Finding the right apprenticeship — or the right apprentice — can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With countless opportunities available and a wide variety of candidates, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

For aspiring apprentices, the challenge lies in identifying the perfect role that aligns with their interests and skills. For employers, it’s about finding candidates who not only fill the skills gap but also fit seamlessly into the company culture. That’s where UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) comes in, offering a suite of tools designed to connect talent with opportunity, making the process smoother for everyone involved.

Apprenticeships are rapidly becoming one of the most exciting pathways to launch a career, combining hands-on experience with the chance to earn while you learn. But with so many options out there, how do you find the perfect apprenticeship — or the perfect apprentice? UCAS’ resources simplify this journey, helping apprentices find roles that suit their ambitions and employers discover candidates that match their needs.

UCAS Partnerships Manager Pete Milsom discusses the organisation’s role in the apprenticeships space, as part of our Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities programme.

 

Tools to bridge the gap between apprentices and employers

UCAS is far more than just a university application platform; it’s a powerful resource for apprentices and employers alike.

As Pete Milsom, Partnerships Manager at UCAS, explains: “UCAS is an independent charity that provides trusted information, advice and guidance for those embarking on all career pathways, including apprenticeships. We have nearly one and a half million people come to UCAS through our digital front doors every year, and around half of them say that they’re interested in apprenticeships.”

For employers looking to attract top talent, UCAS offers a range of online tools designed to streamline the recruitment process. These include:

Employer profiles: “These are a kind of shop window for employers to show those one and a half million people that come to us each year what it’s really like to be an apprentice in their organisation,” says Pete. Employers can use videos, testimonials, and case studies to give a real sense of their apprenticeship programmes, helping candidates envision themselves within the company.

Virtual Work Experiences platform: This platform allows potential apprentices to gain an in-depth look at what it’s like to work at a particular organisation. “It’s about helping people really imagine what it’s like to be in a workplace while they’re still in education,” Pete adds.

Talent Finder service: This matching service connects employers with candidates who meet specific criteria. “Employers can define their ideal candidate, and students who sign up for ‘Smart Alerts’ are notified when a relevant apprenticeship becomes available,” Pete explains. This ensures employers receive applications from highly targeted, relevant candidates.

CV Builder: UCAS recently launched a CV builder within the UCAS Hub to help candidates create professional, high-quality CVs. “You might think that employers just use digital application forms now; that the CV is a thing of the past, but not at all. It’s still a very commonly used way of applying for apprenticeships,” says Pete.

Helping apprentices navigate their career path

For future apprentices, UCAS offers a wealth of resources to help them find roles that align with their skills and career goals. Whether it’s through the apprenticeship search tool, virtual work experience opportunities, or resources like interview tips, UCAS provides comprehensive support throughout the process.

Moreover, to help students take their next steps and support a diverse range of progression routes into university or college, from May 2025 tariff points for Level 3 and SQCF Level 6 apprenticeships will be published on ucas.com. This has been developed with the aim to broaden horizons and ensure all students, including apprentices, are aware of all the pathways available into higher education.

Top tips for employers to attract future talent

Attracting the right talent isn’t just about having the right tools — it’s also about timing.

“Timing is so important. For the people who come to UCAS, we know that a large proportion of them say that they would have made a different decision pre-GCSE stage had they had the right information, advice, and guidance,” says Pete. “It’s really important that employers engage at the right time so people have all the information they need to make well-informed decisions.”

Get started today

Finding the right apprenticeship or apprentice might seem daunting, but with UCAS’ resources, you’re well-equipped to make the process easier and more successful. Whether you’re an aspiring apprentice or an employer seeking the perfect candidate, UCAS provides the tools and support to help you connect, thrive, and succeed.

For more information, head to UCAS today: UCAS | At the heart of connecting people to higher education