As we come to the end of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re excited to celebrate the success of some of our own colleagues who have embarked on apprenticeships. At Skills Builder Partnership, we see apprenticeships as a powerful opportunity for professional growth, and we’re proud to support their journey.
To mark the occasion, we sat down with John Sampson (Development Manager at Skills Builder Partnership) and Sophie Deaville (Global Programmes Manager) to hear about their personal experiences with apprenticeships and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
John Sampson, Development Manager
What are some common misconceptions about apprenticeships that you’ve encountered, and how has your experience challenged those perceptions?
“One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve encountered is that apprenticeships are only for people at a certain age or stage of their career. They are often talked about as an entry point into work, but I found beginning an apprenticeship in my 30s, after several years in the workforce, to be a hugely rewarding experience. My apprenticeship in Leadership and Management gave me an excellent opportunity for both learning and professional growth. I was able to enhance valuable workplace skills, including project management and data management, while deepening my understanding of leadership practices.”
“Through this experience, I’ve learned that apprenticeships are relevant for people at all stages of their professional journey. They’re not just for starting out but also for leveling up and developing new skills at any point in a career.”
In your opinion, what kind of support is essential for making an apprenticeship program truly outstanding?
“For me, working closely with my apprenticeship tutor was crucial to making my experience successful. My tutor provided excellent support not only with the technical aspects of my apprenticeship but also with my broader professional development. Over the course of the program, we focused on identifying and achieving specific professional goals. Two essential skills that I honed through my apprenticeship were Aiming High and Leadership. My tutor held me accountable for the goals I set and encouraged me to seek out opportunities at work to further develop these skills. This hands-on support was instrumental in helping me make the most of the apprenticeship.”
Is there anything else you’d like to say about your apprenticeship experience, or how your understanding of the framework has supported you throughout?
“Using my apprenticeship as a foundation for professional development over the past 15 months has been transformative. It’s given me the tools to enhance both my essential and technical skills. I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking for a structured opportunity to grow their skills and expertise.”
Sophie Deaville, Global Programmes Manager
What are some common misconceptions about apprenticeships that you’ve encountered, and how has your experience challenged those perceptions?
“A common misconception about apprenticeships is that they’re primarily for vocational subjects. However, my experience showed me how diverse and varied apprenticeships have become. As the Global Programmes Manager at Skills Builder Partnership, I found that my apprenticeship in Leadership and Management was highly relevant to my role. It provided an excellent opportunity to develop both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to lead teams effectively and manage complex projects.”
In your opinion, what kind of support is essential for making an apprenticeship program truly outstanding?
“Working with my Professional Development Coach was key to my success. They helped me set goals, prioritize tasks, and balance my workload more effectively. One of the most impactful elements of the program was the dedicated weekly focus time I set aside for the apprenticeship. This time allowed me to ask open-ended questions to deepen my understanding and learn from others by gaining insights into their experiences and perspectives. This structured approach to professional development was invaluable.”
Is there anything else you’d like to say about your apprenticeship experience, or how your understanding of the framework has supported you throughout?
“I highly recommend the Universal Framework as a powerful tool for aligning industry-specific knowledge with essential skill development and long-term career goals. It’s been instrumental in shaping my journey and has provided a clear structure for integrating essential skills into my work.”
A Celebration of Growth and Opportunity
At Skills Builder Partnership, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to develop the essential skills they need to thrive. John and Sophie’s stories remind us that apprenticeships are for everyone, at any stage of their career, and that with the right support, they can be transformative.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to develop new skills later in your career, apprenticeships offer an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. As National Apprenticeship Week comes to a close, let’s celebrate the progress and achievements of apprentices everywhere and the positive impact they’re making in their industries.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship or want to learn more about integrating essential skills into your development journey, get in touch with the Skills Builder Employer team to find out how we can support your apprenticeship programmes.
