avant Skills Academy can help. We work with employers across Hull and Grimsby, so we see what makes an application stand out for the right reasons.
If your cover letter for an apprenticeship feels generic, tighten it. Add one detail about the employer. Add one example that proves you can handle responsibility. When you’re ready to apply, speak to Avant Skills Academy and we’ll help you find an apprenticeship that fits, then help you with your application so you can land that role! Get in touch with us today!