Applying for a Junior Tech Role FAQ’s

We get a number of questions about applying for a Junior Tech Role, so we thought we’d try to answer them here.

 

I’ve seen that you do apprenticeships, can I apply please?

An apprenticeship is a job not a course. You need to apply for a vacancy (see below), be successful in the application process and then you can join the apprenticeship.

Where’s a good place to find apprenticeship vacancies?

All UK apprenticeship vacancies are listed at: Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What is the application process?

From submitting your initial application the process is as follows:

Step 1: We record your initial application and answers to the basic questions. This tells us that you have the minimum required qualifications, an interest in technology and can get to the office!

Step 2: (Apprenticeships only) we ask you to complete an eligibility check to ensure your Apprenticeship will be able to be funded by the UK government.

Step 3: We set you a challenge to test how you are likely to perform when faced with something you haven’t done before. This tells us how well you can follow instructions and problem solve.

Step 4: We ask you to record a couple of short videos explaining why you applied for the role and how you approached the challenge.

Step 5: We send all of the above to the decision maker, they will review everything and decide who they want to interview.

Step 6: We arrange a time for a face 2 face or online interview.

Step 7: You have an interview (Note: some roles may require multiple interviews with several managers).

Step 8: You have a discussion with your apprenticeship coach to understand your background and to confirm the scope of your apprenticeship.

Step 9: A job offer and (if applicable) Apprenticeship training contract is issued.

Once you have signed a job offer the employer will agree a start date with you.

How long can an application take?

Typically applications can take 4-8 weeks, occasionally up to 12 weeks to Job Offer. It will typically take another 4 weeks before you start work.

Or we’ve had apprentices who have gone from application to starting work in 2 weeks.

I’ve not got my English / Maths GCSE / Functional Skills certificates does that matter?

You can continue with the application but we will need to see certificates or evidence on your Personal Learner Record that you have passed them before a job offer is made.

If you took the exam more than a couple of years ago follow this guide: Get a replacement exam certificate: Who to contact – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

I’ve got overseas qualifications.

Again you can continue with the application but we will need to see the original qualification and an ENIC before a job offer is made.

To apply for an ENIC follow this link: Statement of Comparability (enic.org.uk)

If you don’t have English and Maths functional skills there are some great resources on the BBC: Functional Skills – England – BBC Bitesize

And we have previously booked exams through Pass Functional Skills | Ofqual Regulated Exams & Courses

There are some good practice papers at: Functional Skills online sample assessments | NCFE | NCFE

I’m not from the UK, can I apply?

If you meet the criteria in Annex A (pg112) of the Apprenticeship Funding Guidance.

Challenge – You’ve sent a PDF how do I edit a PDF?

Remember this is a completive process to identify problem solvers…. Have you tried searching for an answer?

Challenge – How long have I got to complete the challenge?

There is typically 4-8 hours work in each challenge, applicants usually complete in 10-20 days.

If we haven’t had a response in 30 days we will assume you are no longer interested in this opportunity.

Challenge – I’ve only got access to Excel / Word online / Mac or Libre Office / Google Sheets etc..?

Our challenges can be completed on any Word Processor / Spreadsheet / Text Editor / Browser. (just see the question below)

Remember this is a completive process to identify problem solvers….

Challenge – Do I have to send back Microsoft Office files?

No. but, please remember this is a completive process, most organisations use Microsoft Office and it will be easier for the recruiting manager if your files are in a format that they can easily open.

Most tools have the ability to ‘Save As’  just search for how to do what you want.

Challenge – I’ve uploaded the wrong file what can I do?

It is not possible for us to change your submission once it is loaded or to reset it so you can have another go…

If you have made a mistake please reply to one of the emails we’ve sent and attach the file you wanted to load.

Challenge – Can I have feedback on my challenge?

Our best responses come from those who have focused on the detail, been through and researched the subject.

Reflection – what could you have done differently?

Remember you are trying to impress not meet the minimum for the task as you read it

What research did you do other than what was provided in the challenge?

Interview – Will I have to travel to the interview?

This depends on the employer.

Some interview online, some want you to meet them face to face.

Expenses may be paid by the employer often they are not.

If this is an issue for you then please let us know by replying to one of the emails we’ve sent you.

My application has been wrongly rejected, can I appeal?

This is a competitive process, it’s not like applying for a university or college course where you have to meet the minimum standard.

Remember it’s the application that has been rejected not you.

Use the rejection to reflect on what you included in the application how well focused was it on the needs of the employer.

Also reflect on how did you perform on each stage of the process? What would you do differently next time?

Perverse as it sounds, you can be ‘too good‘ i.e. over qualified for a role.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship you also have to demonstrate that you will gain significant new Knowledge and Skills on the apprenticeship.

If you have more that 6 months work experience in a tech environment, or have just completed a related Degree i.e. Just completed a Data Science degree and are applying for a Data Analyst apprenticeship. or a Computer Science Degree and applying for a Software Develop apprenticeship.

It will be difficult to demonstrate that you will gain new knowledge (i.e. your Degree should have covered it!)

Remember that apprenticeships are government funded, there are a number of complex criteria (over 160 pages!) that need to be met, these are detailed in the funding guidance

Apprenticeship funding rules 2023 to 2024 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

These include the requirement that you have the right to work in the UK and meet the residency criteria.