It’s nearly here: the end of the road. Completing your apprenticeship is mega exciting, but the celebration can fall a bit flat if there’s no job guaranteed on the other side. Your apprenticeship is already a massive achievement and a fantastic launchpad for your career – yet reliable employment really is the cherry on the cake.
Didn’t get an offer? Don’t panic – your luck hasn’t run out yet. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can get your shot at negotiating a permanent role, and how to give it your best go.
What happens when your apprenticeship ends, and are you guaranteed a job?
One of the last things you’ll do during your apprenticeship is an End Point Assessment (EPA), which evaluates the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the course. Once you’ve successfully passed your EPA, you become a fully qualified professional in your field! It’s a huge achievement and means you are now ready for a permanent role. So, what happens next?
It’s important to know that your employer is not legally obligated to offer you a permanent job. Most companies see apprentices as a long-term investment, so they’re often keen to keep you on. In fact, many apprentices will secure a full-time role with the same employer who trained them – and the odds are often in your favour.
What to do if your employer doesn’t offer a post-apprenticeship job
It can be disappointing if your employer doesn’t offer you a permanent role, but you shouldn’t see it as a failure. Your apprenticeship is already a massive achievement and a fantastic launchpad for your career, and a full-time job really seals the deal.
After the sadness and frustration have subsided, it’s time to focus. Securing a permanent role requires a strategic approach; after all, you’re in the real world of work now, not just messing about at school. Convincing your manager that you deserve a job could be one of the biggest things you’ve ever done.
6 tips for negotiating a permanent role
So, you didn’t get a job offer. Onwards and upwards – here’s what you can do about it.
- Talk to your manager early
The best way to make the transition is to start talking to your line manager early, usually a few months before your end date. Being proactive shows your commitment to the company and gives your employer enough time to plan and find a suitable role for you. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
- Review your progress and achievements
Before you go into the meeting, take some time to reflect on your journey. Make a list of:
- Your biggest wins and how they positively impacted the company
- The projects you’ve contributed to and what you did
- The skills you’ve mastered and how you have applied them to your role
- What you like most about the team and company
You’ve really got to think hard about how you’ve added value; having specific examples will make your case much stronger and prove that keeping you on is a smart business decision.
- Schedule an appropriate time and place
Don’t spring this conversation on your manager in the middle of a busy workday. Speak to them in person or via email to request a one-on-one meeting. A private, formal setting ensures they can give you their full attention.
- Plan the conversation’s structure
The best advice you can get is: think about what you want to say. The flow of the conversation is super important for setting a positive tone and maintaining professionalism. A good structure to follow is:
- Firstly, start by thanking your manager for the opportunity and expressing how much you’ve enjoyed your apprenticeship.
- Then, confidently state your desire to secure a permanent position.
- Now, it’s the ‘why.’ Talk about concrete examples of your achievements and how you’ve positively impacted the team – use the list you already made.
- Finally, conclude by asking what the next steps are.
- Consult with your training partner
Your training partner cares about your success, and it doesn’t harm to have a conversation with them about alternative opportunities. Training partners have connections to other companies that might be hiring valuable, newly qualified team members.
- Prepare for objection and rejection
Not every conversation will work out in your favour, which is a great (and sometimes painful) life lesson. For example, if they say there’s no budget, you could ask if a role might be available in the next quarter. If they say no, accept the decision with kindness and professionalism.
If the company genuinely can’t or won’t offer you a role, you can still ask for feedback or a reference. Alternatively, offer to stay in touch to keep them in your professional network for the future.
Find your perfect apprenticeship today
No matter what happens, don’t forget to celebrate the end of your apprenticeship by giving yourself a huge pat on the back. You’ve gained real-world experience that sets you apart in the job market, and skills to last you a lifetime.
Whether you successfully negotiate a permanent role with your current employer or find a fantastic new opportunity elsewhere, the days of being a student are over.
Still at the beginning of your journey? Browse our carefully curated list of the UK’s Best Apprenticeships online.
