Our Apprenticeship CV Guide

Writing a CV for an apprenticeship can feel really intimidating, especially if it’s your first one. But even without experience, you can still write a great one. An apprenticeship CV is your passport to a new role, giving employers a snapshot of who you are, what you can do, and why you’re keen to learn.

Employers offering apprenticeships aren’t expecting long work histories. What they really want to see is enthusiasm, commitment, and potential. A clear and well-structured CV for an apprenticeship really helps show that you’re motivated and ready to take your first steps into the working world.

Keep reading for our complete guide to creating an apprenticeship CV that helps you stand out from the crowd, even without prior work experience.

What to include in an apprenticeship CV

A strong apprenticeship CV is simple, clear, and easy to read. You don’t need to overcomplicate it. The main sections we recommend you include are:

• Contact details

• A short personal statement

• Your key skills

• Education

• Any work experience you may have

Your layout matters too. A clean apprenticeship CV layout helps employers quickly find the information they’re looking for. You ideally want to keep it to one page where possible and use clear headings and bullet points. Using a CV template for apprenticeships can make this much easier and helps you avoid common formatting mistakes.

How to write your skills and interests

When you don’t have much work experience, your skills and interests become even more important. These don’t have to come from paid jobs either. Think about skills you’ve gained at school or college, through group work, sports teams, clubs, or hobbies.

For example, teamwork can come from playing sports, communication skills from presentations, and organisation from managing coursework or revision schedules. Interests are also worth including, especially if they relate to the apprenticeship you’re applying for. This helps employers see your personality and genuine interest in the role.

An apprenticeship CV template often includes a dedicated skills section, making it easier to present this information clearly.

Example personal statements for your apprenticeship CV

Your personal statement sits at the top of your CV and is often the first thing an employer reads. This needs to be kept short, positive, and focused on your motivation.

A good apprenticeship CV example personal statement explains who you are, why you’re interested in the apprenticeship, and what you hope to learn.

For example, an engineering apprenticeship CV example might focus on problem-solving, maths skills, and an interest in how things work. Other CV for apprenticeship examples may focus more on communication, reliability, or customer service, depending on the industry.

Tips for applicants with no experience

If you have no formal work experience, you don’t need to panic. Many apprenticeship applicants are in the same position. You simply need to focus on what you can offer rather than what you lack. This is where you let your strengths shine. 

For example, you can include:

• School or college achievements

• Work experience placements

• Volunteering

• Helping out at events or in your community

These all count as experience and can be included in your apprenticeship CV. Showing a positive attitude and willingness to learn is often more important than previous job roles. 

Let Scriberly help with your apprenticeship CV

Your apprenticeship CV doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be honest, clear, and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Using a well-structured apprenticeship CV template can help you present your skills and interests with confidence and give you the best possible start on your apprenticeship journey.

If you’re not sure how to present yourself for an apprenticeship role, Scriberly can help. With our free-to-download CV templates, you can structure your apprenticeship CV clearly, choose the right wording, and make a strong first impression. Browse our range of CV templates today.