Your options after school or college
Beyond further study, common routes include apprenticeships (paid work combined with training and a recognised qualification), entry-level jobs, and traineeships or supported programmes that build experience. Apprenticeships now run from entry level all the way up to degree level across many industries — not just traditional trades.
How to apply with little experience
Employers hiring school and college leavers expect limited work history. They're looking for attitude, reliability and willingness to learn. Build your CV around school or college, any volunteering or part-time work, responsibilities at home, and skills from hobbies. Our guide to writing a CV with no experience walks through this in detail.
Apprenticeship applications
Apprenticeship applications often include short questions and sometimes an assessment or interview. Show genuine interest in the trade or field, give specific examples of when you've been reliable or solved a problem, and be honest about wanting to learn. Enthusiasm plus a couple of concrete examples goes a long way at this stage.
Interviews for first roles
First-role interviews are usually friendlier but still want evidence. Prepare a few short stories — a time you helped someone, stuck with something difficult, or worked in a team — and practise saying them out loud. Being yourself, prepared, and keen to learn is exactly what they want to see.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an apprenticeship?
A paid job that combines real work with training and a recognised qualification. UK apprenticeships range from entry level up to degree level across many industries, so you earn while you learn.
Do I need experience for an apprenticeship?
No — apprenticeships are designed for people starting out. Employers look for attitude, reliability and willingness to learn, so build your application around school or college, volunteering, responsibilities and skills.
How do I write a CV as a school leaver?
Focus on your education and grades, any volunteering or part-time work, responsibilities, and skills from hobbies. Keep it to one clean page and back up your strengths with small, specific examples.
What's the difference between an apprenticeship and a job?
An apprenticeship combines paid work with structured training toward a qualification, whereas a standard job may not include formal training. Both can be great first steps — an apprenticeship adds a recognised qualification as you go.
Written and reviewed by the Career Agenting System team at Culture & Clarity Limited · Last reviewed August 2026 · Our editorial standards