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.
Read Carly's full story here... 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. ​ 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.
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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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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Read Georgia's full story here... 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! ​ 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. ​ 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!
Read Sharon's full story here... 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. ​ 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.
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Read Victoria's full story here... 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!
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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Read Jake's full story here.. 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. ​ 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.
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.
Amy Johnson
​Level 3 Information Communications Technician
Amphenol Ltd
I began my apprenticeship in 2023 with Amphenol Ltd, studying the Level 3 Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship Standard with IPS International. Before that, I started out at university, but after a year and a half, I realised I wanted a more hands-on, career-focused learning experience. That’s when I turned to apprenticeships—they offered the perfect opportunity to gain real-world experience while working towards a recognised qualification.
John Benfield
Business Development Manager / Trustee Director / Senior Leadership Team - Horizonscan
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Early Ambitions & Entering the Workforce
Leaving school with disappointing A-levels, I believed my formal education was over. I entered the workplace, working in Retail banking and the English-language learning sector. I consistently found myself in leadership roles, working my way from entry level, prompted by my drive to create opportunities and support others. At Horizonscan, an employee-owned consultancy, my line manager, Will Scobie, encouraged me to look at the Senior Leader programme (MBA) at Kent Business School as part of our company's drive for constant CPD. This path changed my perspective on education and leadership.
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Why the University of Kent?
Despite past academic struggles with motivation and exams, the MBA’s blend of practical assignments, group projects, and presentations appealed to me. Kent’s triple accreditation, strong reputation, and convenient location helped me commit. My company and family supported my decision, giving me the confidence to take on this challenge.
Read John's full story here... Balancing Work, Family, and Study: Starting the programme was no small feat. I had a full-time role as the primary sales contact at Horizonscan, a one-year-old and a four-year-old at home, and limited experience with university-level writing. Fortunately, my company assured me I’d have the necessary time off to study, and my cohort became a lifeline. We came from diverse industries—NHS, pharmaceuticals, property, golf tourism, steel—and supported each other academically and personally. This sense of community and shared struggle was a constant source of reassurance and motivation. I quickly discovered how much I loved the interactive modules. Although I’d already honed my presentation skills, the assessments pushed me to become a truly accomplished public speaker and a confident group leader, even in modules that fell outside my comfort zone. Most Valuable Aspects: Confidence and Community The modules in which I naturally excelled—entrepreneurship, innovation, and marketing—gave me confidence in my existing strengths. Yet the challenging courses, such as finance and business analytics, truly stretched my abilities. Tracking my progress through apprenticeship evidence helped me see how much I was growing at work and in the classroom. This journey of personal growth and development was inspiring and hopeful, showing me that significant progress is always possible with dedication and hard work. My cohort’s camaraderie and the wider University of Kent community reinforced my emerging leadership identity. I often led group projects, especially when others needed guidance. Being elected as a student representative in only my second module was a standout moment, as I received a heartfelt letter from a younger classmate who said I’d inspired her. That kind of feedback underscored how important it is to share knowledge and uplift the people around you. By the end, I’d made friends for life, people I genuinely love and consider as close as family. Challenges and How I Overcame Them: There were moments when balancing full-time work, family, and academic deadlines felt overwhelming, especially when work travel forced me to postpone a module and complete three modules quickly. However, with the incredible support from my company, cohort, and family, I overcame these hurdles. Their encouragement and flexibility, even giving me extra time off, ensured I stayed on track and continued learning steadily. These moments of triumph, when I overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges, were some of the most rewarding in my journey. Impact on My Career Completing the Senior Leader programme has elevated my career in multiple ways. I now hold a trustee-director position at my employee-owned company and have joined the Horizonscan Senior Leadership Team, where I contribute more strategically. Public speaking and networking opportunities have multiplied; I’ve delivered presentations worldwide and grown a significant LinkedIn following across various industries. I also serve as a mentor to emerging professionals, both within my organisation and in the broader Lloyd’s market. On a practical level, the MBA gave me new confidence in strategic planning and financial management. I no longer shy away from board-level pitches or in-depth analysis. The program helped me see how my existing strengths, like communication and sales, fit into a bigger, more strategic picture. Advice for Future Senior Leader Apprentices: My most significant advice is to commit and embrace the journey entirely. If you have the support of your company and family, you can succeed. Be open-minded, friendly, and eager to learn, and don’t be intimidated by academic requirements. Set clear expectations with your employer about needing time for assignments and lean on your cohort for help. Most importantly, believe in yourself: if I can do it, anyone can. Looking Ahead: My aspirations include stepping into a Managing Director role, integrating AI-driven solutions into crisis management, and embedding sustainability principles in business operations. I’m determined to develop formal mentorship programs to support rising talent. Emotional intelligence will remain central to my leadership approach, and I plan to continue refining these skills through reflective practice, executive coaching, and hands-on experience. Ultimately, the Senior Leader programme at the University of Kent has been transformative. Despite initially viewing my educational past as a closed chapter, I discovered that the proper structure, supportive colleagues, and personal determination can rekindle a passion for learning and leading. I look forward to harnessing these insights to foster ethical, strategic, and emotionally intelligent leadership in my career and those I mentor.
Read Amy's full story here... In my role, I was responsible for daily system checks, managing helpdesk tickets, and supporting users with hardware, software, networking, and security issues. No two days were ever the same. I also got involved in a range of ongoing projects, which really helped me build my technical skills. Alongside that, I’ve developed stronger communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities—especially when working with different departments or breaking down technical issues in a way everyone can understand. Since completing my apprenticeship, I’ve been given more responsibility and have taken on more project-based work. One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on was programming a UR5 Cobot—something I’d never done before! To anyone considering an apprenticeship, my advice is: just go for it. It’s a brilliant way to build confidence, gain real experience, and kickstart your career from day one. For me, it’s been a challenging, rewarding, and truly career-defining journey.