How to write an effective apprenticeship cover letter?(with samples)

• What is a cover letter and why is it important?
• 5 tips for writing a persuasive cover letter
• Bonus: Template of a cover letter for an apprenticeship
• Key takeaways

An apprenticeship is the beginning of your professional life and it's exciting! There is just one little problem: you do not how to write the cover letter to apply for apprenticeship. Don’t worry, we have the situation under control. To put all the chances on your side, follow all our tips and tricks to write the letter that will make the difference.

The cover letter is the first impression you give to the hiring manager. This first contact is all the more important when your experience is limited and your CV a bit short. In the case of a speculative application, the cover letter is even more essential. Indeed, you are anticipating the recruitment process, and you need to convince the hiring manager that you are the ideal candidate.

The cover letter is still the must-have to persuade the hiring manager that you are better than the other candidates. Hence, writing a cover letter to apply for apprenticeship is a crucial step.

1. Structure the content

The cover letter follows some rules. Your cover letter should be 3-4 paragraphs:

• One paragraph about the candidate: show that you are suitable for the position. Mention your diplomas, your level of qualification, your experiences, etc. Show your motivation. To do so, insist on the reasons why the company should hire you. If you are undergraduate, highlight your experience, even if you acquired it during odd jobs. If you have a master’s degree, specify what kind of position you are looking for.


• One paragraph about the company. The aim here is to show that you are interested in the company and that you chose this company among its competitors because its values suit you.


• One paragraph about the training projects and missions you could perform for the company.


• One sentence that reaffirms how diligent and serious you are. Let them know that you will contact them within a week.


• Complimentary close.

2. Be relevant

The hiring manager has only a limited amount of time and a lot of applications. Help him/her find the information he/she wants as quickly and as simply as possible. To do so, you have two options: attach the schedule of your apprenticeship to the mail, or mention in the cover letter your starting date at the company and your school/university schedule. These elements are essential for the organisation of the company.

3. Be in the right state of mind

Applying for an apprenticeship means asking a company to contribute to your training. Be natural, but always polite and modest: keep in mind that the company that accepts you will make you progress, and, in the end, contribute to your professional integration.

4. Be careful of your writing

Write your apprenticeship cover letter with dedication. The cover letter is a personalised piece that goes along your CV, but it should not be a summary of your CV. The cover letter should highlight your assets in a simple and clear manner. If anything, the cover letter elaborates on the information on your CV in order to spark interest about you. Reading the cover letter should allow the hiring manager to take on your application, and/or to meet you.

5. Proofread your letter, open your grammar book

You know what they say - the devil is in the details. So you had better have your cover letter proofread to avoid spelling mistakes, typos or repetitions. Be it for an apprenticeship or for any other position, spelling and syntax are real criteria for hiring managers. Your application may be the same as the other candidates, the chosen one will be the one who makes no mistakes!

To help you, here is a template of a cover letter for an apprenticeship. Feel free to use this as a guideline for your apprenticeship or internship applications. Keep in mind that your cover letter should not exceed one page!