Finance & accounting

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

Some employers will expect you to have a degree.

Relevant subjects include:

• English
• business management
• sales and marketing
• law

You could also study a subject relevant to an industry you want to specialise in, like IT, civil engineering or housing.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by completing a bid and proposal co-ordinator advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as a trainee or junior bid writer. You’ll usually need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Many employers will prefer you to have at least A levels.

You may also be able to work your way up through administrative jobs, especially in bid writing companies.

Other routes

The Association of Bid & Proposal Management Professionals offers qualifications for people working in bid and proposal writing.

More information

Career tips

A professional marketing qualification may help you find work.

If you're preparing bids for international funding, the ability to speak other languages can help.

Experience in writing or research may be helpful when applying for work as a bid writer.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Association of Bid Proposal Management Professionals for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

View all vacancies in this region

You could become a team leader, senior bid writer or bids and proposals manager.

You could also transfer your skills to other kinds of technical writing or contract management.