It may not be easy to get into an Apprenticeship. You need to have a number of things:

• The right qualifications
• The right age - ideally 16-18. This is because there is less funding available from the LSC for those who are older.
• An employer.
• A training provider.
• An aptitude for the particular profession - this may be tested by the training provider.

Many training providers have lists of vacancies for apprentices but popular Apprenticeships in, for example plumbing, may be harder to gain. You can find contact details for training providers in your area by clicking on the map under Regional Information. You will then need to scroll down to find the links for the on-line prospectus for your local area. Your local Connexions office may also have a list of vacancies. Many employers advertise for new apprentices in local or national newspapers.

In January 2009 a new national service was established by the LSC. The National Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service (NAVMS) has a database of vacancies that have been notified to them by employers. You must register on the site to find vacancies and you will then be able to search by Keyword (such as plumbing), your county or by training provider. It’s also possible to be notified when a suitable vacancy arises.

It is possibly a bit too early to determine how successful the new service will be but it should be your first place to look.

If none of these routes enable you to find a vacancy, you may have to resort to phoning up or writing to potential employers.

Click here for more help on how to contact potential employers

Click here for help on finding and applying for jobs and here for help on writing CVs. If you fail to find an employer, you may still be able to find training that will lead into an Apprenticeship under the PLA scheme.

The Government has made a commitment to ensure that all young people who have the necessary qualifications and who want an apprenticeship will be guaranteed one, although this has yet been put to the test.