Are you considering an apprenticeship to learn a trade?

BCP Council advertise in July, and interview in August. New apprentices start in September.

Once the advert is live, it will be shared on BCP Homes Facebook page. You can follow the page and keep an eye out for the advert.

You can also search and apply for apprenticeships from other employers through the government website

Getting a Trade Apprenticeship

In order to obtain an apprenticeship, you will need to secure a college place with your Apprenticeship Training provider (locally Bournemouth and Poole College). You will also have to meet the minimum GCSE requirements for the relevant apprenticeship programme. If you haven’t got the results you need, contact Skills and Learning ACE – they might be able to help with a free course.

Bournemouth and Poole College can help you find an employer who take on apprentices.

Apprenticeships do not have an upper age limit and anyone over the age of 16 who is not in full time education can apply.

The majority of the applications we receive are from young people out of school with little to no work experience. This makes it very difficult for us to shortlist candidates to interview. Demand is high, and you will be competing with many other candidates who have similar CV’s.

We suggest that you:

• Use the personal statement to your advantage and explain why you want to learn this particular trade/profession, and why you are committed to it as your future career
• Try to gain any experience you can about the trade/profession. If you can, get a short work experience placement that can help you understand the job better. We offer school-based work experience placements, but these are limited
• Research the profession and think about which trade would suit your skills, and why
• Find out about the employer/company well and have a good idea about their business
• Think about how you will convince us to pick you over other candidates. The personal statement is your chance to present what you will offer BCP Council or any other organisation i.e., your personal qualities and transferable skills. We want to learn something about you, including your personal experiences, such as your interests, part time jobs, things you enjoy or have overcome. These can tell us some of the really good qualities you could bring to our workplace, so put them on your personal statement.

We understand that when you are looking for an apprenticeship you may apply for quite a few different positions. Make sure you do not make mistakes on your applications. Always take your time and tailor each application, carefully addressing the correct employer and correct vacancy.

Don’t make any assumptions about who should apply for trade apprenticeships, the important thing is that you have the skills and qualities that would make you good at the job and enjoy a trade as a career. If you are a practical problem solver who is skilled at balancing manual tasks with careful planning and have great people skills, then you could thrive in a trade.

We are always happy to offer advice or come in to schools or community organisations to talk about apprenticeships and careers in the trades. To find out more, call 0800 028 1870.