What to expect at an apprenticeship assessment centre

If you’re applying for an apprenticeship or school leaver scheme, you’ll likely be invited to an assessment centre along with tens of other candidates.

Apprenticeship assessment centres are a marvellous opportunity for you to meet your potential employer and demonstrate to them all of the skills and competencies you have described in your CV in a group setting.

Here we explain what to expect and how to perform brilliantly on the day.

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What is an assessment centre? How to prepare beforehand What to expect on the day

What is an assessment centre?

Assessment centres are normally the final stage in the apprenticeship application journey.

Up to this point, the employer has only seen what you can do on paper or virtually. They run in-person assessment centres to test candidates’ suitability for the role through a series of group tasks, interviews and activities. Virtual assessment centres are very similar, but the whole process is online. So you’ll meet the other candidates and the employer via video rather than in person.

You can usually expect 6-25 candidates at your assessment centre. You can normally guess the average based on the size of the company you are applying for. Some employers will hold multiple assessments on the same day.

As this is normally your last stage of the application process, you can expect to hear the final result of your apprenticeship application anywhere from the day after to a couple of weeks later. It’s best to check with the employer to help put your mind at ease.

How to prepare for an apprenticeship assessment centre

Before The Day

The more prepared you are for your assessment centre, the more confident you’ll feel. So do your research and make sure you know what skills the employer will be looking for on the day. Do this by checking the job description and the company’s core values.

Also make sure to practice any of the sections the employer said you will be doing during the assessment centre. For example, if you have to give a presentation to a panel, make sure you practice in front of a crowd.

If your apprenticeship assessment centre is online, the employer will likely send you an email explaining the process, with instructions on how to join the virtual platform. Go through all of the instructions and any supporting material with a fine-tooth comb.

You might also have to complete some admin beforehand, such as…

Emailing a passport photo (or other ID) to the employer. This is just to confirm your right to work
Sharing a contact number with the employer in case of any connectivity issues or mishaps on the day
Downloading the platform the virtual assessment centre is hosted on and creating an account. (Most employers use Zoom, Google Hangouts/Meets or Microsoft Teams).

On The Day

If your assessment centre is in person make sure you:

Arrive early! Don’t just factor in the time it takes for you to get to the location but also getting to the specific room within the location, you might get lost!
They might have given you a dress code, but if they haven't always best to stay on the formal side
Have water and a snack in case you need it throughout the day
Think of any other things you could need like painkillers, plasters, a hairband, a pen etc.
Put your phone on silent

If you’re doing a virtual assessment centre make sure you have these ready before it begins:

Set up in a distraction-free space with a strong wifi connection
Run a quick test to check your microphone and webcam are working
Plug your device into a charging socket so that you don’t run out of battery
Join via the invitation link 15 minutes early. So if you have any issues, you can resolve them.

Nervous? Remind yourself that you wouldn’t have made it this far if the employer hadn’t seen potential in you.

You’ve got as good a chance at success as any other candidate there. So take a deep breath, get stuck in with the tasks and try to enjoy yourself.

What to expect on the day?

They will normally tell you what activities to prepare for and how long it will be before your assessment centre. Below, we have laid out a typical assessment centre day:

9:00am- WELCOME + INTRODUCTIONS

The apprenticeship assessment centre will begin with a welcome from the employer. They will give you an agenda for the day and deliver a short presentation about the company.

9:15am - ICE-BREAKER EXERCISES

Short games that are designed to lighten the mood and put all candidates at ease.

TOP TIP: The ice-breaker is nothing to worry about. Employers do not decide who to hire from this exercise. Typical ice-breaker exercises involve questions like, ‘If you were a sandwich, what sandwich would you be and why?’

9:30am - GROUP EXERCISE

58% of employers include some form of group role play. You’ll be assessed on your behaviour within a team and your contribution to solving a work-based problem.

TOP TIP: The trick here is to be confident when sharing your ideas, without dominating the group. If there is someone that appears shy, ask them a question and invite them to contribute. Helping your peers will show your leadership and collaboration skills.

10:30am - TIME FOR A BREAK

Take a moment to refocus and collect your thoughts. Make sure to go to the bathroom or have some water during this time.

There may even be a few snacks for energy and a chance to make small talk with your fellow school leavers.

10:45am - PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS

Some assessment centres include psychometric tests to analyse your analytical skills and personality characteristics.

TOP TIP: The more you practice, the more you’ll develop your technique and grow your confidence. Check out our guide to Apprenticeship Psychometric Testing to find out more.

11:30am - PRESENTATIONS

Prior to your arrival, you may have been asked to prepare a short presentation to be presented in front of interviewers and fellow candidates. And you’re going to smash it.

TOP TIP: The best preparation is to practice, practice and then practice again. You do not need to know your presentation by heart. Copy a few key trends, stats and facts onto a cue card so that you have something to refer to.

12:30pm - INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW

The interviews take place nearer the end of an assessment centre. This is your chance to explain why you want the apprenticeship, and why you are perfect for the role.

TOP TIP: The employer is likely to question your CV, so make sure you know it back to front. Great preparation for this part of the assessment centre is reading our guide to Common Apprenticeship Interview Questions.

1:30pm - TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

Before you go, you might have to fill out a feedback form. Say your goodbyes, thank the employer for the experience then run for some lunch if you haven't had any!

The best advice we can leave you with is to BE YOURSELF. That way, you can make sure you land an apprenticeship with a company that’s right for you.

If you are unsuccessful in an assessment centre, always make sure to ask for feedback so that you can improve for the next one.

Good luck! We’ll cross our fingers for you.