I can see how there is an element of concern since I fully agree that just "having an interest" perhaps wont be enough. Its a job at the end of the day and some job are mundane but they have to be carried out and done correctly because its a serious business out there.
It is just a job, but a job you enjoy doing doesn't feel much of a job. Maybe I'm still in the "honeymoon period" myself, but I don't find it a chore going to work in the same way that I used to resent my old job as a general dogsbody in a pub.
1) From what I have read, they will require you to first do an Online test, Telephone interview and then an assessment day. Can you give any comments as to its difficulty or what I can expect so I can best prepare myself?
It's changed a little since I went through the assessment process, there was no telephone interview when I did it for example, and the assessment day was slightly different when I helped out at one last year. I remember the online tests seeming fiendishly difficult and being sure that I'd messed them up, and most other people said the same thing. If they give you example ones at the beginning then take your time to really understand what they're asking of you, especially if they've still got the "diagrammatic reasoning" ones in there.
The interview/assessment (not sure how they've separated it out these days), didn't have any tricky questions in it, but obviously it matters how you answer them as it's your chance to give them a good impression. Basic interview skills will do you well, seeming interested, knowing your facts about the company and preferred discipline, giving examples, etc. The assessment day will also have a group activity, it's not about completing it, it's about how you work in a team. Remember they can't mark you either way if you don't speak up in it.
2) The website also mentions being allocated a depot, does the type of depot you are allocated affect the type of work you will do? And what if there isn't a depot near my current location? Does it cause me to not be eligible?
You need to be within 75 minutes of a depot, if there isn't one that's taking on apprentices then you can't apply. Not every depot takes on apprentices every year. The depot you get allocated to is the one that you'll be working out for the majority of the time, so make sure it's somewhere that you can get to on a daily basis. If you're going to be using public transport you also need to think about the fact that there's likely to be various shifts, and not all managers are going to be relaxed about you turning up late due to transport (basically if you've not started learning to drive, then do so ASAP).
The same discipline at one depot will be much the same as another depot, especially those near to each other. There will be very small regional/route dependant differences but the vast majority is the same, and everything you learn on the apprenticeship courses will be the same. Not all depots have, or are taking on, for every discipline though. It could be that your nearest depot has an S&T department but not an E&P one, and the next nearest has an E&P department but not an S&T one, in which case you'd have to weigh up your options. The discipline/depot isn't set in stone at the application stage though (and contrary to what they might tell you, after the initial residential BTEC/NVQ bit is out of the way it's not impossible to change if you find you hate it).
3) Last question, are these schemes only available to apply once per year around September time?
Applications normally start each year around January, you might be too late for this year's applications as some of the depots have already had their assessment days. It's the start date which is in September.
Many thanks for your time. I guess just at this stage my biggest fear is being not being eligible to apply for these kinds of opportunities because I may be competing with others who have A-level and even University level qualifications.
Welcome to any advice however! I feel I am onto something here...
Not a problem, I'm always happy to talk about it, most people normally tell me to shut up! If I've made anything more confusing then do let me know and I'll try to explain a bit better.
Give it a go, there are people from loads of different backgrounds get on the apprenticeship. A small handful do have degrees, some have A levels/BTECs, some dropped out of A Levels, and lots of others just have their GCSEs. As long as you have the minimum requirements (English, Maths, Science and one other GCSE at A*C) then they're not too focussed on the qualifications you already have. There were 17 year olds which only C grade GCSEs who got offered places straight away, and people with degrees who got put on the reserve list, it's how you come across that counts the most. They teach you all you need to know, that's the point of an apprenticeship.
