Information, Advice and Guidance

To help you get started we’ve put together some handy materials to help you develop industry-specific skills and prepare you for your first day in your chosen career.

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I’m looking for an apprenticeship

Information, Advice, and Guidance

I’ve secured an apprenticeship

What are my Next Steps?

Apprentice working on laptop

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An apprenticeship is an in-depth work-based training programme linked to a specific job role. They are a great fit for people who are motivated, love to learn, and are happy to take the initiative. On an apprenticeship, you’ll lead the way on your professional development, supported by your manager and apprenticeship coach.

Apprenticeships are an amazing way to kickstart your career, blending a qualification with on-the-job work experience – but they are a full-time commitment. It’s really important that you choose an apprenticeship programme that you’re passionate about, with a company that you feel is a good fit for you.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Get Ready for Your Apprenticeship Interview

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How To Write a CV

Your CV is one of the most important parts of any job search – especially an apprenticeship! A CV gives you the chance to highlight all your knowledge, skills, and experience in one place, and can help you stand out from the crowd.

It’s important that you take time to perfect your CV as it could be the difference in landing you your dream interview. However, we know it’s not always easy to get started.

If you’re about to begin writing or updating your CV, check out our top tips on what to include!

How to Write a CV For An Apprenticeship
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CV Template

Writing a CV comes with so many questions. What should I include? How should I structure it? How many pages should it be? Should I list all my qualifications?

We understand that writing your CV can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this handy template filled with tips and tricks to help you create a stand-out CV.

Get started by downloading our CV template below!

Download our CV Template
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Interview Tips

So, you’ve applied for an apprenticeship and secured an interview – what’s next?

Securing an interview for an apprenticeship is an exciting step towards starting your new career. To ensure you make a strong impression and have the best chance of success: preparation is key!

To help you stand out during the interview process, we’ve created a handy video that covers our team’s top tips and tricks!

Important Questions to Ask at Your Interview

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT HUB

CANVA

If you’re interested in developing your design skills – get started with Canva Design School. We recommend putting your new knowledge to the test by getting creative with your CV!

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HOOTSUITE

Ready to become a social media superstar? Hootsuite Academy offers a range of social media training courses to help you build new skills and stand out during the application process.

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HUBSPOT ACADEMY

A successful content strategy is telling a story in a way that attracts, engages and delights your audience through each stage of the buyer’s journey. All of which you’ll learn how to do in this course.

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CODECADEMY

Get hands-on with programming through a Codecadamy course. From your first lesson, you’ll be writing real code using different languages – boosting your CV straight away!

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GITHUB

Ready to dive straight in to the world of coding? GitHub have you covered! Through these short courses, you’ll develop in-demand skills and learn how to build your own website.

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MIMO

Learn how to code on the go with Mimo. Through these bite-sized courses, you’ll learn how to build your own landing pages and other web features. With these skills, your CV could stand out!

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JAVA POINT

Develop your knowledge in coding languages such as Python, PHP, Java and HTML! With these skills, you’ll be well on your way to a career in software development.

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CISCO

Gain IT skills with Cisco Packet Tracer. With this network simulation tool, you’ll develop networking, IoT, and cybersecurity skills in a virtual lab – no hardware needed to boost your CV!

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LIFE HACKER

Ever wondered how to build your own PC from scratch? Well, Lifehacker has you covered! This complete guide helps you master computer hardware, a skill IT managers will be looking for!

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INSTRUCTABLES

This handy guide covers the different components of a computer, along with a short video to help you learn the basics of hardware. Once you’ve finished learning, add your new knowledge to your CV!

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TREEHOUSE

These short programmes from Treehouse will equip you with the skills you’ll need for data analysis – helping your CV stand out!

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KAGGLE

Kaggle has a range of free courses ranging from data visualisation to advanced SQL – and you’ll get a certificate every time you complete a course!

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Grading & International Qualifications

We request that you hold a Maths and English GCSE to be eligible for our apprenticeship programmes, but the required grade depends on your programme. If you currently don’t meet the minimum grades, you can study for GCSEs or Level 2 Functional Skills through your local college or other training providers.

If your GCSE grade is alphabetical, the eligibility for all our apprenticeship programmes is a C in both Maths and English. The minimum numerical grades are: IT – 4 in Maths, 5 in English, Software – 6 in Maths, 4 in English, Marketing – 5 in Maths, 4 in English, Data – 4 in Maths, 4 in English.

If you studied outside of the UK, we may need to verify that your qualifications are a suitable equivalent to our minimum required grades. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC, the national agency for international qualifications and skills. This generally costs around £50, and you’ll need copies of your qualifications to make an application.

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Location & Residency Status

Apprenticeship training is funded by the UK government. Therefore, there are some restrictions on who can be funded for an apprenticeship. To be considered for an apprenticeship, you must have the right to work in England and have eligible residency status.

When applying for one of our apprenticeships, we need to make sure you can travel to work every day. We advise that candidates do not travel more than 45 minutes by public transport, or 15 miles by car.

Although long distances may seem achievable in the beginning, apprenticeships are a long-term commitment, and we often find travelling such a distance is not sustainable for the full duration of the programme. Long commutes can be particularly difficult as an apprentice, where transport costs may claim a significant portion of your wages.

READY TO KICKSTART YOUR DREAM CAREER?

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NOT SURE WHAT YOUR NEXT STEPS ARE?

There is never just one way to reach a destination. We offer an alternative career path and a different route to developing skills.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations on securing your apprenticeship! Now that you’ve received the good news and accepted the offer, here is what you should do next…

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Download our Guide

Beginning your apprenticeship journey is a significant step toward building a successful and fulfilling career. Whether you’re a career starter or a career changer, having a clear understanding of what’s expected of you will ensure you get off to a positive start.

To ensure you make the most of this opportunity, we recommend downloading our Starting your Career Guide below. This comprehensive resource will ensure you can navigate your apprenticeship programme effectively – from understanding workplace etiquette to gaining essential skills.

Download the Full Guide to Starting your Career
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Review the Details

Once you’ve accepted your new position, you’ll receive a confirmation email from your dedicated recruitment consultant and your brand-new employer.

Keep your eye out for this as it will contain details about your start day, what to expect on your first day and some important information related to your apprenticeship programme.

This email supports your transition into your new role, so make sure you take time to read, reflect, and understand these – doing so will get you off to a flying start.

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Complete the Paperwork

As you will probably expect, there is some paperwork to complete before you get started! Your new employer and the Baltic Onboarding Team may contact you to ask for some additional information before your onboarding session.

Make sure you are on hand to complete any paperwork promptly and respond to requests as this speeds up the onboarding process.

Alongside other essential documents, you will also be asked to provide a valid form of identification (this could be your driver’s license or passport), your national insurance number and your bank details for payroll purposes.

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Prepare for Your First Day

Starting a new job is an exciting time but we know it can be daunting. The best way to overcome any new job nerves is to be prepared – fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

Research the company and review your role and responsibilities, pack your work bag with any essentials, and prepare any questions you might have.

Ensure that you are prepared, ready to go and on time for your first day, this will make a good impression on your new employer. Good luck on your first day, you’re going to be great!

Your First-Day Checklist

Whether this is your first job or you just want to make sure you have everything in order before you start your new position, we have you covered! To help you get off to a flying start, we have put together a handy checklist.

If you’re travelling by car, it’s better to set off early to give yourself additional buffer time while you learn the route, find a parking space and judge the amount of traffic. Alternatively, if you are commuting by public transport, look up the cost and identify the best possible route.

Some companies have a formal dress code and some may opt for a smart casual approach. Either way, make sure you are aware and prepare an appropriate outfit ahead of time!

Make sure your commute to and from work suits your agreed working hours. Also, consider the length of your lunch break to be sure you have enough time to prepare and eat your meal.

Different businesses have different working hours, so ensure you know what your shift pattern is ahead of your first day! Some employers may offer 1-hour lunch breaks, however, some offer 30 minutes – make sure to find out so you have enough time to finish your lunch and get back to your desk!

Remembering your colleague’s names shows respect and helps you build positive relationships. Forgetting names may be perceived as a lack of interest or attention, so ask for the names of those you work closely with – especially your Manager!

Organise and bring any requested documentation as well as a valid form of ID, your national insurance number, P45 (where applicable) and bank details for payroll purposes.

Before you start your new role or during your onboarding session, you are likely to receive information about company policies and an employee handbook. Make sure to read over these and look over the company website to ensure you have a good understanding of your new employer and its values.

Using your phone during working hours is a big no-no! Before you start your day, either switch it off or turn it on silent – save it for your break!

If this is your first time in a 9-5 role, it may take some time to adjust. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before so you are ready to tackle the day!

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Safety & Welfare

Respect & Communication

Personal Improvement

Professionalism

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Your First Day

The first day of any new job can be an incredibly nerve-racking experience. It’s normal to feel anxious and eager to impress, so take comfort in the fact that everyone in your new workplace will have been through this at some point.

On your first day as an apprentice, you will meet your new colleagues, have a lot of new information given to you (some of it will stick, some of it won’t – don’t worry!) and be generally busy learning the ropes and getting the hang of your new role.

In the blog below, we have broken down what you should expect on your first day so you can walk in confidently and relaxed, knowing that you are as prepared as you can be.

What to Expect on your First Day as an Apprentice

RESPONSIBILITIES

You

You are responsible for your personal brand and upholding your professional expectations.

Employer

Your employer is responsible for managing your job role, workload, sickness, lateness, salary & payroll.

Baltic

Baltic are responsible for your training, assessment, & escalating any concerns or issues.

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Feeling Uncertain?

Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting but nerve-wracking time. It’s normal to have doubts about whether it’s the right choice for you. However, it’s important to remember that apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical skills and experience in a particular field.

Unlike traditional education, apprenticeships provide hands-on training that helps you climb the career ladder. They also offer the chance to earn a salary while learning, making them an excellent option for those who want to jumpstart their career without incurring large amounts of student debt.

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