The questions that come up nearly every time
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why this apprenticeship, and why us?
- What do you think the job involves day to day?
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
- Tell me about a time something went wrong, or you got feedback.
- What are you doing outside school or college?
- Where do you want to be in a few years?
- Do you have any questions for us?
Prepare a genuine answer to each. Not a script — a script sounds like one — but know which story you'd tell.
Three stories will cover most of it
Rather than preparing an answer per question, prepare three things you've done in detail: one where you worked with others, one where something went wrong, one you're proud of. Almost any competency question can be answered from those three if you know them well enough to pick the relevant part.
"Tell me about a time it went wrong" is not a trap
They are not trying to catch you out. They're checking you can reflect and take feedback — the single most important quality in someone who's about to be taught a job.
Pick something real and modest, say what you'd do differently, and don't finish with a humblebrag ("I care too much"). "I missed a deadline because I didn't ask for help early enough, so now I flag things sooner" is a genuinely strong answer.
Have questions ready — and not about pay
"No, I think you've covered everything" is a wasted opportunity. Good ones:
- What does a typical week look like for an apprentice here?
- Who would I be learning from day to day?
- What do the apprentices who do well here have in common?
- How is the college or training day organised?
- What would I be expected to be doing on my own after six months?
Pay, hours and holiday are entirely reasonable things to know — ask them once you have an offer, or ask the recruiter rather than the panel.
The practical bit
Know where you're going and how long it takes; aim to arrive ten minutes early. Take a printout of your profile and something to write with. Dress a step smarter than you think the workplace is — you can't lose by being slightly overdressed at this stage.
For a video interview: test the camera and microphone beforehand, sit with light in front of you rather than a window behind, and use a plain background. Tell whoever you live with that you need the room.
The short version
- They're assessing attitude and potential, not existing skill
- Prepare three stories, not twenty answers
- A real, reflective answer about something going wrong scores well
- Always have questions ready — save pay for the recruiter or the offer
- Test your setup the day before a video interview
Common questions
What should I wear to an apprenticeship interview?
Smarter than the workplace's everyday dress. Somewhere between smart-casual and a suit is right almost everywhere; if you're unsure, ask the recruiter — asking reads as prepared, not unsure.
Is it OK to take notes in?
Yes, and it's a good look. Bring your questions written down. Nobody has ever been marked down for having prepared.
What if I go blank?
Say so and buy time: "Can I come back to that one?" is completely acceptable and far better than guessing. Interviewers do this themselves.