Apprentice spotlights

What is your job role?

Finance Officer.

Apprenticeship (title and level):

CIMA & Level 7.

What was your route into apprenticeship?

I was recruited as an apprentice .

How has this apprenticeship helped you to grow professionally?

This has helped me grow professionally by helping my understanding of professional behaviour such as being able to help my communication to internal and external people and how i present myself as a person. It's also helped me grow my confidence being able to own a meeting I set up by being able to voice my opinions.

How has your confidence or skillset improved since starting (or completing the apprenticeship?

My confidence has significantly improved since the start of my apprenticeship, I'm now able to actively be involved in budget meetings taking control off these and offering my opinions to the schools. My skills have significantly improved since starting with not just the information I was learning on my course but also the valuable information, I have been able to acquire on the job with all the different people I work with.

How do you think this apprenticeship will help you to prepare for the next steps in your career?

This apprenticeship has helped me prepare for my future by shaping my progression in this role and the future of where I'm able to move forward. The qualification I am aiming to achieve will unlock a lot of potential for me within the trust and outside the trust.

How has your mentor supported you in your growth?

My mentor has supported me constantly in my growth offering to put me on additional internal courses for my own personal gain and to help boost my confidence.

Why would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?

I would recommend an apprenticeship as your able to earn a wage whilst also being able to work getting firsthand experience as well instead of just studying and not getting any actual experience in the industry that can be linked back to what I learn.

In one sentence, how would you describe your experience on the apprenticeship programme?

It's been a real joy to be able to learn whilst studying.

What is your current job role?

Business Operations Manager.

Has your role changed since completing the apprenticeship?

Yes.

Apprenticeship (title and level):

Business Administrator Level 3.

What was your route into apprenticeship?

I chose to complete an apprenticeship as part of my professional development .

How did this apprenticeship help you to grow professionally?

I was an Office manager whilst completing my apprenticeship. Since completing the apprenticeship, I have progressed into the role of Business Operations Manager. The knowledge and confidence I gained through the programme helped me take on greater responsibility, lead with more assurance, and contribute to organisational improvements on a broader scale. It has been a key foundation in my career progression, and I’m proud to be an example of how apprenticeships can support genuine development and advancement.

How did your confidence or skillset improve as a result of your apprenticeship?

My apprenticeship significantly improved both my confidence and skillset. It strengthened my core administrative and organisational abilities and helped me approach tasks more strategically. I became more assured in decision‑making, communicating with colleagues, and managing wider responsibilities. This boost in confidence directly supported my progression from Office Manager to Business Operations Manager.

How did this apprenticeship impact your career?

The apprenticeship had a direct and positive impact on my career. It strengthened my skills, increased my confidence, and helped me develop a more strategic approach to my work. As a result, I was able to take on greater responsibility and progress from Office Manager to Business Operations Manager.

How did your mentor support you during the apprenticeship?

My mentor provided invaluable support throughout my apprenticeship. They offered clear guidance, regular check‑ins, and constructive feedback that helped me stay focused and build confidence. They were always available to answer questions, talk through challenges, and help me apply what I was learning to real situations in my role. Their encouragement and practical advice played a key part in my successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Why would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?

I would recommend an apprenticeship to others because it gives you the chance to apply what you learn directly to your role, which makes the training far more meaningful and effective. Apprenticeships also build confidence, open up career progression opportunities, and provide support from mentors who genuinely want to help you succeed. It’s a great way to grow professionally while still contributing to your workplace.

In one sentence, how would you describe your experience on the apprenticeship programme?

My experience on the apprenticeship programme was empowering and instrumental in helping me grow both professionally and personally.

What is your current job role?

Level 1 IT Technician.

Has your role changed since completing the apprenticeship?

Yes.

Apprenticeship (title and level):

Level 3 - Information Communications Technician (Cloud Network Specialist).

What was your route into apprenticeship?

I was recruited as an apprentice .

How did this apprenticeship help you to grow professionally?

My apprenticeship helped me to kickstart my career in IT and give me a permanent role in the IT Services team. I also gained a lot of knowledge that doesn't come up in day-to-day work, which I've used to support me in my work and can aid me in future roles.

How did your confidence or skillset improve as a result of your apprenticeship?

Gaining confidence in customer service was a part of my apprenticeship that gave me the framework to respond to end users in a professional manner. I have since managed to build on this and develop friendly, long-lasting work relationships with many customers and external suppliers.

How did your mentor support you during the apprenticeship?

I didn't receive a lot of support from my first mentor, although I was given some breaks in learning to deal with personal matters. After switching to a new mentor, I managed to finish my apprenticeship promptly and with good results. However, I am aware that we no longer use the company I did my apprenticeship under due to multiple apprentices having issues with mentors.

Why would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?

I learn best when working hands-on with the theory I'm being taught, and an apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to do just that. You can put your knowledge into practise immediately and give it context to further improve what you know. An apprenticeship has allowed me to earn money whilst learning and step onto the professional ladder when other options, like university, weren't best for me.

In one sentence, how would you describe your experience on the apprenticeship programme?

Challenging but worth the outcome.

What is your job role?

Recruitment Administrator

Apprenticeship (title and level):

CIPD Level 5

Where are you based?

RKLT Central Office

What was your route into apprenticeship?

I chose to complete an apprenticeship as part of my professional development.

How has this apprenticeship helped you to grow professionally?

An apprenticeship has helped me grow professionally by pushing me to try new things, approach tasks in new ways, and enhance my knowledge. Being part of a supportive team has improved how I communicate my ideas and given me the confidence to question processes and suggest new ways of working. Regular support and feedback have allowed me to continuously grow and improve.

How has your confidence or skillset improved since starting (or completing the apprenticeship?

My apprenticeship has helped me build knowledge, confidence, and skills that support me in my role now and prepare me for future opportunities. Knowing that my team supports me and encourages my development makes the hard work worthwhile and gives me confidence in the work I deliver.

How do you think this apprenticeship will help you to prepare for the next steps in your career?

I chose to complete a Level 5 apprenticeship to prepare myself for future progression. It allows me to add greater value to my team while continuing to build my knowledge and confidence, pushing me to stretch myself and grow professionally.

How has your mentor supported you in your growth?

My mentor has always taken the time to listen to my ideas and offer thoughtful, constructive feedback, which has helped us shape new processes and continually grow and improve. This support has really built my confidence and self-belief and made me feel genuinely valued as a member of the team. I feel supported and respected, and the shared knowledge across different areas helps me bring theory to life through practical, real-world examples.

Why would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?

Apprenticeships offer a valuable opportunity to learn and grow, with something to suit everyone. They are challenging but rewarding, requiring hard work and commitment, and a critical part of success is time management. Apprenticeships allow you to gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge and are especially beneficial for changing career direction or building on existing knowledge in preparation for future growth and progression.

In one sentence, how would you describe your experience on the apprenticeship programme?

An apprenticeship is a challenging and rewarding journey that stretches you, builds self-belief, and brings the excitement of learning and growing in a real-world environment.