National Apprenticeship Week: Magna celebrates homegrown talent

Whether you’re a recent school or college leaver, or have been working for a while but want a new path, an apprenticeship could be for you. They deliver practical skills and real, long-term career opportunities.

“We currently have 18 apprentices on our team at Magna (in business administration, IT systems, property maintenance, plumbing and electrical apprenticeships) and later this year we’ll be recruiting more apprentices across three of our teams,” says Dani Davies, Magna’s Talent Acquisition Manager.

“Apprenticeships aren’t an easy option – they’re a lot of hard work and an increasingly popular choice for people of all ages. We see high numbers of applications for our apprenticeships, so competition is stiff. It’s important to treat your application seriously and do your research, and – if you're offered an interview – make sure you arrive fully prepared.”

Here are some top tips to help anyone thinking of applying for an apprenticeship:

1. Show us what makes you different

You don’t need masses of work experience – we’re just as interested in your personal qualities and interests. Tell us about yourself, what’s inspired you, and what you do in your spare time. School projects, hobbies and family experiences can all help show your passion, curiosity, reliability or creativity.

2. Write a genuine personal statement (give AI a miss)

Tempting as it is to use AI to write your personal statement, we can spot it a mile off. It’s your voice we want to hear. So, take your time and tell us why the apprenticeship you’re applying for excites you, where you hope it might lead, and how your personality aligns with our values. Be authentic – that’s what will make us notice you.

3. Spend time on a good covering letter

If we ask for a covering letter, please include one. We read them all! It gives us a feel for who you are – far more than a list of grades ever can. Think of it as a chance to speak directly to us before we meet.

4. Tell us why you want this opportunity

Whatever your education, experience and background, tell us why you’re applying (have you always wanted to retrain but never had the chance, for example?). Show how you can bring benefit to the company.

5. Don’t think apprenticeships are only for school leavers

We’re here to help you develop your skills – it doesn’t matter what age you are. You might be a school leaver, or you may have already explored a career route or two. It’s your attitude and motivation we’re interested in. If you are a younger applicant, don’t let your parents apply on your behalf! We need to hear from you.

6. Get to know us before you apply

Be sure to do your research. Take time to look at our website, read our values, and understand our culture. If you like what you read, tell us – and tell us why it resonates with you. We want to work with people who understand our ambitions.

7. Introduce yourself

Come and chat if you spot us at local recruitment events or careers fairs. We’re a friendly bunch, and it’s a great chance to tell us about your hopes and aspirations, and ask questions. A face‑to‑face chat can make all the difference, and it gives you a head start on the competition.

8. Think about your future with us

Know where you’re heading. Our teams at Magna perform a huge range of different jobs – from electrical, plumbing and other trade roles, to professional services positions in housing, customer service, finance, marketing, planning, legal, procurement, and more. Apprenticeships are an important way to learn new skills and gain experience, but they can also be a great stepping stone to a management career. Think ahead and if you aspire to lead a team (or join a different department) in the future, tell us!

“At the end of the day, we want to see the person behind the application, so we can understand what you're after and how we can help," finishes Dani.

“We have one colleague who joined us as a Business Administration apprentice after working as a carpenter on building sites. He brought masses of curiosity and is now an integral part of our People team. That shows just how powerful an apprenticeship can be, regardless of your age, background or experience.”

Keep an eye on the careers page of Magna’s website for current opportunities.

Celebrating homegrown talent

Paul Purkis, Compliance Manager at Magna, tells us a bit more about apprenticeship recruitment at Magna and the impact apprentices are having.

“We have a clear ambition to invest in apprentices in specialist areas where there are national skills shortages," says Paul. "Take our electrical and heating teams, for example. Since 2022, we’ve seen seven apprentices successfully complete apprenticeships in those areas, and all of them have secured permanent positions with us. 

"We’ve now expanded our commitment, creating eight new apprenticeship opportunities. We'd like to have apprentices at each stage of learning (years one, two, three and four), so we can develop and maintain a consistent pipeline of homegrown professionals, and build a resilient homegrown workforce for the future.”

Magna works with local colleges to make sure apprentices receive high quality technical and academic training. The team also works with local contractors, who support apprentices with training that falls outside Magna’s core areas of work, helping them to gain real‑world experience in specialist environments.

Apprentices are mentored within Magna by skilled supervisors, who guide them on a day-to-day basis, shaping their technical competence and helping them develop into capable professionals.

“It’s this collaboration between our partners and colleagues that strengthens the overall learning journey for our apprentices, helping them to take on their future roles with confidence,” finishes Paul.

In 2024, Magna apprentice Dylan Holmes was awarded Weymouth College’s Apprentice of the Year, showcasing the exceptional outcomes that can be achieved when talent is nurtured and supported.

Find out what it’s like to be an apprentice with Magna.