If you’re on the lookout for an apprenticeship, you’re making a great choice. Apprentices get valuable hands-on experience in their field of interest and make connections with potential employers — all while getting paid to study. If this sounds like the right scheme for you, you need to check out our apprenticeship cover letter example first.
Resume.io is here to help. We offer CV-building tools and expert resources for job seekers in all industries and stages of their careers. Apprenticeships can work in a variety of sectors, so we recommend checking out our library of dozens of free cover letter examples to get even more insight into the type of job you’re after. Here’s what we’ll cover in this writing guide along with our apprenticeship cover letter example:
- How to choose the best cover letter format and what paragraphs the cover letter should include
- How to maximise the effect of each cover letter paragraph (header, greeting, intro, body and conclusion)
- What approach to take when writing your cover letter
- What mistakes to avoid when writing your apprenticeship cover letter.
Here are the top five sectors for apprentices according to UK government education statistics:
- Public administration
- Health/social work
- Construction
- Financial services
- Education
Best format for an apprenticeship cover letter
A great cover letter has a clear structure that makes it both easier to write and also allows the reader to quickly find the information they are looking for. Here’s what your cover letter should include:
- The cover letter header
- The greeting / salutation
- The cover letter intro
- The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
- The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)
Some candidates, especially those just starting out, may feel intimidated by the freeform nature of the cover letter. This structure allows you to organise your thoughts and develop a plan to write a concise and convincing cover letter.
In addition to the content, you’ll also need to pay attention to the look and feel of your cover letter. The page formatting quickly shows a hiring manager that you’d make a professional and motivated apprentice. Our overall guide to cover letter writing offers more in-depth insights.
Below you’ll find our adaptable apprenticeship cover letter example which can be easily modified for your own experience.
Dear Mr. Beckett,
I am a top-performing first-year student at Crownby College currently working towards my City and Guilds Basic Plumbing Certificate Level 2. I am looking for an apprenticeship that will allow me to practise for up to three days per week. I would like to put myself forward for your vacancy as an apprentice plumber.
I am happy to help with any skills or task and am enthusiastic to learn along the way, whether it’s carrying supplies and observing, or helping on complex operations. I have consistently had excellent feedback from my college tutors and finished in the top 5% of students in all practical and theory assessments. This includes assessments covering:
- Soldering and jointing
- Bending and pressure testing
- Domestic hot water and heating systems
Before starting my college course, I carried out work experience at my uncle’s plumbing firm. This took the form of assisting with a six-week complete bathroom installation project. Here I learnt the importance of proactivity in helping my colleagues, but also listening to better support their needs and ultimately deliver on time and within budget. I even carried out independent work including tiling and grouting.
I have high standards for my work and am not afraid to learn by doing. This does not hinder my excellent intuition on when it is better to ask for help. You will see this supported by my reference covering my time as a supermarket cashier. I gained a reputation as a fast worker who was always eager to learn new things and take on more responsibility.
I hope you’ll agree that I would be a great fit for Pipemaster Plumbing.
Yours Sincerely,
Sarah Burnes
Cover letter header
The header of your cover letter plays an important role in catching the employer’s attention and creating a positive first impression. The header is where you’ll place your name and contact information like your email address, phone number, LinkedIn, and other relevant details or links. You may also include a professional headshot if it’s appropriate for your sector. A pop of colour can help you stand out and create an attractive page design, but make sure to consider the employer’s tone and branding first. When in doubt, a simple, neutral colour scheme will do the trick.
Check out the header on our adaptable cover letter sample for more inspiration.
Apprenticeships opportunities are growing!
The pandemic caused a real slump in the amount of apprenticeship openings in the UK. However, as the economy recovers, there has been an increase in opportunities.
The future may be bright. Government statistics show that in 2020 and 2021, the amount of apprenticeship starts in small employers grew for the first time in five years. The number soared to 12% higher than in 2019 and 2020.
Cover letter greeting
The greeting is the way you address the person who will be reading your cover letter. Although this is a small section, it sets the tone for the rest of the cover letter so it’s important to get it right. Whenever possible, aim to use the name of the hiring manager or apprenticeship director in the cover letter greeting. “Dear” followed by the correct salutation and last name is the most appropriate greeting. If you don’t know which salutation is correct, simply use “Dear [Full name].”
Cover letter introduction
The introduction of your cover letter is arguably the most important sentence on the entire page. The opening serves to hook the reader’s attention and give them a reason to want to learn more about your skills and background. For an apprenticeship cover letter, an introduction that expresses your motivation or the source of your interest in the sector can make for a great opening.
See the introduction of our cover letter example below.
Dear Mr. Beckett,
I am a top-performing first-year student at Crownby College currently working towards my City and Guilds Basic Plumbing Certificate Level 2. I am looking for an apprenticeship that will allow me to practise for up to three days per week. I would like to put myself forward for your vacancy as an apprentice plumber.
Cover letter middle part (body)
The middle paragraphs of cover letters, also called the body, is where you’ll finally have the space to expand on all the skills and personal qualities that make you a great candidate for the apprenticeship. Hiring managers aren’t expecting you to have loads of experience yet, but any side jobs, volunteer activities, or even school projects that demonstrate a strong work ethic or an interest in your chosen field can become great source material for this part of your cover letter. See the body section of our cover letter sample below.
I am happy to help with any skills or task and am enthusiastic to learn along the way, whether it’s carrying supplies and observing, or helping on complex operations. I have consistently had excellent feedback from my college tutors and finished in the top 5% of students in all practical and theory assessments. This includes assessments covering:
- Soldering and jointing
- Bending and pressure testing
- Domestic hot water and heating systems
Before starting my college course, I carried out work experience at my uncle’s plumbing firm. This took the form of assisting with a six-week complete bathroom installation project. Here I learnt the importance of proactivity in helping my colleagues, but also listening to better support their needs and ultimately deliver on time and within budget. I even carried out independent work including tiling and grouting.
I have high standards for my work and am not afraid to learn by doing. This does not hinder my excellent intuition on when it is better to ask for help. You will see this supported by my reference covering my time as a supermarket cashier. I gained a reputation as a fast worker who was always eager to learn new things and take on more responsibility.
Use the STAR method
The STAR method is one way of organising the anecdotes in the body of your cover letter. First, briefly describe a Situation and the Task required of you. Then explain your Action and the positive Result that followed. When used correctly, the STAR method allows you to show your effectiveness in as little as 2-3 sentences.
How to close an apprenticeship cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)
It’s important to close your apprenticeship cover letter on a strong note by making a final statement about what you’d bring to the role. Be sure to include a call to action, which is a sentence that expresses your enthusiasm and invites the hiring manager to contact you for an interview. As an apprentice, it’s important not to come across as arrogant or entitled to the opportunity. A positive and appreciative tone can go a long way. Sign off respectfully and include your full name.
Below you’ll find the conclusion from our adaptable cover letter sample.
I hope you’ll agree that I would be a great fit for Pipemaster Plumbing.
Yours Sincerely,
Sarah Burnes
Apprenticeship cover letter with no experience
The great part about writing an apprenticeship cover letter is that you’re actually expected to have no experience! Companies know they are signing on to teach and equip you with the skills you need to succeed in your chosen field. In return, they are looking for candidates who are intrinsically motivated, attentive, and responsible. These personal characteristics, called soft skills, are the best qualities to focus on in your cover letter.
However, just because you’re not an expert in your field yet doesn’t mean you have no experience to show. Hobbies, side jobs, volunteer positions, school activities, and personal projects can all serve as a jumping off point to illustrate your dedication.
Avoid these basic mistakes to make your apprenticeship cover letter rise above the other candidates:
- Spelling and grammar: Typos and other small errors make your cover letter harder to read and show a hiring manager that you didn’t pay much attention to the details. Make sure to ask a trusted friend to proofread and use spell check whenever possible.
- Generic cover letter: Hiring managers know when you’ve sent the same copy-paste cover letter to dozens of openings. Take a few minutes to tailor your cover letter to the job description and you’ll reap the rewards.
- Poor formatting: A disorganised or unattractive cover letter makes it less likely the hiring manager will get in touch. Quickly create an effective page layout by using a professionally-designed cover letter template.
Key takeaways
- Apprenticeships are key opportunities to learn new skills and get started in your desired field. A great cover letter helps you impress the employer and land the position.
- Soft skills and personality traits are the focus of your apprenticeship cover letter, but don’t be afraid to discuss other types of employment that show transferable skills.
- Keep your cover letter concise — 300 words is a great target goal.
- Check out our adaptable apprenticeship cover letter sample and modify it to your own needs.
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