Apprenticeships - How do I apply?
In order to become an apprentice you need a job. Don't worry - SETA can help with that! We work with over 200 local companies - small, large and international - who regularly recruit and train apprentices in engineering.
You must have achieved - or be predicted to achieve - GCSE grades 5/C or above for English (either literature or language), maths and a science subject. Lots of employers also like you to have a couple of other GCSEs as well at grade 4/C GCSEs, or equivalent qualifications, but not in all cases. Under the current grading structure for English and Maths, a minimum of a grade 4 is usually required, but due to the maths content in the BTEC, SETA would recommend a Grade 5. However, this would depend on the specific requirements of individual employers and the job role.
Didn't quite get the English & Maths grades? Contact our Recruitment Team as they will be able to offer advice and guidance.
Apprenticeship vacancies
Take a look at apprenticeships current vacancies section of our website to show you which apprenticeships SETA is recruiting for on behalf of employers. SETA is working with these employers to support them with their recruitment of their apprentices.
By clicking the link for each advert this will take you through to the National Find An Apprenticeship website which will show the exact requirements for each role and details about the employer and the job, as remember each apprenticeship is an actual job with a company. You will need to follow the instructions on how to create an account and to apply for each apprenticeship.
Some companies do their own recruitment, so the link on the SETA webpage will take you through to the appropriate external website. This may be the employers own website, but more than likely the apprenticeships will be advertised on the national Find An Apprenticeship Website. So there may be other opportunities that you would like to apply for. There are about 28,000 apprenticeships of all disciplines advertised annually through the government website - so there's a lot to choose from!
What will happen once I have applied?
All applications are considered by the employer that is looking to recruit an apprentice. A shortlisting process takes place initially to make sure that candidates applying have got the minimum grades required for the role.
Apprenticeship vacancies generally follow this process:
~ Advert closes and all applications are reviewed
~ Initial shortlisting - Does the applicant have the necessary grades?
~ If yes, then invited to attend SETA for aptitude testing
~ Further shortlisting of applicants based on aptitude results, and details on application form
~ Employer will then conduct an interview with those shortlisted
~ Decision made and successful applicant(s) contacted
After having had an interview and an aptitude test you will be contacted to say whether or not you have been successful in getting the job.
What is an aptitude test?
An aptitude test is a way for employers to assess a candidate’s abilities through a variety of different testing formats. Aptitude tests will test your ability to perform tasks and react to situations at work. This includes problem-solving, prioritisation and numerical skills, amongst other things. The psychometric tests are multiple-choice and there is only ever one correct answer, your score is then marked and your level is compared against other candidates who have taken the same test as you.
What else would employers look for?
Your application form is your opportunity to 'market' yourself. Employers will look at all the other details that have been put on the application, so remember to put down as much information that is relevant to the job, including any hobbies or work experience! You need to make your application stand out - but make sure that you are truthful!
Will I have to do an interview?
Apprenticeships are very competitive. If you are lucky enough to have reached this stage of shortlisting you will be contacted and invited for an interview. This will be carried out with the employer, and possibly in some circumstances SETA if the employer wishes.
When do apprenticeship start?
Engineering apprenticeships generally tend to start in September each year. If you are successful then the you will start your off the job workshop training at SETA.
Lots of companies start the recruitment process in January for the following September, so the earlier you start looking around at vacancies the better, as this will improve your chances of success.
Contact our Apprenticeship Team
If you have any questions about becoming an engineering apprentice or about any of the specific roles advertised with SETA then please give our friendly Apprenticeship Team a call on on 023 8077 1908 or e-mail recruitment@seta-training.co.uk .
