If you’ve ever typed “apprenticeships near me” into Google and felt overwhelmed by the endless results, you’re not alone. The truth is, finding the right apprenticeship — one that’s close enough to commute to, fits your interests, and offers solid career prospects — takes a bit more strategy than just clicking the first link you see.
Whether you’re fresh out of school, changing careers, or just curious about a hands-on learning route, this guide will show you how to:
Search smarter for local opportunities
Spot the signs of a quality apprenticeship
Use online tools to make employers come to you
Typing “apprenticeships near me” is a great start — but you can make your search more targeted. Add your town, city, or postcode to the search, like:
Apprenticeships in Manchester
Engineering apprenticeships near Bristol
Business admin apprenticeship CV37
You can also filter results on the Not Going to Uni Apprenticeship Finder by location, so you only see roles within your preferred travel distance.
Many smaller employers don’t advertise nationally — they rely on local networks. Here’s where to look:
Local college apprenticeship teams often have exclusive opportunities.
Job fairs in your area (check your council’s events page).
LinkedIn local groups for your town or region.
Pro tip: Follow companies in your area on social media. Many post apprenticeship openings there first.
A great local apprenticeship should offer:
Structured training (with a clear qualification at the end)
Fair pay (at least the apprenticeship minimum wage — ideally more)
Real progression opportunities (do they hire apprentices as full-time staff?)
Before applying, check reviews of the employer on sites like Glassdoor to get a sense of what it’s like to work there.
Instead of only searching for apprenticeships near you, make your profile visible to recruiters:
Create a profile on Not Going to Uni with your skills, interests, and location.
Set your CV to searchable on job boards.
Network at industry-specific meetups — sometimes, just one conversation can lead to an offer.
Before you apply, check:
Travel time: Is it realistic daily?
Transport options: Bus/train routes and costs.
Work hours: Will shifts fit around public transport schedules?
If it’s going to be exhausting or expensive to get there, it might not be the best fit long-term.
The perfect apprenticeship near you isn’t just about proximity — it’s about opportunity, training quality, and long-term career growth. By combining smart searches with local networking and a solid application strategy, you’ll be miles ahead of the competition (without actually travelling miles).
