Apprentice Graduate Case Studies
Carly Ryan
Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician
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Since school, I knew I wanted to follow in my sibling’s footstep and become an Engineer. I loved the idea of being part of something that can influence or change the world, and to achieve it through an apprenticeship was without a doubt the best option for me. I considered university, but I loved the idea of learning practical skills at the same time as learning the theoretical side, plus you gain a qualification without thousands of pounds of tuition fees.
I started my Engineering Apprenticeship in 2017 after completing my A Levels. The company who supported me through my apprenticeship is Aeromet International, an aerospace and defence industry. Alongside completing my Level 3 Mechanical Engineering qualification, I also achieved Level 4 Higher National Certificate Mechanical Engineering. Once a week I attended a training provider called IPS International.
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IPS International has taught me practical engineering and theoretical engineering. It has taken 4 years of studying and many, many assignments later, I am proud to share that I achieved Distinctions across the board, in every subject. Part of the reason I believe I have been so successful is because I have genuinely loved the work and the ways of learning. It is (relatively) easy to put in the hard work and effort when you enjoy what you are learning.
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I am forever grateful to IPS International and Aeromet International for giving me the opportunity to study a subject so rare for women in this industry! My hope for the future is that becoming a women Engineer will not be such an unusual thing and hopefully my experience will help encourage other females to consider such a career path.
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I am now considering furthering my education to get a degree in engineering, and who knows, maybe even a Masters! Whatever I choose to do, I know that the apprenticeship has given me a tremendous platform on which to grow and thrive.
Georgia Chell
Accounts / Finance Assistant
I started my apprenticeship career in 2020 with MidKent College, originally for a customer service role. After expressing that I had more of an interest in Finance, to start with they created an apprentice role in the Corporate Finance team, within Accounts Payable. Since then, I have rapidly moved through the team, focusing on other functions including credit control and management accounts for the college. This way I got a taster of all the areas covered by the finance team.
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Upon completing my Level 2 in Accounting, I was offered a Level 3 apprenticeship. I felt as an apprentice that I was looked after, and my company really invested in me with their ongoing support. I have transitioned into a Trainee Management Accountant role, which I am thoroughly enjoying. It has shown me that apprenticeships do have room for progression and you are not disregarded like the stereotype. I was always passionate to progress and continuously be learning and developing. The apprenticeship route was perfect for me!
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In the development of my career, I am now a part of the Apprentice Ambassador Network for the Southeast where I am continuing my passion in inspiring others to consider doing an apprenticeship! I believed this would help with personal development and growth as I am beginning to learn the importance of networking.
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I have been extremely lucky with my apprenticeship. I am convinced if didn’t carry on going with my level 3, I would not have progressed from an apprentice to trainee. The key is to keep going because there were times where I really struggled with level 3. I look back now, and I am forever grateful I had motivating colleagues and managers around me who supported me.
After I have completed the apprenticeship part of my Level 3, I would wish to move up to Level 4 and maybe even one day go onto ACCA to become chartered. By doing an apprenticeship I have a much clearer vision of where I want to be in the future and what I want to achieve. It has been very rewarding and this year I got awarded Apprentice of the year as recognition for my hard work. We had been low staffed and I was helping all over the place in our department from training new starters to juggling my own tasks, it was a whirlwind but an enjoyable one to say the least!
Sharon Williams
Deputy Operations Manager in Urology - EKHUFT NHS
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I became very aware when looking at applications that came through to us, the qualifications people had. I knew I needed a qualification to progress, which is why I did the Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship with EKC Group and I have just moved into a new role as a Deputy Operations Manager.
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In an appraisal at work, where I was asked about what I would like to achieve in the future, I said I would like to progress and gain a qualification. Internal training was suggested, which would have been fine, but when apprenticeships started up again after lockdown there was no question, that was what I wanted to do, and I submitted an application then and there - driven by my desire to continue with education and progress. I walked in on that first day probably more nervous than any of the full-time students, but they probably just thought I was a tutor.
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I am convinced that if I didn’t complete this qualification, I would not have been considered for senior roles. I also enjoyed being in the classroom, the teachers, the learning, comradery, and the facilities were great. I am considering doing the Level 5 Operations Manager in the future, but it is a lot longer a course, so that will be something I will revisit later on. I will take a break from education for now to enjoy the new role, because you really do have to devote the time, but I have enjoyed it and I think I will miss that.
Victoria Lawrence-Rose
Programme Officer - Kent County Council's Financial Hardship Programme
After leaving school unsure of the right career path, I decided against attending university and went straight into the world of work. At the time, I worried about whether I’d made the right decision and whether this would put me behind others when progressing through my career. When searching for the right next step, I came across a Business Administration apprenticeship within the Skills and Employability service at Kent County Council. This opportunity provided a blend of practical work experience and formal education, allowing me to acquire new skills and understand the workings of a large public sector organisation with support and mentorship.
I finished this apprenticeship in 2019 and was lucky enough to graduate at the first Kent and Medway graduation ceremony. Soon after finishing this apprenticeship, I realised the further opportunities I had to grow in the organisation whilst completing the academic study I had left behind. So, I decided to do it again and started on a four year long degree apprenticeship programme in project management.
Undertaking this level of apprenticeship was challenging, but very rewarding. Completing my degree, whilst trying to excel in my job, was a constant juggling act. But doing so has taught me an array of skills, most notably prioritising and organisation. As well as the valuable experience of the programme itself, the apprenticeship route has enabled me to keep progressing through my career, obtaining promotions and providing me a platform to showcase my new learning.
I am now proud to say that all the hard work was worth it - I achieved a First Class Honours in my degree, a Distinction in the apprenticeship element, and am loving my current role as Programme Officer in KCC’s Financial Hardship Programme. I am and will always be a big advocate for apprenticeships and who knows maybe I will start my third at some point!
Lauren Shelby
Compliance Administrator- CXK Ltd
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I took the apprenticeship route partly because I came out of school with weak qualifications. I decided that an apprenticeship was right for me, because it meant I could gain the grades I needed, but could also work and earn at the same time.
I was given an incredible opportunity to complete my apprenticeship with CXK. I was provided with amazing support, they really helped broaden my knowledge on the qualification I was studying, but also helped build my confidence in a professional working environment. Being an apprentice in a large organisation can be daunting, but the people you are surrounded by can really make a difference.
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Looking back on my apprenticeship what I enjoyed the most was putting into practice what I was learning. I really feel that I have come out the other side a more confident person. I completed my apprenticeship in Business Administration Level 2, and am now working as a compliance administrator, which I am really enjoying!
My next steps are to potentially move onto Business Administration Level 3 to help further my career in Administration in the future.
Jake Milsom
Teaching Assistant Apprentice
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Whilst always knowing that I wanted to work in education but uncertain about what degree to pursue after completing A-levels, I decided to consider a TA apprenticeship through East Kent Colleges Group. My decision was made easier as I knew that I would be gaining on-the-job experience and a practical qualification that would support my PGCE training in later years.
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Through in-person and digital training, I have broadened my skill set in safeguarding, assessments, technology and child development – I am now more familiar with the current legislation and theories surrounding these areas.
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I completed my end-point assessment in May this year achieving a distinction grade in both my practical observation and professional discussion, allowing me to be awarded with a distinction overall. I am extremely chuffed with my final result and in particular, the positive comments made by the assessors who were fully aware of the effort I had put into my portfolio of evidence and performance on the day.
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Since then, I have been successful in winning the 2024 East Kent Apprenticeship Awards under the Education and Early Years category for ‘Apprentice of the Year’ after receiving a nomination from my apprenticeship trainer. I feel incredibly privileged and grateful to receive this award as it proves my hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.
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I am glad to say that I have accepted an offer to study Geography at Canterbury Christ Church University in September 24 with the intention of completing my PGCE shortly after.