Resources & Guides

📊 What’s Happening in Early Careers Right Now?

Early-careers hiring has changed significantly in the last two years:

• More apprenticeships, fewer graduate roles — Many employers are expanding apprenticeship pipelines due to talent shortages and an increased focus on skills-based hiring.

• Applications open earlier — Big employers now open their apprenticeship recruitment windows between January–March, with some closing as early as April.

• Competition has increased — More students are choosing apprenticeships due to rising university costs and a desire to start earning sooner.

• “Experience” now includes virtual workshops — Employers increasingly recognise online work-experience sessions, insight days and accredited online workshops as valid experience.

All of this means: ✅ Yes, now is a great time to apply — if you’re prepared.

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🗓️ Year 12 vs Year 13 — When Should You Apply?

If you’re in Year 12:

You are in the research and preparation phase.

This is the year where you should be:

• Exploring industries you’re interested in

• Attending insight days, webinars and workshops

• Building your CV and starting your portfolio of achievements

• Saving application dates for apprenticeships that open early next year

You should also be browsing live roles on the Young Professionals job board at:
👉 https://apprenticeships.co.uk

Even if you’re not applying yet, reviewing real job descriptions helps you understand what skills employers want.

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If you’re in Year 13:

This is your application year.

If you want to begin a professional apprenticeship next September, you should be applying right now. Many schemes open from January and close by spring. Some employers recruit on a rolling basis — meaning they fill roles as candidates come in — so early applications are always stronger.

Browse currently hiring roles here:
👉 https://apprenticeships.co.uk/jobs

You can also create a profile so employers can find you directly.

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✅ Your Apprenticeship Prep Checklist (Do This Before the End of the Year)

Here is a practical list of actions you should complete to stay ahead:

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✅ 1. Research industries and job types

Pick 2–3 areas you’re genuinely interested in:

• Law

• Finance and Accounting

• Business

• Tech and Digital

• Engineering

Search to find real examples:
👉 https://apprenticeships.co.uk/jobs

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✅ 2. Track application windows

Create a simple spreadsheet with:

• Employer name

• Type of apprenticeship

• Opening and closing dates

• Requirements

• Assessment dates

• Notes

This avoids last-minute stress and helps you manage multiple applications.

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✅ 3. Improve your CV and personal statement

Highlight the following:

• Academic strengths

• Work/volunteering experience

• Skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, commercial awareness)

• Interests related to the industry you want to work in

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✅ 4. Gain relevant experience (even virtually)

If you’re interested in Law, for example, take part in the Browne Jacobson online WEX workshop — you receive a certificate instantly and gain practical insight into the legal profession:
👉 https://brownejacobson.employabilityhub.com/workshops

Certificates like these can massively strengthen your CV and demonstrate initiative.

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✅ 5. Practise assessments and interviews

Most apprenticeship employers use:

• Online tests

• Video interviews

• Group tasks

• Assessment centres

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✅ 6. Apply to multiple roles

Apprenticeships are competitive — don’t rely on just one choice. Apply across different levels:

• Level 3 (Advanced)

• Level 4 (Higher)

• Degree Apprenticeships

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✅ 7. Stay consistent

Success comes from applying consistently — and learning from every application. Reflect after each stage and keep improving.

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🌟 Bonus Tip — Attend Insight Events & Employer Webinars

More employers now run online events that count as experience. These are usually free and provide:

• A certificate

• Direct employer insight

• Networking opportunities

• Understanding of industry expectations

We promote new employer events on apprenticeships.co.uk under the Events section:
👉 Career Events & Webinars | UK Student & Employer Events

Make it a habit to check once a week.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Now is the best time to take action. Whether you’re in Year 12 preparing, or Year 13 actively applying, staying organised and consistent will set you apart from thousands of other students.

I’ve worked with thousands of young people and hundreds of employers, and the ones who succeed are the ones who start early, stay consistent, and take advantage of every opportunity. Good Luck!