Being an apprentice was common in olden times, but then it lost its popularity. However, in the last 20 years the government have started pushing the apprenticeship as an excellent way to boost the workforce and give young people the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time.
It tends to be that apprentices are used in the vocational type careers, such as plumbing, electrician, hairdresser etc., as these tend to be the things that can be taught ‘on the job’. It wouldn’t really be possible to learn to be a doctor in the same way.
Apprenticeships are normally advertised in the same way as normal jobs, and companies start looking at the time of year they know year 11 will be coming to the end of their GCSE exams. Keep an eye on the local paper and job centre if you are looking for an apprenticeship, and try and be a bit more proactive by approaching local firms with a letter introducing yourself. If possible you should include your CV.
You will have to attend an interview as for any job, so make sure you have a smart outfit ready, stay calm and be yourself. It would be useful to read up a bit on the internet about the trade you want to learn, so that you can sound knowledgeable at the interview. Remember they will be looking for someone who comes across as bright and ambitious, but someone who also accepts they have a lot to still learn.