Our Apprentice Journeys

Meghan’s apprenticeship opened a gateway that led to promotion

"As a young mother I was unable to undertake a more traditional degree route due to time and money constraints. Between my personal circumstances and a lack of confidence in myself, I presumed that a degree level qualification was something I could never achieve. But alongside raising my family and working, I have been able to complete both a Foundation Degree and an Applied Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship BSc. This was only possible with the flexibility of the apprenticeship."

Meghann Creffield, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Winner of Outstanding Contribution by an Apprentice to an Employer, at the Brighton and Hove Apprenticeships Awards 2021

Read about Meghann's journey during the peak of the pandemic

Liam’s journey from NVQ to university degree

"I’ve been working in the [construction] industry for about 7 years now. I started off as Apprentice Brick Layer through an NVQ, then went on to do a Higher National Certification in Building and the Environment, and now, my degree apprenticeship at the University of Brighton, all supported by my employer.

Liam Major, Croudace Homes Ltd, Construction Site Manager Degree Apprentice

More about Liam’s progression route

Celine wants to move towards management 

“I am aiming to move away from the clinical side of my job and into management, particularly international, within our parent company Vet Partners, who encourage development opportunities - so it was not a difficult conversation.”

Celine Le Rochais, Coastway Vets, Senior Leader Apprentice

Lyra’s employer believed in her and suggested a degree apprenticeship

"Prior to the apprenticeship, I haven’t had any formal education since the age of 16. I didn’t think I was academic enough and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. 

I worked my way up through various health and safety roles, which led to my employment with Southern Water who made me aware of this programme. I was super nervous at first, but it was an amazing thing to hear because it meant my employer really believed in me."

Lyra Ginns, Southern Water, Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentice

Balancing act for Karen, but rewards of masters are evident

“I'm halfway through and already I've seen a change in the way I apply new knowledge, how I support individuals and I’m more focussed in my strategy for everyday operations. 

It’s been a bit of a job balancing study, work and home life - but wow, I can already see the transformation after only a year. People must be prepared to dedicate the time - but it’s two years of worthwhile commitment and I’d highly recommend it"

Karen Jefford, Building Heroes, Senior Leader Apprentice

More about Karen’s decision

Katie makes the case for multiple apprenticeships

“I have been fortunate to progress in my career through two consecutive apprenticeships.

I think the need to have an apprenticeship route into nursing, is needed now more than ever as the current need for nurses and health care professionals grows. There is already a huge workforce within the NHS of health care assistants, who are highly skilled and are keen to progress.”

Katie Wilmshurst, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice

Read how Katie did it

Lewis worked through the Civil Engineer apprenticeship levels

"I started with a Level 3 Civil Engineering apprenticeship at college, which was sponsored by my current employer, and that led to the decision to take my education further up to degree level.

This degree apprenticeship gives me a good foundation to be able to progress within my company. My career goal is to become a fully-qualified civil engineer and I’m looking forward to building on what I’ve learnt so far."

Lewis Huston, South East Water, Civil Engineer Degree Apprentice

Hear from Lewis on his career development

Sam’s looking forward to studying again after 12 years out of uni

“I decided to do an apprenticeship after a discussion with my manager about my career development and the path I wanted to go in. My goal is to eventually become a Chief Data Officer and I’m hoping to gain more technical experience through this apprenticeship in order to achieve this. 

It’s been 12 years since I graduated from University, so I’m really looking forward to learning again.”

Sam Greene, Southern Water, Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist (Data Analytics) Masters Degree Apprentice

Mel’s building on her GCSEs and work experience at degree level

"I decided to do this apprenticeship because it allows me to work and study at the same time. It also means I can apply what I’m learning to real-word scenarios straight away.

I’m looking forward to being able to actively participate in technical conversations in the workplace, having had no formal education past GCSEs."

Mel Owen, Southern Water, Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentice