What are the advantages of completing an apprenticeship?
Completing an apprenticeship has many advantages. You receive a qualification that is fully funded by your employer, so you don’t need to worry about how to fund your training. Apprentices also gain hands-on practical work experience, allowing you to network with professionals and learn more about the industry. You’ll also receive a salary for your work, which will increase as you progress. In addition to this, apprentices receive a number of financial benefits, such as student discounts and a reduction on council tax.
How competitive are physics apprenticeships?
Degree Apprenticeships are some of the most competitive apprenticeship programmes. Just 5.8% of apprenticeships in 2018/19 were Degree Apprenticeships, meaning there are only 23,000 Degree Apprenticeships available. Although this may sound like a lot, the amount of students who started their first degree in the same year was over 516,000.
The lower number of apprenticeships available means you really need to make sure that your application stands out. Furthermore, the number of physics apprenticeships is likely far lower, and the exciting nature of the field means that physics apprenticeships are rather competitive.
What’s the application process for a physics apprenticeship?
The process differs between companies and industries. Many companies, especially some of the more high profile ones, ask candidates to complete a multi-stage application process. There’s typically an online application, with questions about your education history, your interest in the role, and a psychometric test.
The second stage involves a video interview, where you’ll be asked questions and will have to record your answer. Then, there’s typically an assessment centre, involving an interview and both group and solo exercises. Only some candidates will make it through to the next rounds, depending on their answers.
In smaller companies, the process is often a lot shorter. You’ll typically apply online (with your CV and cover letter) and may be shortlisted for an interview.
How do I boost my chances of success with the application process?
Firstly, make sure you can demonstrate your passion for physics. For example, talk about a book or news article you read that piqued your interest in the subject. You could even conduct a physics experiment at home and talk about the results in your interview. This will show you’re interested in the subject even in your free time.
Remember to talk about some of the transferable skills you have, and how you can apply them to the apprenticeship. Even if you don’t think your experience is related to physics, a number of opportunities provide transferable skills. For example, a part-time babysitting job shows your ability to multitask, communicate effectively and solve problems.
In addition to this, make sure you research the company you’re applying for in depth. While this can be time consuming, it’s shows you’re genuinely interested in an apprenticeship with them and you’re not just blindly applying for opportunities. Try and understand what makes the company stand out from the crowd; this will show you’ve done your research.