National Apprenticeship Week is here! A time to shine a light on the power of hands-on learning and real-world experience. Apprenticeships offer more than just a foot in the door; they provide a practical pathway to skill development, career growth, and long-term success. They’re a fantastic opportunity for individuals to learn by doing and for organisations to build a diverse, talented workforce.
To mark the occasion, we sat down with our Digital Learning Manager, Kim Eade, to chat about her apprenticeship journey, what she gained from it, why more employers should consider apprenticeships, and how her experience has even influenced the way Learning Nexus approaches learning and development.
What made you choose an apprenticeship over other further education?
I always wanted to continue learning and growing, but I knew that staying in school or heading to university wasn’t for me. After completing my A-Levels, I was eager for a different approach, one that balanced education with real-world experience.
At the same time, I wasn’t ready to jump straight into a full-time job with no structured learning. An apprenticeship felt like the perfect middle ground. I explored various options and eventually found an apprenticeship in Business Administration that piqued my interest.
Did you have any expectations for what an apprenticeship might be like?
I expected an apprenticeship to be less formal than university, which really appealed to me. I also wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do career-wise, so this path gave me the chance to explore different roles while still earning and learning.
Unlike some apprenticeships that involve college days, mine was full-time on job, with an assessor checking my progress. This setup allowed me to immerse myself in the workplace and gain hands-on experience that I might not have had in a traditional classroom setting. I was lucky enough to complete both NVQ level 2 and 3 during my 1 year as an apprentice.
Through my apprenticeship, I discovered my love for organisational work, a skill set that has shaped my entire career. I still find joy in the smallest or most repetitive job because I can see the bigger impact it has on the wider business.
Can you think of any standout moments or challenges from the apprenticeship?
Absolutely. During my time at Gloucester City Council, I had the opportunity to lead a campaign to increase charity donations from internal staff. This was especially meaningful to me because at the time I had a close link to a charity.
I lost a friend to cancer at a young age, and before she passed, she had been raising money for a charity that supported her. I shared her story with my colleagues, and they wholeheartedly supported the cause. I ran fundraising events, including auctions and bake sales, and raised over £5,000. Seeing the Council Directors get behind the initiative and later being able to hand over one of those ridiculously large cheques over to my friend’s family was one of the most rewarding moments of my apprenticeship – I even got my picture in the local paper!
Beyond that, my colleagues were incredibly supportive—not just in my work but also on a personal level. It showed me that the people you work with can be a real support network, not just coworkers and that is a value I have in my team today.
Was there anything else you gained from the apprenticeship?
One of the most valuable things I took away was confidence. I worked across multiple departments, including Building Control, Planning and Neighbourhood Management, where I had to liaise with the public and support on consultations. Initially, I was really shy, but the experience pushed me out of my comfort zone.
The encouragement I received from my colleagues made all the difference. They supported me, pushed me, and helped me grow. That confidence boost has been just as important in my career as any technical skills I picked up.
How has an apprenticeship impacted your career since?
It helped me channel my natural strengths, like organisation, and apply them in a professional setting. Simple things like keeping emails structured and ensuring data accuracy became second nature. These are small but crucial skills that have stuck with me.
More than that, being in a professional environment early on gave me a huge advantage. Experiencing the daily flow of a busy office, seeing how colleagues interacted with each other and with customers, and being immersed in workplace culture taught me so much, things you can’t learn from a textbook.
That foundation has shaped my entire career, influencing every step I’ve taken since.
Do you have any advice for someone who is considering an apprenticeship – or just started an apprenticeship?
Be open to every opportunity that comes your way. The more you engage with your apprenticeship, the more you’ll get out of it. Say yes to new experiences, ask for opportunities, and allow yourself to be challenged.
The great thing about apprenticeships is that you’re surrounded by people who want to support you. Take advantage of that guidance, ask questions, and make the most of your training.
Would you encourage other employers to consider apprenticeships?
100%. I’ve supported apprentices myself in subsequent roles, and I’ve seen firsthand the value they bring to a business. Apprentices come in eager to learn, grow, and develop their skills. While there’s a learning curve, investing in them pays off, many of the apprentices I’ve worked with have gone on to become senior managers and really give back to the business later in their careers.
Apprentices don’t just gain skills, they live and breathe the business from the start, making them incredibly valuable team members in the long run.
Are there any misconceptions about apprenticeships you want to clear up?
The biggest myth is that apprenticeships are a last resort for people who don’t have other options. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Apprentices are committed to learning and developing new skills, and when businesses invest in them, both parties benefit.
I never imagined that my apprenticeship would lead me to where I am today, but the experience, support, and training I received set me up for long-term success.
Has the apprenticeship experience influenced how Learning Nexus approaches learning?
Definitely. For me, learning should be accessible to everyone. I knew traditional education wasn’t for me, and that’s true for a lot of people – we all learn differently. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my career in learning and development.
At Learning Nexus, we always ask, “How can we make learning work for everyone?” Whether that means adapting training for people who struggle with reading, ensuring inclusivity for those who speak English as a second language, or designing content that suits different learning styles, we put the learner first.
Do you have any final thoughts on apprenticeships you’d like to share?
Apprenticeships aren’t the “easy” option, they require commitment, effort, and dedication from both the apprentice and the employer. But at the end of the journey, you have someone who is ready for the world of work, equipped with real-world skills, and prepared to thrive in their role.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship, go for it! It might just be the best decision you ever make.