This stage is the initial application form, where you must submit your personal details, predicted grades, extenuating circumstances, CV, cover letter, and sometimes they include a prompt to answer screener questions (why do you want to join, what skills make you most suitable, etc.).

Predicted Grades:

Whilst not as important as experience and skills, these show you have potential to complete the coursework and exam side of the degree apprenticeship, so make sure to revise extra hard for your mock exams.

Extenuating circumstances:

Companies are required to accommodate for any illnesses or difficulties you may have when completing the application. For example, if you are eligible for extra time in exams, you can get that when completing the later stages.

CV:

A CV is incredibly important and will set you apart from other candidates.

To summarise, a CV must be:

• Have the foundations (name, LinkedIn, education, work experience w/ skills, hobbies, and projects.
• Very concise (no more than one page) - - the recruiter will not read your cv for more than 20 seconds)

A good template I used is: Build your resume at SheetsResume.com.docx - Google Docs - replace the work with programmes you have done that is relevant to the apprenticeship.

Cover Letter:

A cover letter is equally as important as a CV as it is intended for the applicant to demonstrate a passion for the role, and why they want to join the company specifically.

This should include a brief summary, how you can contribute, why the apprenticeship will benefit you, and why the company itself (mention insight days, research about the company, etc.)

You can use AI to get a basic idea of how to write it - but do not rely on it and only use your own words.