18 September 2023
How To Write An Apprenticeship Personal Statement
So you’ve found your dream apprenticeship and decided to apply for it. Great news!
As part of the application process, you may need to write a personal statement to help employers find out more about you, your skills and why you’re applying for that specific role.
But how do you write one? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers. Read on to find out how to nail your apprenticeship personal statement…
- What is an apprenticeship personal statement?
- What to write in an apprenticeship personal statement?
- What are your hobbies?
- What are your qualities?
What is an apprenticeship personal statement?
An apprenticeship personal statement is a brief written summary alongside your CV or application form that outlines your skills and experience to employers. It shows off your personality and allows them to assess your suitability for the job.
Why is an apprenticeship personal statement important?
Your apprenticeship personal statement is the first time you’ll introduce yourself to an employer. So it’s crucial you make a good first impression. Think of it as your moment to shine. An opportunity to highlight your interests and career goals.
Employers want to get to know the real you. So don’t be afraid to include your thoughts, feelings and opinions. It might help to ask yourself these questions:
- Why am I right for this role?
- Why me over another candidate?
- What can I offer in terms of my abilities and interests?
What to write in an apprenticeship personal statement?
The Why
The first thing you’ll need to tell an employer in your apprenticeship personal statement is why you want to work for them. Have you done your research? Are you familiar with the company and its values? Employers want candidates who know about the business and its products.
So the more you show this in your written statement, the better your chances of impressing them and getting an interview. Research the company website. Read through any press releases or social media posts for all their latest news. It pays to be prepared.
The What
Next thing an employer will want to know is what is it about the apprenticeship that appeals to you? If you’re applying for a nursing role, mention how much you love taking care of others and looking out for their needs.
You’ll find a list of all your responsibilities in the job description. Revise them carefully and express your interest in carrying out daily tasks.
What are your hobbies?
After you’ve got all the above down, it’s time to move on to your hobbies. Did you pass any music exams, captain the football team or head up the Film Club?? Got your Duke of Edinburgh award? Definitely include it. That’s an amazing achievement.
Transferable skills
Transferable skills are skills that you’ll have developed at school, socially or professionally. Skills that are helpful and relevant, and able to get you a job. Most people demonstrate their transferable skills when applying for a role or changing careers altogether.
Employers look for candidates who can show a good set of transferable skills in their application. Examples of these skills include:
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
If you haven’t got work experience, but developed transferable skills through hobbies or extracurricular activities, this is just as good as working a job. And it totally counts.
What are your qualities?
This one requires a bit of self awareness and analysis. Are you hard-working, driven and ambitious? Shy, but fiercely passionate about achieving your goals? Mention these qualities and back them up with specific examples.
If you’re unsure, ask a parent, friend or sibling for advice. While you’ll ultimately know yourself best, getting someone else’s opinion on you always adds a new perspective to the mix.
And gives you extra clarity.
Share any work experience
What about work or volunteering experience?
This could be directly related to your apprenticeship or transferable skills you’ve picked up from something else. Say you did some babysitting for two hours on a weekly basis. This shows commitment and responsibility – traits employers are always looking for.
So…Ready to go out there and smash your apprenticeship personal statement? We think so!
