Write the perfect apprenticeship CV

Remember the basics. Put your most up-to-date personal details at the very top of the CV, including your full name, the area you live in, your telephone number and your email. You should create a professional email specifically for your job applications.

This is an opening paragraph all about you, introducing yourself and any relevant skills and experiences. It should be a paragraph of four to five sentences summarising the most relevant skills, qualities and achievements. This section can be easily tweaked to fit the job role, so your CV stands out to your potential employer

A chronological list of your work experience and employment history, with the most recent at the top. You should include the company name, your job role, and dates you worked there, followed by a summary of your responsibilities and key skills.

A chronological list of your education and qualifications, with the most recent at the top. Include the institute, the qualification, course title, and date studied.

Include any recent work-based training you have received, or any other relevant qualifications. If you have recently started training or are learning a new skill, remember to add this in.

Include relevant hobbies, interests and achievements in this section. For example, charity work and membership of clubs, societies and sports clubs. This section demonstrates your overall character to a potential employer.

You should prepare at least two contacts for professional or personal references. Include their name, their job title and company, their relationship with you, and contact details. Always ask permission from the reference to be included.

Your two references should include your latest employer and can include personal references such as a tutor or teacher.

References are usually contacted once you’ve been given a preliminary offer. Your new employer will ask a series of questions to make sure you’re of high personal or professional character.