5 steps to becoming a Modern Apprentice

Step 1: Choose your industry

Decide what industry you are interested in. Check with the industry training organisation (ITO) to find out if you can become a Modern Apprentice in the industry that you are interested in. Thirty-two out of 40 ITOs offer Modern Apprenticeships.

Industry training organisation contact list

Step 2: Contact a Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator

Contact a Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator responsible for your industry. Ensure that you prepare and present yourself well as he or she may be able to help you find a job.

The Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator will talk to you about what you want to do, and can advise you on the entry requirements you need to meet.

Modern Apprenticeships website - search for a Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator in your area

Step 3: Find a job

Find a job by looking through adverts online and in your local newspaper, work websites, and speaking to family and friends. Check with potential employers if they are interested in taking on a Modern Apprentice.

Talk to your Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator if you have trouble finding an employer to take you on. They may have some good contacts who could help you.

How to find and apply for jobs
CV 4 Me - use our interactive CV wizard to create the best CV for you

Step 4: Sign up for a Modern Apprenticeship

When you have found an employer who wants to take you on as a Modern Apprentice you usually sign two agreements with them:

1. Your employment agreement. Your salary depends on the industry and apprenticeship that you choose, and any experience that you have.
2. Your industry training agreement, which is part of your employment agreement. You develop this with your employer and a Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator.

Step 5: Develop a training plan

Once you have signed your training agreement, your ITO will work with you and your employer to develop the best training plan for you. This will outline your on-the-job and off-the-job training, and will help you gain your qualification. A bricklayer learning to mix cement is an example of on-the-job training.

Off-the job training is likely to be offered by a polytech or other education provider.

Your training plan is reviewed regularly by your Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator to see if you are on target and if you need help with anything.