National Apprenticeship Week: Top tips from employers on how to stand out

If you’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship, you might be wondering what employers are really looking for, especially if you don’t have loads of work experience.

To help, three of our employer partners in the finance and insurance sector have shared their top tips for National Apprenticeship Week.

Show genuine interest (not just a generic application)

Markerstudy shared that what really makes an applicant stand out is enthusiasm and effort. You don’t need a long CV but, you do need to show you’ve thought about why you want the role.

A strong candidate is someone who can explain what interests them about the apprenticeship, what they want to learn, and why they’ve chosen that company. Being yourself and showing what makes you unique can make a huge difference.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure it’s “for you”

If you’re unsure whether a finance, banking or insurance apprenticeship would suit you, Markerstudy’s advice is simple: think about what you enjoy.

If you like problem-solving, helping people, or learning how businesses work, you could be a great fit. Apprenticeships are designed for people who want to learn on the job. You don’t need to have your whole future planned out before you apply.

Use your transferable skills (they matter more than you think)

Leonard Curtis emphasised that most young people won’t have much formal work experience and that’s completely normal.

Instead, focus on transferable skills you’ve gained through school, hobbies, sports, volunteering or part-time jobs. Skills like communication, teamwork, organisation and resilience are exactly what employers want to see.

Shawbrook also highlighted the importance of tailoring your CV. Rather than sending the same version everywhere, make sure you link your strengths to what the apprenticeship role requires.

Prepare properly for interviews and assessment centres

Many apprenticeship programmes include telephone screenings, interviews, group activities, and presentations.

Leonard Curtis recommends practising common competency questions and preparing examples of times you’ve shown initiative or solved a problem. Markerstudy advises that employers are interested in more than the answers you give, they want to understand how you think.

Shawbrook added that assessment centres can be competitive, with 8–10 candidates going for one role, so preparation is key. The best advice? Stay calm, be confident, and be yourself.

The attitude that helps apprentices succeed

All three of our partners agreed that mindset matters. The apprentices who succeed early on are organised, communicate well, ask questions, and aren’t afraid to ask for help.

Markerstudy explained that mistakes are expected — what matters is showing you’re willing to learn and improve.

Final tip: apply, explore, and go for it

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, don’t limit yourself to just one. Shawbrook recommend applying for multiple opportunities, building your confidence, and using each experience to improve.

With the right preparation and attitude, an apprenticeship can help you gain qualifications, real experience, and long-term skills that employers value in every industry.