What’s the process?

Decide what you want to do

Take a look at the programmes we offer. This explains the training portion of each apprenticeship. 

Are you a scientist or a techie? Which one fires you up and fascinates you? 

Decide which programme interests you, and what kind of employer you’d like to work for. Then keep an eye on our opportunities page – and other providers too – and check out any suitable job descriptions. Then get ready to apply.

Complete the application form

If it feels right, submit an online application. At this stage, we’re only capturing the basics of your education and experience, to check that you’re eligible.

Take your time when preparing your answer to “Why do you want to be an apprentice?”. This is your opportunity to inject a bit of your personality and show us what motivates you.

Talk to Tiro 

Tiro will be in touch within the next week or two to arrange a phone interview. Expect to chat for about 30 minutes, and be sure to prepare to make sure you’re all set to impress us. 

We’ll get to know you better, delve into your experience and qualifications, and explore why you want to become an apprentice. We’ll also discuss some of the practical aspects, such as travel to work.

Complete some more paperwork

After a successful phone interview, we’ll ask you to complete three forms:

• Applicant Summary Form, which is basically a standardised CV.

• Additional Learning Needs Disclosure Form, to let us know how we can support your learning and any reasonable adjustments you might need. 

• Skillscan Form, which tells us how much you already know about the subject area.  

If all of the details check out and the Tiro team believes you’re a strong candidate for the role, we’ll send your details to the employer. 

Get ready for your interview

If the employer shortlists you for an apprenticeship, the next stage will be an interview – sometimes two. Tiro will set up the interview as quickly as possible, and help you to prepare.

The process from here varies according to the role and the employer, we will will make sure you know what to expect, and share any useful interview tips to improve your chances. Remember that this is your chance to ask the employer questions too. It’s as much about you choosing them as them choosing you. 

We’ll check in with you shortly before your interview to answer any last minute questions and help with any nerves, and again afterwards to find out how it went.

Look forward to your trial day

Some employers might invite you for a trial day as well as an interview. 

Whereas the interview will be a more formal discussion, a trial day is more practical. These are a great opportunity to go on site with the employer and get a feel for the place and the role. You’ll have a chance to meet some of the team, and you may also be asked to carry out a practical task. 

This helps them to assess your skills – not just technical skills, but soft skills like using your initiative and following instructions.

You got the job!

After an interview or trial day, hopefully you will be offered the apprenticeship.

After a few final checks, your new role will be made official. We’ll guide you through any formalities like giving notice to your current employer or college course. 

You’ll meet your Tiro tutor and the mentor you’ll be working with, who will explain how your training will be delivered and get you all set up. 

Congratulations, you’re ready to start! 

You’ll begin your new role and start gaining hands-on experience with your new team. And Tiro will check in regularly to make sure things are OK, and to deliver your course.

Or… better luck next time

Remember that apprenticeships are competitive, so not everyone can be successful the first time. If you’re not eligible or don’t get the job this time, don’t worry. Whatever stage of the process, we’ll give you some useful feedback and advise you on how to improve, ready for the next opportunity. 

Where possible we’ll consider you for any future opportunities that arise with Tiro’s employers. 

Of course, Tiro is just one possible route to finding a suitable apprenticeship. It’s always a good idea to keep looking elsewhere, like the government’s ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ service.