If you are successful in applying for an apprenticeship, you will have to attend a formal interview process, much like when applying for a job. This page will help you to understand different types of interviews for apprenticeships and link you to a useful tool to help you practice your interview skills.

When you get an offer of an interview you will be told what type of interview it will be, or if you aren’t you can ask.  

This page will help you to understand what it is and what may be included. Some interviews may also be done virtually as well as face to face.

So you have got the interview and you know what type of interview you will be taking part in.  This means it’s time for interview preparation which you need to do before you even get to the interview.  Preparation will help you to feel calm & focused. 

o   Research the company! There is a good chance you will be asked what you know about them, or if not you can impress the interviewer by linking your answers to the company. You want to look at the company’s values, what social reasonability projects do they do? I.e., do they take part in charity days, help the local community etc. Are they working on a large project? What is the company’s vision?

o   Check the location of the interview, plan on how you will get there, how long it will take you and what time you need to leave. It is always good to leave early and give yourself plenty of time!

o   Prepare what you are going to wear before the day.  This means you can check that your clothes are clean and appropriate for the interview.  It also helps you not have to spend time thinking about it that day.

o   Get a good night’s sleep.  This will help you to feel more energised and focused which will help you to think about what you are being asked and communicate clearly.

o   The interview starts as soon as you get to the premises.  Think about your body language and be polite to people you meet as the interviewer may as for feedback.

o   Remember to practice your interview techniques!

You won’t know what you are going to be asked beforehand, but practicing your interview technique can help you to remember how to give relevant information. 

• Take a short pause before answering the question, so you can replay the question in your head and have some time to think of your answer.

• If during the interview you are unsure what the employer is asking, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat the question for you or explain it. It is better to give your answer fully than to try and bluff your way through. 

• If you have not had the experience before, you can say that so -  but do not give a one word answer.  Instead tell them how you think you may do something or complete that task. This shows the interviewer that you are willing to learn.

• Make sure you have a question for the interviewer. By having a question for the employer it shows you are interested in the role and the company. You wouldn’t usually ask about pay or holidays at this stage so a question around training or possible progression would be good. 

For further information on interview advice, check out our Interview Prep page.

If activities and exercises are part of your apprenticeship interview, such as in a group interview or at an assessment centre, it is important to consider what qualities will highlight yourself as a potentially successful candidate. The employers will be observing how you demonstrate a number of skills, which makes this a great opportunity to stand out and be memorable.

• Actively participate in the activities. Show a genuine interest, as your success depends on your involvement and engagement!

• Speak with confidence, but ensure that everyone gets a chance to speak. It is more important to demonstrate your teamworking skills than to be domineering in conversation. 

• Showing the right attitude is key! Be positive, and demonstrate a can-do mindset, whilst treating the other candidates like future team mates. 

• Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet, whether it be the other candidates or the employer. Show genuine interest, and make small talk where appropriate.

As part of the apprenticeship interview process, a skill scan may be required. This is a self-evaluation focusing on your current skill set, allowing yourself and the employer to identify areas for development. It is important that you answer honestly, as this will help enable your apprenticeship to be tailored to your own individual needs.

The skills scan will be broken down into categories. These are:

• Knowledge

• Skills

• Behaviours

Often referred to as KSB.

Recognition of Prior Learning