How to Write a Great CV for an Apprenticeship (Even If You’ve Never Had a Job)
Let’s be honest, writing a CV can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’ve never done one before or you’re worried you don’t have much experience yet. But here’s the good news: apprenticeships are designed for people who are still learning, and employers don’t expect you to have loads of experience. What they do want to see is potential, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
In this blog, we’ll break down what to include in your CV, how to structure it, and how to make it stand out - even if you’re just starting out.
What Is a CV?
A CV (short for curriculum vitae) is a document that summarises who you are, what you’ve done so far, and why you’re a good fit for a particular opportunity. It gives the employer a snapshot of your skills, achievements, and personality — before they even meet you.
For apprenticeships, your CV doesn’t need to be long or full of work history. It just needs to show that you’re ready to learn and keen to get started in the industry.
What to Include in Your CV
Here’s a simple structure to follow:
1. Contact Details
Right at the top:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address (avoid anything like [email protected])
- Location (you don’t need your full address, just the town/city is fine)
- LinkedIn profile (if you have one)
2. Personal Profile (or Personal Statement)
This is a short paragraph (3–4 lines) that introduces who you are, what you’re looking for, and why. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
Example:
“A motivated and reliable school leaver with a keen interest in business administration. I’m now looking for an apprenticeship where I can build practical skills, gain experience, and contribute to a professional environment. Known for being organised, a strong communicator, and eager to learn.”
Top tip: Keep it focused on the future – what you want to do and why you’re excited about the opportunity.
3. Education
List your most recent education first. Include:
- Name of school/college
- Dates attended
- Subjects and predicted/achieved grades (especially English and Maths)
If you’ve done anything extra like coursework projects, EPQs, or prefect roles, feel free to mention those too.
4. Skills
Create a list or short paragraph of key skills that match the apprenticeship you’re applying for. You don’t need to overdo it — just choose 4–6 that are relevant.
Examples:
- Good time management
- Confident communicator
- Attention to detail
- IT skills (Word, Excel, email, etc.)
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
You can back these up in your work experience or hobbies section later.
5. Experience (If You Have Any)
This can include:
- Part-time jobs (shops, cafes, babysitting)
- Volunteering
- Work experience placements
- School or college projects
For each role or experience, include:
- Job title or what you did
- Name of the organisation (if applicable)
- Dates (month and year)
- 2–3 bullet points about what you learned or achieved
Example:
Customer Assistant – Smiths Newsagents
June 2023 – August 2023
- Served customers and handled cash and card payments
- Restocked shelves and kept the shop tidy
- Developed confidence and communication skills
No experience? No problem. You can still include school projects, clubs, or roles like:
- Team captain
- School council member
- Volunteering at a charity event
6. Hobbies and Interests
This is your chance to show your personality and passions outside of school or work. Keep it relevant if you can.
Examples:
- “I enjoy creative writing and have written several short stories.”
- “I’m part of a local football team and enjoy working with others to achieve goals.”
- “I run a small TikTok account sharing photography tips, building editing and communication skills.”
7. References
You don’t need to list these straight away. Just end your CV with:
References available on request
Most employers won’t ask until later in the process.
CV Top Tips
✅ Keep it to 1 page if you’re new to the workplace – two pages max
✅ Tailor your CV to the apprenticeship – use the job description as a guide
✅ Use clear, professional language – no slang or emojis
✅ Stick to a simple layout – black text, clean font (like Arial or Calibri), and no bright colours or images
✅ Proofread it – check for spelling mistakes, and ask someone else to look it over if you can
Writing your first CV can feel like a big task, but really, it’s just about showing who you are and what you could bring to the table. You don’t need loads of experience – just the drive to learn and grow.
And remember, everyone starts somewhere. Your CV is just the first step on your apprenticeship journey.
Need help getting your CV ready?
The team at IPS International is here to support you – whether you want a CV check, advice on what to include, or help finding the right apprenticeship.
Email us at [email protected] or explore current vacancies at ips-international.com