How to make your apprenticeship application stand out

Apprenticeships with AtkinsRéalis offer fantastic opportunities for you to kickstart your career. Our purpose is to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. We drive innovation that enhances the lives of communities and the environment, and our apprenticeships offer you the chance to work on projects that do just that.

If you’ve been considering an apprenticeship, it’s only natural that you’d be thinking about how to make your application stand out. Crafting a strong application is crucial; it showcases your skills, enthusiasm, and passion to your future employer, and it is good practice in your early career to present yourself professionally and focus on your communication skills.

We’ll break down some practical advice you can factor into your apprenticeship application.

Research is key before you start planning your application

A well-researched and planned application makes all the difference, will stand out, and will give you the best chance of success. 

Our advice is to start any apprenticeship application by thoroughly researching the company, its values, and its apprenticeship programmes. That way, you can better match your interests and goals with what the employer is looking for.

If you haven’t made a rough career plan, it could be a good time to start drafting one out - it doesn’t have to be something rigid or that you have to solidly stick to, but having an idea will help you see how the apprenticeship you choose can fit in line with this. Always take time for self-reflection so your strengths and enthusiasm can really shine through.

Finally, ensure you tailor your application. Some employers look for CVs and cover letters too, so for these, make sure you understand best practice. At AtkinsRéalis, it’s worth noting that we don’t require CVs or cover letters with your application. 

Double-check that you’re aware of what’s expected in the application process

During your research process, you’ll want to check on the application process for the companies you’re interested in. Check on their careers site, corporate site, or LinkedIn to see if you can find any tips or things to factor into your planning.

Our advice is:

• Use relevant keywords from the job description to demonstrate you understand the requirements and can apply this to your experiences
• Use numbers and data to demonstrate any accomplishments in your education or hobbies
• Focus on your transferable skills and your interest and passion for the scheme you’re applying for
• Take your time with your application, and don’t rush it!
• Check, check, and check again - proofreading a few times goes a long way in making sure there are no errors and that you haven’t missed anything important
• Make sure to brush up on the next step after applying too. At AtkinsRéalis, if you’re successful at the application stage, the next stage is an online immersive assessment. You can read our Immersive Assessment guide for more information about the process.

The AtkinsRéalis apprenticeship application process

Our selection process is designed to offer you the opportunity to showcase your talents and really shine. We’ve expanded on the steps, so you know what to expect:

1. Firstly, you need to choose which level of apprenticeship suits you best, We offer Advanced Level 3, Higher Level 4 or Level 5, Degree Level 6, and Degree Level 7. 
2. Next, you need to pick which scheme interests you. You should also check which locations suit you and which schemes are available in each - at AtkinsRéalis, the apprenticeships we offer differ by location. 
3. Next, you need to start your application! Over on our selection process page, we’ve got some handy videos to explain each step in more detail.
4. After that, you’ll take our online immersive assessment. This takes a ‘day in the life’ approach with blended assessments that give you a feel for what it might be like working for us. 
5. You’ll then reach the virtual interview stage of your application. Here, you can spend time with the business and learn more about the role and the team! We get to find out more about you here, too.
6. If you’re successful, you’ll receive your offer outlining the details of the college or university that will support you throughout your apprenticeship. 

FAQs

When do apprenticeship applications open?

Our apprenticeships typically open for applications in the Autumn, with a start date the following Autumn. 

Applications close when we have received a sufficient number of applicants. However, final closing dates for some apprenticeships stay open until the following Spring. It’s worth noting that many apprenticeships are very popular and close early, so we always advise getting your application in as soon as possible!

You can check which ones we’re currently hiring for on our jobs page. 

Is it a good idea to do an apprenticeship?

We think so! But why just take our word for it when you can read some of our apprenticeship stories below:

1. James, Oscar, and Tash on our ADS&T Apprenticeship
2. Akram, a Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
3. Charley, an Apprentice Architect
4. Emily Hoyes, a Building Surveyor at AtkinsRéalis

Are you ready to take the next step?

We’re searching for curious minds who ask questions and dare to do things differently. If that sounds like you, then we’d love to hear from you!

Browse our apprenticeship FAQs or apply today and put our apprenticeship application advice to good use.