Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

At Prospere Learning Trust, we invest in all our staff to achieve their potential and are committed to being a great place to learn, work and grow. Apprenticeships play a vital role in our professional development strategy, equipping colleagues with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their roles while strengthening our organisation as a whole.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we recognise the impact that high-quality training and career development opportunities can have on individuals and teams across the Trust. Through our apprenticeship programme, we align learning with the evolving needs of our schools and services, ensuring that every opportunity supports both personal progression and organisational excellence.

Join us in championing apprenticeships and celebrating the achievements of those who are learning, growing, and making a difference every day. 

Explore just a selection of our apprentice journeys below.  We also utilise Apprenticeships in the Catering Team, and expect to see many more opportunities for apprenticeships in the coming years.

Empowering People Through Apprenticeships : Omaima's HR Experience

I was inspired to pursue an HR apprenticeship because it offered the ideal combination of practical experience and structured learning. My passion has always been rooted in understanding how organisations support, develop, and empower their people. The apprenticeship provided me with invaluable real-world exposure to core HR functions while deepening my knowledge in critical areas such as employee relations, recruitment, and performance management.

‘This journey has been truly transformative for both my career and personal growth.’

Professionally, it equipped me with hands-on experience that boosted my confidence in managing various HR responsibilities, from overseeing recruitment processes to contributing to employee engagement initiatives. On a personal level, it significantly enhanced my communication, problem-solving, and time management skills, as I navigated the challenge of balancing professional duties with academic commitments.

One of the biggest challenges was balancing the demands of my job with the academic requirements of the apprenticeship. To overcome this, I developed strong time management skills, setting clear priorities and creating a schedule that allowed me to meet deadlines without compromising the quality of my work. I also leaned on my mentors and colleagues for support, which helped me stay motivated and on track.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, my advice would be to embrace every learning opportunity with an open mind and a proactive attitude. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—curiosity is a powerful tool for growth. Seek feedback, take initiative, and be prepared to manage your time efficiently.

‘Balancing work and study can be challenging, but the rewards, both professionally and personally, are well worth the effort.’

Prospere Learning Trust has provided me with the right tools and support to help me successfully complete my apprenticeship and achieve my academic goals, for which I am deeply grateful.

Returning to Study : Simon's Journey In Finance

I was looking to do the CIPS qualification in my own time and discussed with my manager whether there might be the opportunity for any funding towards it. My manager found that I could do the qualification through the Apprenticeship scheme which was perfect for me. I have enjoyed the process of being able to study again. I finished University over 15 years ago and haven’t had the opportunity to study since, so I’ve felt very fortunate to do so again. 

‘I have enjoyed that I’ve been able to learn lots of theory that can feed into my daily job.’

The challenges have been around finding the time in the evenings particularly leading up to exams, but I have always been allocated a weekly study day to do much of the work. My hope is that I can use everything I have learnt and work closely on procurement projects, and eventually that my full-time vocation for the Trust is in Procurement. 

My advice to somebody thinking about doing an apprenticeship would be to firstly make sure it’s something they are going to be interested in, because it can take up a lot of your time. But once certain about course, go for it, because the Trust provides a very supportive environment in making it a success.

Launching a Career in IT : Ben's Apprenticeship Journey

Doing an apprenticeship appealed to me because of the hands on experience, it’s a great way to integrate yourself into a business / career whilst in Education. You gain valuable skills from real world scenarios. 

Around 20 months ago I wasn't involved in IT in a working capacity, pursuing this job through the apprenticeship has enabled me to solidify my career doing what I enjoy whilst gaining full time employment post apprenticeship. It was a great way to attain qualifications whilst working full time. 

Naturally learning and working in a full time job at the same time can be difficult to manage. Time management is key, if you engage in good time management everything generally will fall into place.

In terms of learning I had great mentors within the Prospere Learning Trust as well as the information provided from the coaches on the course. 

For anyone with little or no experience looking to kickstart their career, an apprenticeship is a great alternative to traditional full-time education. If you’re engaged and willing to learn, it can open doors to exciting career opportunities. The skills I developed during my apprenticeship continue to help me in my day-to-day role.

Building a Future in Finance : Myriam's Apprenticeship Journey

I chose an apprenticeship because it offers the perfect balance of hands-on experience and learning, allowing me to develop real skills while working alongside professionals in my field. It’s a great way to kickstart my career and gain practical knowledge that will set me up for long-term success.

 ‘I really enjoy my apprenticeship because my colleagues and tutor are incredibly supportive and friendly.’ 

Their guidance and teamwork make learning enjoyable and help me grow both personally and professionally.

Some challenges during an apprenticeship include managing the balance between learning and work, facing new tasks outside of your comfort zone, and dealing with moments of self-doubt. To tackle them, I'm trying to stay organised, ask for feedback, ask questions. I also try to stay positive, communicate with my colleagues and tutor, and focus on building my skills one step at a time.

My apprenticeship is giving me hands-on experience, valuable skills, and industry insights that are directly shaping my future career. I'm gaining practical knowledge, building a professional network, and learning from experts, all of which will give me a strong foundation as I move forward in my field.

An apprenticeship is a great way to gain real-world experience, build your skills, and make valuable connections in your chosen industry. You'll have the chance to learn from experienced professionals while earning, which can set you up for success in the long run. Just be open to learning, ask questions, and take advantage of every opportunity to grow.

Follow the National Apprenticeship Week Campaign on social media with hashtag #NAW25