Introduction: Why LinkedIn Is Your Secret Weapon for Apprenticeships

Think LinkedIn is just for middle aged professionals in suits? Think again.

Employers are using LinkedIn to scout talent, even for degree apprenticeships. It’s not just about having a profile—it’s about having the right profile. The kind that grabs attention, builds credibility, and makes recruiters excited to connect with you. In fact, for every minute, 7 people are hired on Linkedin!

Don’t even have any experience? No problem. With these 7 simple hacks, you can transform your LinkedIn profile into an apprenticeship magnet. We've also added some examples to make it super easy to understand.

1. Craft a Headline That Sells Your Potential

Your headline is the first thing recruiters see, so make it count.

Instead of just saying “Student at (SCHOOL NAME),” use your headline to highlight your aspirations and key skills.

Example:

Before: “Year 12 Student at XYZ School.”

After: “Hootsuite Certified Aspiring Digital Marketing Apprentice | Skilled in Social Media Management & Content Creation.”

This change immediately shows employers who you are and what you bring to the table. Also, make sure you have something to back your headline up. If you include that you are skilled in social media management, mention some experience to support that statement and build credibility. Think volunteering or an online course. It also helps a ton if you’re asked about it in an interview.

2. Write a Killer About Section That Tells Your Story

Think of this as your elevator pitch. What makes you, you and not somebody else?

Use your 'About' section to explain your career goals, highlight your skills, and share why you’re excited about degree apprenticeships. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.

Example:

“I’m a motivated Year 13 student passionate about technology and problem-solving. I’m seeking a software engineering degree apprenticeship to combine my love for coding with real-world experience. Outside of school, I’ve built apps for fun, taught myself Python, and volunteered to teach coding to younger students.”

This is one of the first things that the employer will also see, so make sure you nail this!

3. Use a Professional Profile Picture (and a Standout Banner)

First impressions matter—don’t skip this step.

Profile Picture: Use a clear, friendly photo where you look approachable and professional. No selfies or casual snaps! Make sure there is good lighting, and that you are dressed smartly and appropriately for the best impact.

Banner: Customise your LinkedIn banner to reflect your interests. For example, if you’re passionate about design, create a graphic that showcases your creativity.

Hack: Use free tools like Canva to create a unique and eye-catching banner. On your banner, you can include the name of the industry you’re interested in. Check out our example below!

4. Highlight Your Achievements in the Experience Section

No “real job” experience? Don’t have a part time job? No problem!

Employers know that the majority of the applicants to their degree apprenticeships are students and school leavers. They aren’t looking for work history—they’re looking for candidates who have potential, and are proactive and coachable. You can very easily leverage your school or college experience here. Use this section to showcase:

School projects (e.g., “Led a team to create a sustainable business model for a competition, utilising (SKILL) to win 3rd place”).
Volunteering (e.g., “Organised community fundraising events that raised £5,000 within 3 months, receiving positive feedback from locals”).
Any work experience, like part-time jobs or internships. Many schools also require students to find a work experience program. These are available online and offline, with providers like Springpod offering virtual work experience from big employers.

Format: Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Start with action verbs like “Led,” “Managed,” or “Created.” This immediately tells the employer the actions YOU have made actively to make an impact.

Online courses are our personal favourite, as most of these are free and are a great way to stand out from other applicants. Linkedin Learning provides excellent courses on a wide range of sectors and skills, created by industry professionals. Completing these courses will allow you to add your verified certificate to your profile.

5. Collect Recommendations and Endorsements

Social proof is powerful—let others speak for you instead of doing all the talking.

Ask teachers, mentors, or part-time job supervisors to write recommendations for your profile. Even a short testimonial can make a big difference.

Example:

“(YOUR NAME) is a hardworking and reliable student who always brings creative ideas to the table. They worked alongside me on (PROJECT), and completely diversified our problem solving. They would be a valuable addition to any team.”

is an example of a recommendation you could receive.

You can also ask these people to make endorsements for the skills you have on your Linkedin profile. This shows further social proof that you are skilled at what you say you can do.

6. Build a Skills Section That Matches Apprenticeship Requirements

Tailor your skills to the roles you’re applying for. Make sure you do this for every single role that you apply for - it’s super worth the effort! Employers can tell if an applicant has put effort into their application or not, so don’t skip this.

Read apprenticeship descriptions to identify key skills employers are looking for (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving, technical skills). Add these to your Skills section so recruiters can see that you are a great fit for their posting.

Hack: Take Linkedin Learning courses in areas like Microsoft Office, coding, or communication. Passing the exams in the end adds a verified certificate to your profile. Remember, you want to make it as easy as possible for employers to see you’re qualified.

You can also review job descriptions and follow thought leaders to understand the skills your industry needs.

7. Engage and Network Like a Pro

LinkedIn isn’t just about having a great profile—it’s about using it smartly and effectively.

Comment on Posts: Follow companies and apprenticeship programs you’re interested in. Engage with their posts to show your enthusiasm, and make your name visible.

Send Connection Requests: Reach out to recruiters, current apprentices, or industry professionals with a personalised message. This message could be about your interest in their company or schemes.

Post Your Achievements: Share updates about certifications, school projects, or competitions you’ve participated in. Try doing this as often as possible.

Example Message to a Recruiter:

“Hi (NAME), I’m an aspiring digital marketing apprentice who’s passionate about social media strategy and branding. I noticed your company offers fantastic opportunities, and I’d love to learn more about your apprenticeship program and stay in contact.”

Another example message to a recruiter:

“Hello (NAME), I’m an aspiring engineering apprentice who is very interested in your company. I would love to connect and hear more about what your company is doing.”

Conclusion: Your LinkedIn Profile = Your Digital First Impression

With a little more effort and these seven hacks, you can turn your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool for landing a degree apprenticeship. Think of it as your online CV, networking hub, and personal brand—all in one place. If you do it right, you can supercharge your chances of landing a degree apprenticeship!

Ready to make recruiters reach out to you? Start optimising your profile today, and let Apprentice Launchpad help you craft a standout CV and cover letter to go with it.

👉 Arm yourself with our guide on how to write a standout CV for a degree apprenticeship!

👉 Read our guide on how to just stand out as a candidate!

👉 Turn degree apprenticeship rejection to opportunity with our guide from failure to success!