do i need a personal statement for an apprenticeship

Do you need a personal statement for an apprenticeship?

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You don’t always need a personal statement to apply for an apprenticeship, but you may have to write a cover letter with your application. Think of it as applying for a job rather than a place at university and sell your suitability for the role.

Your cover letter should be a job-focused personal statement detailing your best qualities and attributes. It should tell your prospective employer who you are, why you are interested in the apprenticeship and, perhaps most importantly, the benefits you will bring to the company. 

Not all apprenticeships will require a lengthy personal statement, but you should include at least a few short paragraphs about yourself alongside your CV and a portfolio of any related work. You may also have to complete a test or task related to the role. Apprenticeships are competitive, so you want to do everything you can to stand out in the best way. Your personal statement is your prospective employer’s first impression of you, so you need to make it good. If you’re struggling, you can find apprenticeship personal statement templates online and tips in our guide to writing an apprenticeship personal statement .

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How To Get An Apprenticeship: Tips And Resources

Updated: Apr 10, 2023, 3:40pm

If you want to start a career but aren’t ready to take on four years of college and potential debt, an apprenticeship could be the path for you. Apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced mentor—all while letting you earn a salary.

While apprenticeship programs are most common in skilled trades like construction and plumbing, they are on the rise in sectors like healthcare and information technology as well.

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that the number of active apprenticeships has shot up by more than 100% in the past decade, suggesting that apprenticeships are becoming more competitive. In this article, we outline a few basic steps to show you how to get the right apprenticeship for you and give you a leg up on the competition.

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What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a training program in which apprentices get paid to learn a trade by working full time under the supervision of a professional within that trade.

Apprentices acquire hands-on skills through both on-the-job and classroom training, earning an official industry credential at the end of the apprenticeship. Also, unlike many internships, apprenticeships pay wages that rise as the apprentice learns new skills.

Possible downsides to apprenticeships include potential competitiveness and their relatively narrow focus. Rather than equipping you with broadly applicable skills and work experience, an apprenticeship prepares you for one specific occupation, so you need to ensure that occupation is the one you want to pursue.

Learn more in our guide: What Is an Apprenticeship ?

Apprenticeship At a Glance

Length: Registered apprenticeship programs commonly take four years to complete, depending on the profession or the employer. For some occupations, an apprenticeship may take as long as six years—or as little as 12 months.

Common Fields for Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are common among professions like carpenter, construction worker, electrician, ironworker, plumber, sheet metal worker and welder. The practice has recently grown to include the healthcare and information technology fields.

Requirements to Enter an Apprenticeship: According to U.S. government regulations , an apprentice must be at least 16 years old except when an applicable state or local law requires a minimum age of 18 (in more hazardous professions, for instance). Sponsors cannot stipulate minimum qualifications that might have a discriminatory effect.

Common Credentials Upon Completion: After finishing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a nationally recognized certificate of completion as evidence of their skills.

Average Apprenticeship Wage: In the early stages of their apprenticeships, apprentices usually earn about half of what a fully qualified worker makes. If “half” sounds discouraging, bear in mind two things.

First, apprentices’ pay increases as their training progresses. Second, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that many professions with apprenticeships earn relatively high wages. As of 2021, for instance, the median annual wage for electricians was $60,040—well above $45,760, the median annual salary for all workers.

What Is the Difference Between an Apprenticeship and an Internship?

Apprenticeships are paid and lead to full-time employment. Internships are often unpaid and do not guarantee a full-time job.

The second major difference is duration. Apprenticeships are long-term undertakings that last at least a year and typically require about four years to complete. Internships are much shorter-term, with one to three months being a standard duration.

An apprenticeship involves structured training from an experienced mentor with a focus on mastering specific skills needed to enter a profession. Internships tend to be concerned with entry-level general work experience.

Apprenticeships lead to an industry-recognized credential, while internships are for work experience rather than culminating in an official credential.

How to Find and Get an Apprenticeship

As you begin your search, remember that apprenticeships take place in person, so it’s essential to find an opportunity in your local area. The resources we cite below can help simplify that process.

Determine Your Field of Interest

According to the BLS , occupations that commonly require apprenticeships include boilermaker, carpenter, electrician, ironworker, masonry worker, plumber, pipefitter, steamfitter and sheet metal worker.

The U.S. government’s ApprenticeshipUSA website also lists advanced manufacturing, agriculture, cybersecurity, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, telecommunications and transportation as fields that offer apprenticeships.

The three web resources below should help anyone begin and refine their search for an apprenticeship program. Four-year and community colleges in your area are likely to be good sources of information, too—inquire whether they have career centers that non-students can visit if you don’t attend one of those schools. If you’re still in high school, consult with a guidance counselor about potential apprenticeship opportunities in your area.

Search for Available Programs

ApprenticeshipUSA Job Finder

This U.S. government site allows you to search by occupation or location (city, state or ZIP). ApprenticeshipUSA also lists the apprenticeships that are currently the most popular around the country, giving prospective candidates an idea of where they might find apprenticeship availability.

CareerOneStop American Job Center Finder

CareerOneStop’s search tool allows you to find the nearest American Job Center. American Job Centers are a network of state, regional and local organizations that provide job hunters with training and other assistance.

Indeed – Paid Apprenticeship Search

Indeed’s filter sends you straight to the relevant listings. You can then sort by date and narrow down to the appropriate location by entering your city or ZIP code in a marked search box at the top of the page.

Meet Requirements for Apprenticeship Program

As we note above, the minimum starting age for registered apprenticeships is 16, though in certain occupations, the minimum age is 18. Additional qualifications vary by apprenticeship program and may relate to education (e.g., requiring a high school diploma or the equivalent) or the ability to perform essential job functions.

Some apprentices get their start in pre-apprenticeship programs, which help applicants fulfill the apprenticeship’s entry requirements and bolster the skills they’ll need.

Pre-apprenticeships sometimes target specific populations such as veterans or young people from communities that have traditionally been shut out of the labor force. Two good resources for pre-apprenticeship information are the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps , which provides vocational training to people between the ages of 16 and 24, and the nonprofit YouthBuild , which offers courses, counseling and training to unemployed young adults.

Interview for and Accept a Position

Standard interview skills apply when interviewing for an apprenticeship. Arrive ahead of time, give compelling answers and maintain a professional demeanor. More specifically, think of challenges you’ve overcome and skills you’ve acquired that are relevant to the occupation at hand.

Once you complete your apprenticeship program, the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship or your local State Apprenticeship Agency will grant you a nationally recognized certificate of completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Finding an Apprenticeship

Where is the best place to look for apprenticeships.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship.gov website is a comprehensive resource that lets job seekers search for apprenticeships by occupation and location. It also provides contact information for the state apprentice agency in every U.S. state and territory.

Is it hard to get an apprenticeship?

Given the rising costs of student loans in recent years, more and more people see apprenticeships as an attractive alternative to a four-year degree—so apprenticeships can be competitive. At the same time, the likelihood of getting an apprenticeship can hinge on factors like the profession in question, where you live and which program most appeals to you.

To improve your chances of being accepted, look for networking opportunities in your chosen profession. Don’t overlook pre-apprenticeships, either, as any experience in your career of choice can give you an advantage over applicants who are complete newcomers to the field.

Which apprenticeships are most in demand?

Many fields offer or require apprenticeships. In 2022, the BLS reported high numbers of active apprenticeships for electrical power-line installers and repairers; nursing assistants; telecommunications equipment installers and repairers; and heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers.

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How to write a CV for an apprenticeship?

If you’re looking for a construction apprenticeship , having a stand-out CV which accurately reflects your skills and qualifications should be your top priority.

Why do I need an apprenticeship CV?

A CV is important because it will give potential future employers a first impression of you based on your education, work experience, skills, hobbies and achievements. A CV, or curriculum vitae, is effectively your shop window.

Things to include on your apprenticeship CV

There isn’t a one size fits all approach to structuring a good apprenticeship CV, but there is certain information that all CVs should include.

There is some basic information that all employers want to see on a CV, such as contact details and referees, and while most CVs contain the same sort of information, the way it is presented and ordered can make all the difference.

Structure and formatting your CV

Here is an example structure which captures all the information employers want, and is suitable for all experience and education levels.

Contact details

Your name should be at the top of the document – there’s no need to write ‘CV’ or ‘curriculum vitae’. Below that, you should include:

• Your full address and postcode
• Landline or mobile number – whichever you’re most likely to be reachable on during a working day
• Email address – make sure to keep it professional

You don’t need to include other details such as your age, marital status, date of birth, nationality etc. If you have one, you can include a link to your profile on a professional social media site like LinkedIn.

Personal statement

A personal statement isn’t essential, but it’s a good way to introduce who you are, your career aims and key attributes. It is a short statement which aims to prove why you’re suitable for the role, helping you to stand out from the crowd.       

This is to briefly tell the employer what experience you have or what your current role is, what interests you about the apprenticeship and what your professional goals are. Keep it short with two to three sentences.

Here’s some tips on how to write a personal statement for a CV.

Depending on your personal circumstances you may want to put work history next – if you have limited or no work experience, put education here.

In this section you will need to include in most recent order:

• The names and grades of your qualifications
• The school, college or university where you studied
• The dates you attended

Most apprenticeships have specific educational requirements, such as a certain number of attained qualifications or ones in a specific subject. If the apprenticeship requires a qualification in a certain subject and you have an higher level qualification in it, be sure to mention it. This could give you an edge over other candidates.

If you completed a work placement, a traineeship, work experience, etc. this will be better placed under work history.

Work history

Even if you don't yet have any experience directly related to your chosen field, still mention any experience you do have. This could include part-time work, school work experience programmes, voluntary work and any apprenticeships you've already done.

Outline your responsibilities and the duration of your experiences. You’ll need to give details of:

• The employer, with the most recent first
• The title of the job
• The dates you worked
• A brief outline of what you did

When discussing your strengths and skills, use active words such as ‘organised’, ‘built’, ‘created’, ‘managed’, or ‘planned’.

Rather than just listing your duties and responsibilities, giving positive examples of your achievements is a great way to bring your qualities the employer is looking for. The STAR method is a good way to do this:

• Situation – Your role in a previous work setting
• Task – A time you had you had to use your qualities to complete a specific task or solve a problem.  Consider how this relates to a specific quality on the job you’re going for
• Action – How did you complete this task? Use specific examples
• Result – What was the outcome of your action, and how did it contribute to a success story?

Hobbies, interests or achievements

This isn’t an essential section, so if you’re going to include it keep it short. It’s a good place to include achievements which aren’t related to work or education, such as running a marathon, winning an award, climbing a mountain, etc.

What skills should you include on an apprenticeship CV?

Some CVs include a separate section which lists applicants’ skills. In most situations, it isn’t necessary to include this as you will have mentioned all of your skills in the other sections. However, it can be a useful way to highlight skills if you are particularly experienced in a certain field.

It is better to use specific skills, such as software packages you’re proficient in, rather than generic terms like communication skills, teamworking and multitasking. 

Employers will take up references in the event of offering the job to you. They will usually ask for two referees, one of whom should be your last employer. If you haven’t had a job before, you can ask an employer you have done work experience for, a teacher or anyone who knows you who isn’t a member of your family. It helps if they are employed or work in a profession or industry.

More information

You’ve written a great CV – what next? 

Many apprenticeship applications require a cover letter alongside your CV – and even if they don’t, it is good practice to include one.

If you’ve managed to land an apprenticeship interview – well done! Read our hints and tips guide to interviews .

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Writing a CV for Apprenticeships: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting a CV for apprenticeships can be a daunting task, especially when you’re at the early stages of your career and have limited work experience. Yet, it’s a golden chance to display your enthusiasm, potential, and the unique skills you offer. With CV Experts ‘ guidance, this step-by-step guide aims to assist you in developing a CV that not only captures the attention of employers but also paves the way for securing the apprenticeship you’ve been aiming for

Step 1: Understand What Employers Are Looking For

Apprenticeships are designed to train you in a specific role or industry, so employers are looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. They value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving just as much as any academic achievements or work experience you might have. Understanding this can help you tailor your CV to highlight these qualities.

Step 2: Choose the Right CV Format

For those with limited work experience, a functional CV format can be a good choice. This format focuses on your skills and potential rather than a chronological work history. Start with your contact information, followed by a brief personal statement, a list of key skills, then your education, and any work experience you do have.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a brief summary of who you are, what you can offer, and your career goals. It should be tailored to the apprenticeship you’re applying for, highlighting your interest in the field and your eagerness to develop professional skills. Keep it concise and engaging.

Step 4: Highlight Your Skills

Create a section dedicated to your skills, focusing on those most relevant to the apprenticeship. Use examples from school projects, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or any part-time jobs to demonstrate these skills. For instance, if you’re applying for a digital marketing apprenticeship, highlight any experience you have with social media, blogging, or design software.

Step 5: Detail Your Education

List your educational qualifications, starting with the most recent. For each qualification, include the institution’s name, the dates attended, and the grades achieved. If you’re currently studying, mention your expected grades. If relevant, include subjects or projects that are particularly relevant to the apprenticeship.

Step 6: Include Any Work Experience

If you have any work experience, including part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work, include it in your CV. Focus on the responsibilities you held and the skills you developed in these roles. Even if the experience isn’t directly related to the apprenticeship, it can still demonstrate valuable workplace skills.

Step 7: Add Extra Sections

Consider including additional sections that could strengthen your application, such as extracurricular activities, achievements, or hobbies and interests. These can provide a fuller picture of who you are and may highlight additional skills or qualities that make you a good fit for the apprenticeship.

Step 8: Tailor Your CV

It’s important to tailor your CV for each apprenticeship application. Research the company and the role to understand what they’re looking for and highlight the parts of your background that align with these requirements. Use keywords from the apprenticeship listing to make your CV more relevant.

Step 9: Proofread and Edit

Ensure your CV is free from spelling or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your professionalism. Ask someone else to review your CV for mistakes and provide feedback on how it can be improved.

Step 10: Keep It Concise

Finally, keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. Apprenticeship employers are often looking through many applications, so a concise CV that clearly highlights your suitability for the role is more effective than a lengthy document.

Writing a CV for an apprenticeship requires a focus on your potential, skills, and eagerness to learn and grow in your chosen field. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a CV that showcases your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates. Remember, the goal is to present yourself as the ideal candidate for the apprenticeship, demonstrating not just what you’ve done, but what you’re capable of achieving in the future.

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How to apply for an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are a viable alternative to university, with the number of opportunities across all sectors continuing to increase - but to secure a position, you need to ensure that your application stands out from the crowd

Do your research

Before you apply for apprenticeships, it's important to know what employers in your chosen field will be expecting of you, as well as what each apprenticeship will involve.

Apprenticeships are open to a range of applicants and can be found all year round. Some employers will ask for no more than being over the age of 16 and not in full-time education as their entry requirements. This shows that they aren't necessarily looking to hire candidates with the most prior work experience or highest level of qualification.

Your ability to demonstrate hard skills, such as IT literacy or a grasp of a second language, and soft skills, such as excellent communication and organisation - along with your career ambitions - will be highly valued.

For example, you don't necessarily need to have had an office job to apply for an HR apprenticeship . You'll be able to impress if you discuss the time management and organisation skills you picked up by completing school or college work.

Search for apprenticeships on individual employers' websites and at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship .

Some organisations may not display their opportunities, so try making speculative applications to companies you'd like to work for. You'll prove that you're driven, confident and have fully researched the organisation.

By doing your research, you'll have a clearer picture of how to make a good impression, which will vary depending on the level of apprenticeship you're applying for.

To apply for a degree apprenticeship , you'll usually need at least two A-levels and some relevant experience. Explore what is an apprenticeship?

Tailor your apprenticeship CV and cover letter

A strong CV is the backbone of any apprenticeship application. It needs to look and sound professional, demonstrating clearly and concisely your suitability for the position.

Use a simple font, divide sections clearly and use bullet points for ease of reading. Your CV will need to include:

• Profile - a punchy opening paragraph displaying your most relevant qualities, skills and experience to the role you're applying for. Don't explain too much here - your profile should entice the employer to keep reading. Learn more about writing a personal statement for your CV .
• Education - many apprenticeship applicants have limited prior work experience. If the apprenticeship you're applying for will be your first position outside of full-time education, take the opportunity to list your academic achievements, highlighting the transferable skills you've developed through group work, coursework and end-of-year exams, such as excellent organisation and timekeeping.
• Work experience - in reverse chronological order, list all previous paid employment and any relevant non-paid experience you may have. This could include voluntary work or college work placements. Only include information that will support your apprentice application - if you're worried your experience isn't relevant, you can still use it to highlight transferable skills. For instance, if you're applying for an engineering apprenticeship , your past experience working in customer service shows excellent communication and the ability to think on your feet - valuable qualities in any future engineer.
• Interests/hobbies - only include interests and hobbies if they're relevant to the post or demonstrate a particularly impressive achievement. For example, if you're applying for a computer programming role and build websites in your spare time, then this would be worth mentioning.

Discover how to write a CV . Ensure your CV is in top condition by avoiding these seven common CV mistakes .

Your cover letter is another important part of your apprenticeship application. You'll use it to expand on the achievements and skills you've listed in your CV, as well as explain why you'd like to be considered for the apprenticeship. Keep it short and sharp - your employer may have hundreds of applications to read through.

Read up on how to write the perfect cover letter . For inspiration, take a look at our example apprenticeship cover letter .

As tempting as it may seem to send out duplicate CVs and cover letters, especially if the apprenticeships you're applying for offer similar qualifications and opportunities, still take the time to research each company and tailor each application to the specific employer. This way, you'll know a company is best suited to your needs, strengths and career ambitions, and employers will see that you're invested in working for them.

Prepare for the interview

Before submitting your apprenticeship application, research the company - this will come in useful if you're called for interview. Before you meet your employer, you'll want to have a good understanding of the company's values and what your potential role with them would entail.

Arrive at the interview prepared with questions to ask your interviewer . Also think about preparing some answers to typical interview questions you may be asked.

Be prepared to discuss your strengths, areas for improvement and career ambitions with confidence. If you're feeling nervous, ask a friend, teacher or parent to help you think of what to include.

Dress smartly to make a good first impression. This doesn't always mean wearing a suit - dress appropriately for the position you're interviewing for. Business casual is a safe bet.

Employers looking to take on an apprentice will be sympathetic to a lack of work experience if you're a younger recruit, with the majority of apprenticeships being open to anyone aged 16 or over and not in full-time education. They'll be more interested in your other attributes, such as examples of your punctuality, reliability and digital expertise.

Relax, show your passion for starting an apprenticeship and prove that you're the perfect candidate for the role.

Get more interview tips .

Find out more

• Discover whether you should go to university or do an apprenticeship .
• Read about apprenticeships in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
• Explore higher apprenticeships .

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21 September 2023

How to Write an Apprenticeship CV

Are you struggling to write a CV for an apprenticeship? What a nightmare! If you’ve just stumbled across this page, you are incredibly fortunate.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to writing a CV for an apprenticeship application.

Before we begin…

There’s no need to put ‘Curriculum Vitae’ at the top of your CV. It’s just stating the obvious. It can be difficult to spell too. So why risk it?

Just use your name.

Now that’s out the way, you’re probably wondering if an apprenticeship is even for you. Let’s break it down a little.

Why should I do an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a great option for any school leaver who wants the qualifications to start a career in a wide range of industries, but doesn’t want to tread the path of university.

If you’re dead set on uni, and you like the idea of apprenticeships – there’s a way. They’re called degree apprenticeships , and you don’t need to take out a student loan to do one. The government and your employer will pay your fees. So no debt for you. Score.

To find out more about the different types of apprenticeships and their entry requirements, read our overview of apprenticeship programmes .

Apprenticeship CV Guide

Step 1: your details.

After your name, you need to provide the employer with relevant contact information. Contact information is crucial. How will an employer get in touch to say ‘come in for an interview’ without your phone number or email address?

Step 2: PERSONAL STATEMENT

Keep it brief. Keep it focused.

Nobody cares for a long, rambling statement, which details your fondness for summer walks, soft cheese and watching re-runs of Friends.

In no more than five sentences, explain who you are, why you’re interested in this particular apprenticeship, and your career aspirations.

Apprenticeships train candidates to perform a specific job. Or for a role in that wider industry. Your personal statement should relate to that job or industry, and be tailored around the apprenticeship you’re applying for.

If you’re struggling with your personal statement, try and answer this question…

* How will you benefit the company during your apprenticeship? *

Step 3: KEY SKILLS

There can be an unholy number of applicants for each apprenticeship. And that means an unholy amount of CVs. Employers are unlikely to read each one from start to end.

A good apprenticeship CV has to grab the employer by the ears and scream ‘EMPLOY ME!’ within twenty seconds.

The best way to make an impression in such haste is with a series of bullet points listing your key skills. See it as a summary of your strengths. You can include things like…

• Time-management
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Working as part of a team.

Meet some of the RateMyApprenticeship team and find out some of their CV faux pas so you don’t make the same mistakes.

@ratemyapprenticeship We made the mistakes so you dont have to ✨👏🤝 #apprenticeships #cv #students #advice #gcses #alevels #school #jobs #exams #freshers2023 #examtimetable ♬ original sound – Ratemyapprenticeship

Step 4: EDUCATION

The first thing to remember in the education section of your apprentice CV is to put your most recent qualifications first. Put your A-Levels before your GCSEs.

Any modules studied during your A-Levels or GCSEs that are relevant to the apprenticeship are also worth a mention.

If you’re applying for an accounting apprenticeship, and you completed a project or a piece of coursework that focused on collecting and analysing data, let the employer know!

We’ve designed a template for an apprenticeship CV. This CV template is downloadable. And you can use it for any type of apprenticeship. 

If you follow our step-by-step guide to writing a CV for apprenticeships, you can use the template to create a CV that will have employers chasing you through the streets. 

Step 5: EMPLOYMENT HISTORY/WORK EXPERIENCE

If you have a job, list your key responsibilities and any awards or achievements you have been given.

If you’ve never had a paid job, this is a fantastic opportunity to discuss any unpaid or voluntary work you have under your belt. Detailing previous work experience is a great way of providing evidence of the key skills you have said you possess.

Anyone can write on their CV that they have a strength in customer service. How does an employer work out who is telling porkies? If you can point to your fortnight of work experience at Sainsbury’s, in which you dealt with a number of customer inquiries, you will look like royalty.

Some employers will hire apprentices even if they don’t have the required grades, but have completed relevant work experience. Not only is it crucial to finding an apprenticeship, but can make a difference when applying for jobs.

If you don’t have any work experience in the field of your apprenticeship, it’s a good idea to try and find some. Even just a week-long work experience placement in a role that is similar to the apprenticeship is valued highly by employers.

PRO TIP: When listing your responsibilities, it’s better to use words that convey action and a sense of purpose. Writing ‘I made a new pricing system’ is not going to inspire a prospective employer. However, if you change it to ‘I introduced and developed a new pricing system’, it sounds like you had a more active role.

Step 6: INTERESTS

If you don’t have the qualifications or relevant work experience, the interests section is the most important part of your apprenticeship CV.

Here, you can use your outside interests and extra-curricular activities to show an employer why you are an ideal candidate for an apprenticeship.

If you play in a sports team, now’s the time to convince the employer that you work well in a team. If you are a team captain, you can feed in your leadership qualities.

If you have any extra-curricular activities or interests that relate to the apprenticeship, highlight them. What you do with your free time is valuable information to an employer.

It tells them about your passions. If you can assure an employer that you are passionate about accounting, engineering or design, they are more likely to employ you.

Employers invest time and money in apprenticeship schemes. They would rather employ an apprentice who is enthusiastic about the course, rather than someone who is more qualified, but doesn’t care.

Step 7: REFERENCES

‘References are available on request’.

Unless an employer asks for your references ASAP, put this at the end of your CV.

You usually have to pick two referees. It’s a good idea to pick a person who knows you academically – perhaps a teacher in a subject that is similar to the apprenticeship.

If you have a job, your second referee could be your manager. They can testify to all the skills you have outlined throughout your CV. If you haven’t worked, choose someone you know from any work experience or volunteering you have done.

It’s better to choose referees that know you well. And who you share a good relationship with.

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Written by conor

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What's on this page?

How are they similar, what parts of a personal statement can you simply lift, transfer any work or volunteering experience, using your personal statement opening, tailor information to the role you’re applying for.

In many ways, personal statements, CVs, covering letters and applications are similar in that you use themit to show off your skills, demonstrate your personality, and explain why you’re a great fit for the company, uni, or programme. They’re a chance for you to get noticed for the unique talents and experiences you have. 

We’re going to show how you can use the various parts of your personal statement to create a CV, covering letter, or apprenticeship application that really stands out. 

Liz Bryan, HE Coordinator and Careers Adviser, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington

When you’re creating a CV or covering letter, the order and emphasis will be different to the personal statement as the focus is on the workplace rather than study.

However, you’ll still need to evidence your skills, as they’re transferable , whether you’re applying for university, an apprenticeship, or a job.

Work or volunteering experience will be really important on a CV as it’s evidence of your abilities and your desire to learn. Take what you’ve written on your personal statement and compare it to the skills required for any job or apprenticeship you’re applying for. 

Ana Ghaffari Moghaddam – third year law student and careers coach, University of Liverpool

All good CVs and covering letters include a section that showcases the human behind the experience and qualifications. It’s an opportunity to tell potential employers what motivates you and why you’re passionate. Using the opening paragraph of your personal statement is a great way to have  impact and set you apart. 

Remember, there’s often a lot of competition for apprenticeships and job roles, so the more you stand out, the better.

Annabell Price – L’Oréal degree apprentice (professional products division)

There’s a misconception that you just need one version of your CV and a standard covering letter. However, both should be constantly changing documents you tweak every time you apply for a job or apprenticeship. 

Have multiple versions ready by making sure you’ve listed all the transferable skills you have when preparing your personal statement. 

A personal statement is written to five different audiences as you’re only allowed the one to get your point across. However, for CVs and cover letters, and even apprenticeship applications, you’ll need to speak to a different audience each time, so keep in mind to constantly switch the tone and what you’re highlighting when applying for jobs or apprenticeships. 

Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

Using your personal statement to create tailored CVs and cover letters relevant to the role you’re applying for is something we’d highly recommend. An apprenticeship application is similar too, so using the work you’ve already done to help you apply will save you time and help keep you focused. 

Whether it’s an apprenticeship, university place, or job, you won’t be alone in applying.

All of these different application processes are about documenting your skills and talents. A little extra work creating them now will go a long way when you’re making decisions about your future.

Ultimate Guide to Finding an Apprenticeship

Need more advice.

• Check out our Ultimage Guides for Writing a personal statement and How to decide your next steps to help you figure out your best path.
• Looking for an apprenticeship? Look at our apprenticeship industry guides to see the huge variety of roles available – there are 18 different industries to explore with hundreds of opportunities. 
• Read our full guide on how to write an undergraduate personal statement .
• Read our full guide on how to write a postgraduate personal statement .

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