How to Write the Perfect Degree Apprenticeship CV 

As part of your application to a degree apprenticeship scheme, a CV may be required. CVs are often requested at an early stage of the process, along with a cover letter and online application form. For students, it’s essential to prepare your CV ahead of time, which will help you with organisation and ensure you feel confident when beginning your applications.

But don’t leave it to chance – your CV determines whether you make the “yes” or “no” pile. Work with our expert Consultancy Tutors. They’re specialists in helping students like you propel their career to new heights. At The Profs, our tutors know exactly what a great apprenticeship CV looks like and will guide you step-by-step to create a CV that gets noticed.

For many school leavers, this might be the first time you’ve drafted a CV. Read on to discover what should be included, and scroll down for a sample template for inspiration.

Contents 

• What is a degree apprenticeship CV?
• When will I need to write a CV for a degree apprenticeship?
• How will the CV be used in the recruitment process?
• How should I write an apprenticeship CV?
• What skills and experiences are most important?
• Other tips for designing a CV for an apprenticeship
• Exemplar CV template
• Apprenticeship CV example
• How can we help you write a great CV?
• FAQs on degree apprenticeship CVs

What is a degree apprenticeship CV? 

A degree apprenticeship CV is a document – typically 1-2 pages – that lists your educational history, experience and skills. It will also contain essential information about you as an applicant, such as contact details, location, and full name. CV stands for curriculum vitae, which translates from Latin as ‘course of life’ – essentially, a document that summarises your qualities and achievements.

When will I need to write a CV for a degree apprenticeship?

Whether you’ll be required to submit a CV will depend on the firms to which you make an application. Not every firm will require a CV, and some may require you to submit the same type of information and data through an online form, instead of using a CV upload feature. However, many firms will require a CV, along with a cover letter. You’ll be able to see what each firm requires from applicants as you begin the application process, and some firms also include this information on their website.

It’s also important to remember that even if you don’t use your CV as part of the direct recruitment process, you’ll still be required to draw on the information contained in the CV as part of your application. In other words, the process of putting together your CV will be a helpful exercise, whether or not you use your CV in your selected applications. You’re also likely to require a CV template at other points in your career, so it can help to put one together at this stage.

How will the CV be used in the recruitment process?

Although every firm may take a different approach to recruitment, a CV is typically used to provide a summary of a candidate’s background, education, experience and achievements. CVs might be used to brief an interviewer on a candidate before meeting them in person, or to give a recruitment team member an overall sense of a candidate. It can also help a recruitment team to distinguish between candidates and what each individual can offer, especially where the volume of applications for a particular position is high.

If you’re second-guessing your CV, recruiters will too. Work with our Consultancy Tutors to create a CV you can be proud to submit. Whether you’re applying for a teacher or software degree apprenticeship, we can match you with an expert who knows your chosen field inside out.

How should I write an apprenticeship CV?

Although each CV could differ based on personal preference, the key is to make it clear and focused. Include everything that shows relevant experience to help your potential employer quickly see why you’re a great fit for the apprenticeship. The main components to include are:

Name

Your full name (the same as used elsewhere in your application). Make sure this is large enough to be eye-catching, and ensure you use the same spelling throughout all aspects of your application.

Personal information

Contact details, including your address, phone number and email address.

Headline & personal statement (optional)

Some people choose to include a headline statement about who you are, and what you’re seeking to do with your career. You might also include keywords (as you would with a LinkedIn headline) or particular qualities you’d like to mention. However, this section is optional, and many people choose to go straight into the education section.

Education Section & Qualifications

Your GCSE and A-Level results, starting with the most recent (and including predictions, where relevant). You might also highlight academic achievements if they are particularly relevant (for example, academic awards or prizes). Make sure to specifically name the GCSEs or A-Levels that are required for the particular degree apprenticeship to which you’re applying (check the degree apprenticeship application pages to be sure of the requirements). Some Level 6 apprenticeships will ask for at least five GCSEs at 9-4, including English and Mathematics.  

Work Experience

Work history and other relevant internships, placements or employment (normally not including voluntary work, which typically would be included within your interests unless it has direct relevance to the position of a degree apprentice). Make sure to include the dates of the placement (list them in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent first), and include the name of the organisation, the role you had, and the dates. You should also include a few bullet points summarising the responsibilities held and the skills gained – all with a focus on the responsibilities and transferable skills to the degree apprenticeship pathway.

Skills

Specific skills, training, and abilities that are relevant to the apprenticeship. This might include, for example, things that showcase your organisation or time management skills, or your ability to work in a team or manage others. Again, make sure you match your skills examples to the skills listed as most important on the degree apprenticeship application page, and give clear, tangible examples of achievement. The recruiter is looking for someone with the ability to thrive in the apprenticeship role.

Achievements

Achievements not already mentioned in the skills section (for example, awards, qualifications, positions of responsibility or other certifications).

Interests

Any other interests or passions you’d like to mention that are not already mentioned above (for example, volunteering work, sports, music, arts, etc.). Even though this section is usually brief, it’s a great place to highlight qualities like dedication, persistence, or commitment. Choose an extracurricular activity or two that subtly reflects your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship.

References

Most CVs will end with the phrase: ‘References on request’. Although not usually essential for the degree apprenticeship application (since your references will be requested separately, if required), it is still customary to conclude your CV with this phrase. Remember to pick references that can provide evidence of your enthusiasm and ability.

Contact details (and/or at the top)

If you haven’t already included your contact details at the top, ensure they appear at the end of your CV.

Did you know that 80% of CVs don’t make it past the initial screening? Missing keywords, poor CV structure, and a lack of experience related to the apprenticeship automatically disqualifies you. In such a competitive landscape, you simply can’t afford to be overlooked.

Our Consultancy Tutors know exactly what employers are looking for and will work with you to create a CV that grabs attention from the very first glance. With their expertise in CV writing, you’ll avoid common mistakes and sell yourself as the perfect candidate. Don’t let small errors cost you an opportunity of a lifetime.

What skills and experiences are most important?

The best way to know which skills and experiences to emphasise is by checking the graduate recruitment pages for the degree apprenticeship scheme you’re applying for. On these pages, you’ll typically find details such as key skills and abilities the firm is interested in, as well as the firm’s areas of expertise, and the firm’s values.

Once you have a list of the most important qualities the firm seeks in its degree apprentices, you can emphasise these experiences and skills on your CV (and elsewhere in your application materials or at interview). You can apply the same technique to the firm’s areas of specialism or values – for example, emphasising particular experiences that align with the firm’s areas of interest, or showcasing skills that align with the firm’s values.

Other tips for designing a CV for an apprenticeship

Tailoring your CV profile & work experience

Although your cover letter will be the main way you can demonstrate a personalised understanding of the firm, it might be possible to tailor your CV slightly to match each application. This level of attention to detail – observing the firm’s values and areas of specialism, and tailoring your application to reflect your own interest in these areas – is often the factor that helps you stand out from other applicants.

To tailor your CV, refer back to your firm research – what is this firm’s specialism, or area(s) of expertise? Refer also to the firm’s apprenticeship homepage or application portal – are there any particular skills the firm is emphasising as essential for its apprenticeship scheme, or anything highlighted as the key aspects of the role?

Once you have this information, consider some ways you can showcase these skills or areas of interest on your CV. For example, try the following:

• Tailoring your description of experiences or work placements to emphasise particular areas of interest or skills developed

• Prioritising discussion of relevant abilities within your skills section

• Emphasising relevant achievements or particular interests that relate to the role or firm’s area of specialism

• Including firm-related initiatives, where possible (such as webinars or lectures attended, articles read, or open days or outreach events participated in)
• Including your career aspirations (relevant to the specific apprenticeship you’re applying to)

You have just 6–8 seconds to capture a recruiter’s attention with your CV. Make every second count.

Not sure how to tailor your CV? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Consultancy Tutors are here to help you craft a personalised, standout application.

Graphic design and style

There are countless CV designs available, many of which offer creative, aesthetically-engaging options. However, remember that the core purpose of the CV is to present information in a clear, concise, accurate manner, and a simple design is often the best way to express this.

It’s also important to remember that legal documents, in particular, are often drafted with precision and structure in mind. So, in order to showcase legal-style drafting skills, it might be better to adopt a more traditional design, incorporating attention to detail and correct form, rather than using a more experimental or creative format.

CV format, spelling and grammar

It can seem unfair, but it’s often the case that a CV with grammatical or typographical errors – even if the content is high quality and impressive – can be easily disregarded. Errors can indicate a lack of care and attention to detail, or (even more relevant for a future lawyer) an inability to proofread or spot errors. The editing process, therefore, is essential.

 To edit well, finish your final draft, and take some time away from it – try reading or working on something else. Return to your draft after a day or so, and review it again, scanning for errors. You can also try reading the draft in a different format (for example, printing it off to read on paper), sending it to a friend or family member to proof-read, or using an online proofreading tool (although be careful not to rely only on this, and remember you should always be actively checking your draft as well as using any online correction tools).

Checking and updating your CV

As you move through your final years of education, your CV is likely to undergo several important changes. The education section will be updated with final grades or new predictions, you’ll often have more relevant work experience or new internship achievements, and your skillset will be developing as you work on your supercurricular or extracurricular achievements.

If you want to strengthen your education section, the right tutor can make all the difference. Our A-Level Tutors have helped 60% of students achieve an A or A* (that’s over 3x times the national average) and they’re ready to help you do the same.

It’s important to keep your CV updated during this time, and check each occasion you apply for an apprenticeship that you’re using the latest version. In order to keep your CV updated, try keeping a local version on your desktop, adding edits and updates to it as you go. Each time you submit a new application, make a new version of the CV, titling your personal file name with the name of the application or firm.

Exemplar CV template: A step-by-step guide

This CV template is specifically designed for students applying for degree apprenticeships. It ensures you highlight the qualifications, work experience, transferable skills, and career aspirations most relevant to the apprenticeship programme.