Checklist for Migrants: All Documents & Tests (Including BKSB) to Start an Apprenticeship — What You Must Have Before Day One
If you’re a migrant planning to start an apprenticeship in the UK, one thing becomes clear very quickly: the process is packed with forms, ID checks, skills assessments, and compliance hoops to jump through. And while apprenticeships are one of the fastest, most affordable routes into high-quality employment, many applicants—especially newcomers to the UK—get delayed or rejected simply because they weren’t prepared with the right documents or didn’t pass the required tests.
This guide breaks down the ultimate checklist you need as a migrant to successfully start your apprenticeship. No fluff. No confusion. Just exactly what providers and employers expect.
And because one of the biggest stumbling blocks for international candidates is the BKSB assessment, you’ll also learn how to prepare and where to get the #1 practice test trusted by migrants—available now at WePrepYou.com.
Let’s get started.
✅ 1. Proof of Identity (You’ll Need More Than You Think)
Whether you’re applying for a Level 2, Level 3, or higher-level apprenticeship, training providers must confirm your identity.
Commonly accepted documents include:
- Passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- UK driving license (if you have one)
Tip: Some providers will ask for two forms of ID, so always keep digital copies handy.
✅ 2. Right-to-Work Evidence (This Is Non-Negotiable)
As a migrant, your immigration status must legally allow you to work in the UK. Apprenticeships count as employment, so you’ll need:
- Your BRP (showing your visa category and work permissions)
- Share Code from the UK government website (“Prove Your Right to Work” service)
Important:
If your visa has conditions like “authorized to work 20 hours during term time,” this may impact your eligibility. Skilled Worker dependants, Graduate Visa holders, and certain other categories typically have full work rights.
✅ 3. Proof of Address (Often Needed Twice!)
Many apprenticeship providers must verify your residence for compliance and funding.
Accepted documents include:
- Bank statement
- Tenancy agreement
- Utility bill
- Council tax letter
Tip: If you are new to the UK, opening a bank account early helps streamline everything.
✅ 4. National Insurance Number (Or Proof You’ve Applied)
You usually need:
- Your NI card
or - A letter confirming your NI number
or - Evidence you’ve applied (if you’re newly arrived)
Providers cannot process your apprenticeship paperwork without this.
❗ The Most Overlooked Requirement: The BKSB Assessment
Here’s where many migrants get stuck.
Almost all UK apprenticeship providers require you to complete an Initial Assessment in English and maths. The most common system used is the BKSB (Basic & Key Skills Builder).
What is BKSB?
It’s an online assessment that determines your current level in:
- English
- Maths
- IT (sometimes)
The results decide:
- Whether you qualify for the apprenticeship
- Whether you must complete Functional Skills alongside it
- Whether the provider can enrol you at all
🚨 If you fail the BKSB or score too low, your application can be delayed—or rejected entirely.
This is why preparation matters.
🎯 How Migrants Can Pass the BKSB on the First Attempt
The BKSB is not just about knowing English or maths. It’s about understanding:
- The format
- The question style
- The time pressure
- The online navigation
- UK-specific vocabulary
Even skilled migrants sometimes struggle because:
- English is their second language
- The maths includes UK-specific phrasing
- They haven’t taken a test in years
- The questions increase in difficulty quickly
The Solution: WePrepYou.com BKSB Practice Test
WePrepYou.com has created the most migrant-friendly, accurate BKSB-style practice test available online. It’s designed to mirror the real assessment so you’re not surprised by:
- Question types
- Difficulty progression
- Test structure
- UK terminology
Migrants love it because:
- It’s affordable
- Instant access
- No complicated sign-up
- Includes explanations, not just answers
- Works on mobile, laptop, or tablet
- Gives a real score estimate similar to your official BKSB level
If you’re serious about passing your apprenticeship screening, preparing for BKSB is non-negotiable—and waiting until the last minute is the #1 mistake candidates make.
⭐ 5. Qualification Certificates (If You Have Them)
Even if you’re starting at Level 2, providers will ask whether you have:
- GCSEs
- A-Levels
- Degrees
- Overseas qualifications
- Any vocational training
They also need to know if your qualifications were earned in English.
If your certificates are from outside the UK, you may need:
- ENIC statement of comparability
or - A simple provider assessment (BKSB usually covers this)
⭐ 6. CV or Employment History
Most apprenticeship providers now ask for a basic CV, even for entry-level roles.
As a migrant, include:
- Any international jobs
- Volunteering
- Skills learned abroad
- English language ability
- IT competence
A simple one-page CV is enough.
⭐ 7. Medical Clearance (For Certain Apprenticeships)
Not all apprenticeships require this, but the ones that do include:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Warehousing
- Engineering
- Nursing associate roles
You may need:
- Vaccination records
- Occupational health checks
- Fitness tests (rare but possible)
Keep any existing medical documents organised.
⭐ 8. DBS Check (Criminal Record Check)
For roles involving:
- Schools
- Healthcare
- Care homes
- Security
- Government contracts
You’ll need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
You usually provide:
- Passport
- BRP
- Address proof
- Previous address history (even outside the UK)
⭐ 9. Bank Account Details
Because apprenticeships are paid jobs, you must provide:
- UK bank sort code
- Account number
Most migrants open accounts with:
- Monzo
- Revolut
- Barclays
- Lloyds
⭐ 10. English-Language Proficiency (If Required)
Some employers may ask for:
- Evidence of English test results
or - To complete a provider’s internal assessment (often BKSB)
Again—BKSB preparation becomes crucial here.
🎉 Final Step: Prepare for BKSB and Secure Your Apprenticeship Faster
You can have all your documents ready… but if you’re not prepared for the BKSB assessment, your apprenticeship could be delayed by weeks or months.
That’s why thousands of migrants now use WePrepYou.com before booking their apprenticeship interviews.
🔥 Why WePrepYou BKSB practice tests go viral among migrants:
- They feel exactly like the real BKSB
- They build confidence fast
- They help you avoid test-day surprises
- They’re beginner-friendly
- They work perfectly even if English isn’t your first language
🎯 If you want to secure your apprenticeship without stress, visit WePrepYou.com and download your BKSB practice test today.
Your apprenticeship journey starts with preparation—and WePrepYou gives migrants the best chance at success.