What employers look for in apprentices

It's often difficult for school-leavers applying for apprenticeships as they may not have a wealth of work experience or previous jobs. While recruiters will certainly bear this in mind, there are other skills and personal characteristics you can highlight to wow them in your application and at the interview.

"We give many young people their first taste of work, so we understand that what they may lack in specific skills, they more than make up for in enthusiasm and an appetite to learn," says Jez Langhorn, senior vice president and chief people officer at McDonald's UK. "My advice would be not to worry about levels of experience and just let these qualities shine through."

The main thing employers are looking for in young people is a passion for their chosen industry, and their company. After all, they can train you in their systems, processes and knowledge specific to a role, but they can't give you genuine interest and enthusiasm or a willingness to work hard for them. These need to come from you.

Julie Taylor, National Careers Service adviser, says: "Employers are commonly looking for similar traits and characteristics in apprentices, regardless of the job role, including punctuality, reliability and having a real interest in the job, coupled with a willingness to learn."

Knowing and being able to explain exactly why you want the apprenticeship, apart from it being paid and a fantastic start to your career, is also key, so spend some time thinking about this. Researching the company and what the scheme will involve is just as important, as if you were applying for the second, third or fourth job of your career.

"For young people who haven't yet had a job, it's useful to know that many employers also value any voluntary work experience that a young person has had, particularly if it relates to that particular role or job sector – and it's even more highly regarded if this is something that the young person organised independently," says Julie Taylor.

When you're writing your application, it's worth going back to the job description, which will outline what the recruiter is looking for. Use this to pick the key things out, then refer to them in your application, showing how you have demonstrated those skills or qualities. Also think about what other skills you may have picked up at school, or elsewhere, that might benefit the employer. It may help to speak to someone who knows you well and ask them what you're good at.

"One area that many young people underestimate is their inherent digital expertise. Having grown up in the digital world, many tools and technologies are second nature to them. Now is the time to capitalise on these skills and show potential employers exactly how valuable they can be," says Ann Pickering, human resources director at O2.

When you're writing your applications, either online or as a paper CV and cover letter, you'll want to show how you have these key skills and qualities that recruiters are looking for.

Pickering says what impresses her the most is when she sees young people using technology to make a difference, whether it's through school, a community project or social activities with friends. "We believe there's never been a more exciting time to work in the mobile and telecoms industry, so if a candidate can show us how they're already making the most of their digital expertise it can really help them stand out," she says.

With competition so high, employers are also looking for the right sort of person to fit in with the team and company. If you visit the company's website you can normally find a section about their company values or people. And don't forget recruiters are using strengths-based interview questions more and more, especially for young people who don't have much experience.

"We look for people with the right attitude, the right qualities and the desire to fulfil their potential – people who can stand out from the crowd and deliver the high standards of quality and service expected in our restaurants. Our apprenticeship takes at least 12 months to complete, so apprentices need to be dedicated, eager to learn, and keen to combine hands on work with part-time study," says McDonald's Jez Langhorn.

Like any other job you might apply for, apprenticeship schemes use online applications, phone interviews, one-to-one and group interviews, as well as assessment centres. As scary as these may seem, it's important once you've done your preparation to try and be yourself.

"It's not just a one-way process. We want to make sure applicants know enough about O2 and our scheme to make an informed decision. That's why we invite them and their parents to an immersion session so we can bring the roles to life and show what it's like to work for us. We're looking for our apprentices to lead our business in the future, so it's important that they want to be there as much as we do," says Ann Pickering.

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