There are two ways to become a Modern Apprentice, either by asking your employer (you might be able to train in an existing job) - or by applying for a position as a Modern Apprentice.

Your local Careers Scotland centre (there are around 100 centres across Scotland) can help you find a company running the programme. The centres will also give you lots of information on training and other job opportunities.

If you know someone who's become a Modern Apprentice, talk to them. And make sure you chat over your plans with a careers adviser, based at a Careers Scotland centre.

Don't forget to regularly check the local and national press - they are a good source of vacancies for both jobs and courses.

Handy tips
Going for an interview
- Do some research. Visit your local library and talk to your
  Careers Scotland centre. Staff hold information on companies 
  and can help you prepare a CV.
- Do some interview role-play, for experience. Get someone 
  you know to act as the employer so you can rehearse some 
  answers to basic questions that an employer might ask. It's 
  also worthwhile to prepare some questions to ask the 
  interviewer. 
- Be sure of transport, location and how long it will take to get 
  there - it doesn't look good to arrive late for an interview.

At the Interview
- Be motivated. Dress smartly and be presentable - a good first 
  impression counts. 
- If you're nervous, don't forget it's normal and employers 
  expect this. Just be as confident as you can. 
- Speak slowly and clearly, maintain eye contact with the 
  interviewer and take a pause before answering each question.
- An interview will normally end with an opportunity to ask 
  questions about the job or the company. Don't be put on the 
  spot – prepare a few questions of your own. 
- Take along your Progress File (National Record of
   Achievements).

Great advice
Every year thousands of young people are faced with a series of difficult choices and decisions they may never have considered before. You could be one of them. Should you leave or stay on at school? Perhaps you should find a job, or go to university.

Careers Scotland centres across the country will help you consider all your options. They can tell you about Modern Apprenticeships and other schemes to help you. People still at school can also access careers advisers through school.

Why use the careers advisers?
Staff will help you:
- decide on a career which suits you 
- choose the right subjects to study
- get information on jobs, training or courses at college and 
  university
- fill in application forms and brush up your interview techniques
- access training and job vacancies.