Degree Apprenticeships Vacancies

You can set up job alerts by registering on our website, selecting the “apprenticeships” job category (untick the “all” option), clicking the search button, and then clicking on the link to save the search as a job alert.  Job alerts will automatically send you an email notification when an apprenticeship job is advertised, this will save you time, meaning you won’t need to keep checking the vacancies section. 

More opportunities will be added as vacancies arise, so keep your eye on our website for the most up to date information.

1.  Online application

New apprenticeship opportunities are advertised throughout the year on our current vacancies and the Government's Find an Apprenticeship website (add "University of Exeter" in the keywords box). All applications must be submitted through the University’s online application system. You’ll need to include details of your education, current and previous employment/work experience, and a supporting statement.

Tips

• Read the advert and job description carefully. When writing your supporting statement type it up in a word document first so you can check spelling, punctuation and readability, and ensure you get someone to proofread your application before you submit it. The application forms will record all education, jobs past and present (can be work experience) and will then give you an opportunity to complete a 'personal statement' in free text.
• Never simply cut and paste your CV in this statements as you will need to address each one of the 'person specification' statements individually, giving you answer in a CAR statement (Context, Actions, Results). When you complete the supporting statement you should give examples of how your qualifications, skills, knowledge, interests and experience match the essential and desirable criteria for the vacancy.
• It is sometimes helpful to add a personal statement at the beginning of the supporting statement section to give a general overview of you and what you can do - just a paragraph. Then give examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria starting with the 'essential to role' first, then address how you meet the 'desirable' statements.
• It's really important to ensure that your answers are relevant and to the point, as recruiters will have a large number of applications to read and they want to look for how you meet the criteria and grade your answers accordingly.

 More tips on completing applications: You can get some great guidance on how to complete your application here.

2.  Shortlisting

Your submitted application will be reviewed by the University and our Training Provider to ensure you are eligible for apprenticeship training, meet the entry requirements, and you are suitable for the role. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a University interview and assessment day.

3.  Initial assessment and Interview

We run a joint assessment and interview day with our training providers. Our Training Provider will conduct Functional Skills assessments to check your English and Maths level of understanding. They will also do a qualifications/personal circumstances based interview. The University interview generally comprises of a workplace tour, a job-related interview to assess your employability, and in some cases a work based test. You will need to bring along your Right to Work documents and any certificates you have. Tip: You can expect to be asked about your motivation for applying for the apprenticeship, your work experience and examples of how you meet the criteria for the role.

Right to Work - It is essential that you bring to the interview the original version plus a photocopy (if possible in colour) of one of your Right to Work documents, which will be used as proof of your right to work in the UK. You must give this to a member of the interview panel or another relevant person at your interview, even if it is not asked for. Failure to provide evidence of your Right to Work documents may result in a delay to your start date [and your apprenticeship training] should you be successful as you will not be able to start work without us seeing the original documents. We will only keep documents for the successful applicant(s), all other documents will be destroyed.

Evidence of Qualifications - It is essential that you bring to the interview your National Insurance Number and original certificates for Maths, English, ICT (if applicable), or Functional Skills plus a photocopy (if possible in colour), which will be used as proof of eligibility for training and funding through the apprenticeship scheme. You must present this to a member of the interview panel at your interview, even if it is not asked for.

Tips

Preparation

• Prepare for the interview - research about the University, and the job you are applying for.  There is a useful interview tool here - focus on competency and motivation based questions.
• Make sure you put the interview day in your calendar, ensure you know how to get to the University, how long it takes to get there and where you can park (if applicable).

On the day

• Dress smartly on the interview day - you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
• Bring along your original Right to Work and educational certificates, as well as photocopies you can give to the interview panel.
• Be yourself, be as natural as you can be.
• Listen to the questions carefully and answer them honestly.
• You can ask questions at the end of the interview - is there anything else you wanted to know about the job, training or working life at the university?

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to our workplace.  The University is proud to have been awarded Level 2 Disability Confident Employer status.