For thousands of teenagers across the UK, the question of what to do after school can feel overwhelming. College? Sixth form? University? An apprenticeship? And while many young people know they want to earn money, develop skills and build a successful career, there’s often one big problem.
They don’t know where to start.
Recently, I was working with a group of Year 11 students in London, helping them develop the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to create opportunities for their futures.
One of those students was Moses, and sometimes, the biggest lesson doesn’t come from sitting in a classroom. It comes from picking up the phone.
How to Get an Apprenticeship as a Teenager: Sometimes It Starts With One Phone Call!
Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain real workplace experience and work towards recognised qualifications. But finding an apprenticeship requires more than simply wanting one. Young people need to understand how to search for opportunities, approach employers, communicate professionally and demonstrate what they can offer. That’s exactly what we were working on with Moses.
Rather than simply talking about apprenticeships, we wanted to put those skills into practice. So Moses picked up the phone and started making enquiries about apprenticeship opportunities. It might sound like a small step, but for a teenager who is developing their confidence and communication skills, it’s a significant one.
Why Confidence Matters When Applying for Apprenticeships
One of the biggest barriers facing young people isn’t always a lack of ambition. Sometimes, it’s a lack of confidence or an understanding of what to do next.
What if the employer says no?
What if I don’t know what to say?
What if I embarrass myself?
These are genuine concerns that can prevent young people from taking the first step towards their future. But confidence doesn’t always come before action.
Sometimes confidence is developed through taking action.
And that’s one of the messages I regularly share with young people in schools across the UK. You don’t have to have everything figured out. But you do have to be willing to start.
Five Practical Ways to Find an Apprenticeship
If you’re a teenager looking for an apprenticeship, here are five practical steps you can take.
- Research apprenticeship opportunities. Start with the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service and explore opportunities in industries that interest you.
- Build a strong CV. Even without previous employment, you can demonstrate your skills, interests, achievements and willingness to learn.
- Contact local employers. Not every opportunity will be immediately obvious. Research businesses in your area and enquire professionally about apprenticeships or potential opportunities.
- Practise your communication skills. Whether you’re sending an email, making a phone call or attending an interview, the ability to communicate confidently can make a real difference.
- Be prepared for rejection. Not every enquiry will lead to an apprenticeship. But every conversation can help you develop your confidence and learn something new.
Preparing Young People for Life Beyond the Classroom
Through my work with Dreams 2 Reality, I regularly meet young people who have enormous potential but don’t always recognise the opportunities available to them. That’s why I believe careers education needs to go beyond simply telling students what options exist. We need to help them develop the confidence, mindset and practical skills to pursue those opportunities.
Whether that’s creating a CV, developing a LinkedIn profile, preparing for an interview or making that first phone call, these experiences matter. Because the goal isn’t simply to help young people leave school with qualifications. It’s to help them leave school with the confidence and skills to take their next steps.
Helping Schools Prepare Students for Their Futures
As a motivational speaker and education specialist, I’ve spent 15 years working with young people across the UK and beyond. Through Dreams 2 Reality, we support schools with motivational assemblies, careers workshops and programmes designed to build confidence, raise aspirations and prepare students for life beyond education. If you’re a school leader or careers lead looking to inspire your students and help them take practical steps towards their futures, I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch to explore how we can support your students.
