Applying for an apprenticeship can be a great way to earn while you learn, gain practical experience and work towards a recognised qualification. Whether you are applying after school, changing career or returning to work, employers and training providers may ask for documents before confirming your place.
Preparing your ID, certificates and employment paperwork early can help avoid delays with applications, interviews and enrolment.
Proof of identity
You will usually need to prove who you are before starting an apprenticeship.
Common documents include:
- passport
- driving licence
- birth certificate
- biometric residence permit, where relevant
- share code, where relevant
- name change document, if applicable
Your name should match your application and qualification records.
Right to work documents
Employers must check your right to work before you start.
You may need:
- UK or Irish passport
- share code
- birth certificate with national insurance evidence
- immigration status document
- residence permit, where relevant
If your right to work is digital, make sure your share code is current when the employer asks for it.
National insurance number
Your national insurance number is usually needed for payroll and employment records.
You may provide it using:
- national insurance letter
- payslip
- P45
- P60
- HMRC letter
- personal tax account details
Keep this ready before your start date.
GCSE certificates
Many apprenticeships ask for GCSE evidence, especially for English and maths.
You may need:
- GCSE English certificate
- GCSE maths certificate
- science certificate, for some roles
- certified statement of results, if certificates are lost
- school or exam board confirmation
If your certificates are missing, contact your exam board or school as early as possible.
Other qualification certificates
Depending on the apprenticeship level, you may need other education records.
This may include:
- A-level certificates
- BTEC certificates
- college certificates
- functional skills certificates
- previous apprenticeship records
- training certificates
- professional qualifications
Check the entry requirements before applying.
CV and references
Employers may ask for a CV and references to understand your experience, reliability and suitability for the role.
References may come from:
- teacher
- tutor
- previous employer
- manager
- volunteer supervisor
- coach or mentor
Ask referees for permission before sharing their details.
Proof of address
Proof of address may be needed for HR, payroll, training provider records or background checks.
Common documents include:
- bank statement
- utility bill
- council tax letter
- driving licence
- HMRC letter
- tenancy agreement
The document should usually be recent and show your full name and address.
DBS check documents
Some apprenticeships need a DBS check, especially in healthcare, childcare, education, care work or roles involving vulnerable people.
You may need:
- proof of identity
- proof of address
- address history
- previous names
- birth certificate
- passport or driving licence
The employer or training provider will usually explain the process.
Name change documents
If your certificates or ID show different names, prepare evidence linking them.
Useful documents include:
- marriage certificate
- change of name deed
- divorce document
- statutory declaration
- adoption certificate
This can prevent delays with enrolment and employment checks.
Common mistakes to avoid
Apprenticeship applications can be delayed by missing or inconsistent documents.
Common issues include:
- GCSE certificates are lost
- English or maths evidence is missing
- right to work documents are not ready
- share code has expired
- national insurance number is unavailable
- references are delayed
- proof of address is too old
- name differs across documents
- DBS information is incomplete
Final thoughts
Applying for an apprenticeship usually involves documents for identity, right to work, payroll, qualifications, references and sometimes DBS checks. GCSE English and maths evidence is especially important for many apprenticeship routes.
Preparing your documents before applying can help you move quickly when an employer or training provider asks for evidence.