How To Write A Standout Cover Letter For An Apprenticeship

If you're ready to get started in a new career, apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain practical experience on the job.

They can also be quite competitive.

To give your application the best chance of success, you'll need to write a strong cover letter that outlines why you'd be a great fit for the position. Follow these tips to impress employers and give yourself the best chance of getting the job.

Get straight to the point

Begin your cover letter with a clear introductory statement that specifies who you are and why you're applying for the apprenticeship.

'I'm writing to apply for the Digital Marketer Apprenticeship at NewTek Solutions as advertised on Reed. As an avid writer eager to pursue a career in social media and content marketing, I believe I'd be an excellent fit for this opportunity.'

Simple, straightforward writing will make your cover letter more engaging because the employer can immediately understand why you're writing to them.

A strong apprenticeship cover letter introduction should include the following:

• Apprenticeship title

• Name of the employer

• A reason for applying

Don't worry about going into too much detail, as you'll use the following paragraphs to give context to your cover letter introduction. Simply use your first couple of lines to outline your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and make a strong first impression on the employer.

Set out your career goals

The purpose of an apprenticeship is to prepare you for work in a specific field. Naturally then, the employer will want to know why you're pursuing that specific career path.

Clearly defined goals are a promising sign you've put thought into the application and will put in the effort if given the position.

'A former Youth Ranger with A Levels in Biology, Geography, and Environmental Science, I'm eager to start a career that'll allow me to contribute to the conservation of British parks and green spaces. When I heard about this Horticulture Apprentice opportunity, I knew it was a perfect fit.'

Tying your career goals to any previous qualifications, skills, or experiences that you have is a great way to create a strong career arc.

If you don't have relevant skills or experience, focus on what appeals to you about the field you want to work in. Specify any areas of work that you find particularly interesting or that seem relevant next steps in your career development to clearly set out why you want to take the apprenticeship:

'My goal is to pursue a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Ultimately, I hope to put the practical skills and knowledge acquired through this programme towards a registered nursing degree apprenticeship.' 

Outline what you can bring to the role

As this is an apprenticeship, employers won't expect you to have much in the way of technical skills.

However, any transferable skills you've developed through part-time jobs, personal projects, or your education can really help your cover letter stand out.

Illustrated with specific examples, traits such as time management, organisation, critical thinking, and communication are strong examples of your ability to learn quickly on the job and contribute meaningfully to the team.

'Working as a retail assistant at one of Zara's busiest Manchester locations has taught me excellent organisational skills. Learning to prioritise tasks during peak hours while maintaining a helpful and positive demeanour for customers and colleagues was a valuable lesson in working under pressure that I'm grateful I can carry forward into this Sales Apprenticeship.'

By spotlighting talents applicable to the apprenticeship, you demonstrate you're a quick study primed to succeed in the role.

Make sure everything looks clean and professional

What you write in your cover letter will always matter most. But even the most compelling arguments can be undermined by sloppy spelling and poor formatting.

Comb through your final draft for any silly mistakes that could make your cover letter look rushed and messy. Tools like Grammarly and Hemmingway Editor will help you catch some of the worst offenders, but also be sure to read your letter manually before hitting send. Ask a friend or family member to proofread it if you're uncertain.

Thankfully, making your cover letter look professional and well-formatted is an easy box to tick.

Paste your draft into a clean, minimal cover letter template to ensure your document looks consistent and polished. Hit Ctrl+Alt+V (Windows) or Ctrl+Cmd+V (Mac) to paste your cover letter into the template as plain text. This will help ensure that your letter follows the template's formatting and save you time fiddling with fonts and margins.

Your polished, well-presented cover letter will make a strong first impression on employers and show that you're the kind of person who'll take the job seriously. 

And lastly…

Don't sell yourself short.

At this early stage in your career, promoting your skills and career goals in a cover letter can feel daunting. It's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere — and employers know that too. Showcase your skills and enthusiasm for what they're worth, and your odds of landing the apprenticeship will be significantly more favourable.

Seb Morgan is a Careers Coach and Digital Content Writer for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing.

For more top tips on apprenticeships, check out our other guides:

Can Apprentices Get Student Discounts?

How Do Apprenticeships Work & How To Apply

Do Apprentices Pay Tax?

Apprenticeship Myth Busters