Two women in blue jackets review a tablet in a factory with an arm-like machine behind them.

Finding an apprenticeship doesn’t have to be complicated - just register your interest with us and we’ll match you to an employer. 

You don’t need to wait for a vacancy to take the first step.  

A lot of employers recruit their own apprentices directly from us, so searching through online adverts won’t give you the full picture.

Register with us and tell us what kind of role interests you, then we’ll match you to an employer when the right opportunity comes up.

Make UK is the national body for manufacturing, and we find the right apprentice for hundreds of SMEs across the country. 

How do I actually apply?

There are three ways in, depending on where you're starting from:

I've seen a live vacancy

Employers post adverts on their own sites and on job hunting websites, so keep an eye out for interesting opportunities. When you spot one on the Make UK portal, you can apply directly through the listing.

I haven't seen a vacancy, but I know what I want

Register your interest and tell us what you’re after. We'll match you as employer vacancies come in or your profile fits a live role. No need to keep checking, we'll come to you.

I'm not sure yet what I want

You can still register, and we'll help you work out the right direction as opportunities come up. 

Whichever route you take, the process is similar once you’re matched. You might be asked to record a short video, go to an in-person interview or join a video call. 

We'll always tell you what to expect, so it won't come as a surprise.

FAQs

Make UK trains around 300 new apprentices every year and most of those opportunities never appear as an advert. 

The majority of opportunities come through employers who approach us directly for a candidate. 

Registering with Make UK puts you in front of those employers, whether or not you've seen a specific vacancy. 

We work with employers and candidates across the whole country, so it doesn’t matter where you live.

You can work for an employer anywhere in the UK and use our residential option while you train at the Technology Hub.

Find out more about life at the Tech Hub, including what the residential option actually involves. 

You’ll hear back from Make UK immediately. We’ll confirm that we’ve received your application, and we’ll let you know the next steps. 

Hearing from an employer takes longer, and there’s no one-size-fits all answer.  

Some candidates hear back within days, others take longer, depending on when the right opportunity comes up. 

We'll keep you updated at every stage, so you’ll always know where you stand. 

Meeting a future employer for the first time is always nerve-wracking, but a little preparation and practice can make you feel more confident.

Attending an open day before you apply is a good way to calm some of your nerves.  

You'll get a feel for the place, meet the team and can ask any questions in a relaxed environment. 

More than anything, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.  

If you’re wondering whether you’re the right type for engineering, it’s worth answering that question for yourself first.

We’re looking for people who are enthusiastic about a career in engineering.

Employers want to meet candidates who are practical, committed and want to build a skilled career.

Each programme has different entry requirements, so check the specific requirements on the course that interests you.

Not sure yet which programme's right for you? Start here instead. 

Courses start all through the year, so don’t wait for a specific date to register.  

The sooner we know you’re interested, the sooner we can match you. 

Once you’re matched with an employer they’ll want to meet you. That might involve a video call, a site visit or a formal interview.  

Depending on how many candidates they’re considering, there might be a second interview before a decision is made. 

It doesn't matter where your employer is based.  

You'll work for them day to day, then travel to the Technology Hub in Aston for training. Our residential option will cover the time you're here. 

Find out more about what life at the Tech Hub is like. 


Ready to start?

Come to an open day at the Tech Hub before applying if you can, to see the equipment and facilities for yourself. We’ll answer your questions and get you fired up about your career choice.  

If you’re ready to take the leap, you can apply now.

Not feeling quite ready to apply? You can register your interest instead.  

Whatever you do, sign up to our email updates so you don’t miss the next intake. 

Get in touch