Writing a CV for a Scottish Apprenticeship (With Template)

An apprenticeship CV is not the same as a university personal statement. Where a personal statement asks you to reflect on your academic journey and intellectual interests, a CV for an apprenticeship employer needs to answer one central question: why should we hire you?

Employers reading apprenticeship CVs are looking for reliability, enthusiasm for the sector, and evidence that you can show up, work hard, and learn. Here is how to give them exactly that.

The One-Page Rule

Keep your CV to one page. As a school leaver, this is almost always achievable and is always appropriate. A one-page CV signals clarity and focus — two qualities employers value in apprenticeship candidates.

Use a clean, readable font (Arial, Calibri, or Georgia at 10–12pt). Leave enough white space to make it easy to scan. Avoid unusual colours, graphics, or tables unless you are applying to a creative sector.

CV Structure: Section by Section

1. Contact Details

At the top of the page:

• Full name (larger font — this is your heading)
• Town/city (you do not need your full address)
• Phone number
• Email address (use a professional-sounding address — firstname.lastname@gmail.com, not nicknames)
• LinkedIn profile URL (optional, but useful if you have one set up)

Do not include your date of birth, a photograph, or your full home address.

2. Personal Statement (3–4 lines)

This is the most important section. Write a focused paragraph that answers: who you are, what you are looking for, and what you bring. Mention the specific sector — not "an apprenticeship," but "an engineering apprenticeship" or "a digital apprenticeship in software development."

Example: S6 pupil at [School Name] with a strong interest in civil engineering and a practical approach to problem-solving. Currently studying Higher Mathematics, Physics, and Geography. Looking for a Modern Apprenticeship in civil engineering where I can develop technical skills and contribute to real infrastructure projects from day one.

Adjust this for every application to reflect the specific employer and framework.

3. Education

List in reverse chronological order (most recent first):

[School Name], [Town] | 2019–present

• National 5: Mathematics (A), English (B), Physics (A), Chemistry (B), Geography (A) — achieved 2024
• Highers (in progress, expected 2026): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, English

If you have any notable academic achievements — a prize, a competition result, a Saltire Award — include them here.

4. Work and Voluntary Experience

List any experience in reverse chronological order. Do not dismiss informal experience.

Part-Time Sales Assistant | [Local Shop], [Town] | August 2025–present

• Served customers, handled cash transactions, and restocked shelves
• Developed punctuality and customer communication skills

School Prefect | [School Name] | August 2025–present

• Supported S1 pupils during transition week
• Represented school at open evenings for prospective families

Volunteer | [Local Food Bank or Community Organisation] | Summer 2025

• Sorted and distributed food donations to over 40 families per session

5. Skills

List 4–6 specific skills, presented as a short bulleted list. Match them to what the vacancy asks for:

• Confident in Microsoft Excel and Word (school and personal use)
• Basic Python programming (self-taught via online tutorials)
• Strong numerical ability — A grade National 5 and Higher Mathematics
• Reliable team member — three years in school football team
• Clear written and verbal communication

Avoid vague filler phrases like "good communicator" or "hard worker" without evidence to back them up.

6. Interests

Keep this brief — two or three lines. Include genuine interests, especially ones that relate to the sector or demonstrate positive personal qualities. Building things, coding personal projects, playing sport, volunteering — these all reflect well. Reading, "socialising," and watching TV do not add value.

7. References

Simply write: References available on request.

Full Written CV Template

JORDAN CAMPBELL Stirling | 07700 900123 | jordan.campbell@email.com

Personal Statement S6 pupil with a strong interest in software development and a record of self-directed learning in programming outside school. Currently studying Higher Computing Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Seeking an IT Software Development Graduate or Modern Apprenticeship where I can apply technical skills in a professional environment and contribute to real development projects from the outset.

Education Stirling High School | 2019–present

• National 5 (2024): Computing Science (A), Mathematics (A), English (B), Physics (B), History (C)
• Highers (expected 2026): Computing Science, Mathematics, Physics, English

Work and Voluntary Experience Kitchen Assistant | The Anchor Café, Stirling | June 2025–present

• Prepared and served food in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated reliability: no absences in eight months

Tech Help Volunteer | Stirling Library Digital Skills Sessions | Oct 2024–present

• Supported adults learning to use smartphones and tablets
• Communicated technical instructions clearly to non-technical users

Skills

• Python and JavaScript (self-taught; completed two online courses)
• Confident user of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
• Strong problem-solving — consistent high performance in Computing Science
• Reliable and punctual — positive attendance record throughout S5 and S6

Interests Personal coding projects including a revision quiz app built in Python. Member of school chess club. Regular volunteer at local community tech sessions.

References available on request.

Writing Your Cover Letter

When the application gives you the option to include a cover letter, always take it. Structure it in three short paragraphs:

1. Opening: State exactly which vacancy you are applying for and where you saw it
2. Middle: Explain why you want this specific framework and this specific employer — show you have researched them
3. Closing: Confirm your availability, express enthusiasm, and invite them to contact you

Name the framework. Name the employer. Be specific. "I am applying for the Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering Design and Manufacture advertised on apprenticeships.scot" is a stronger opening than "I am writing to apply for the apprenticeship."