Interview with an apprentice

In our first of two, Tiffany interviews her friend, Ada, and asks why she chose an apprenticeship?

As the new year begins, many of us are looking towards our futures and preparing for new chapters in our lives. For young people, one of the most significant milestones is deciding how to pursue higher education. While universities often dominate the conversation, apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as valuable alternatives. Over the weekend, I had the chance to speak with my friend Ada, who began her apprenticeship last September. Here’s what she shared about her experience:

​Tiffany: What made you decide to go for an apprenticeship?
Ada: I’m the kind of person who learns best through doing. During my time at school, I realised I was a kinesthetic learner; I absorb knowledge by engaging in practical tasks or being in motion. I always enjoyed practical elements in subjects like science more than traditional textbook learning.
At a school careers talk, an apprentice shared his experience working in a company and being in a hands-on role. That stuck with me because it fit perfectly with how I like to learn. Apprenticeships offered a way to gain skills while actively applying them, which appealed to me and suited my learning style far more than a traditional degree.

Tiffany: Could you explain what your apprenticeship is? What does a typical day look like for you?
Ada: I’m doing a digital technology solutions degree apprenticeship at a software company. My tuition fees are fully funded by the company, and I get paid a salary for the work I do.
My week is split: two days at university for lectures and studying, and three days in the office. On workdays, I wake up around 6 a.m. and head to the office for 9 a.m. I spend a lot of time observing more senior colleagues, who often share tips on improving my programming skills, then assign tasks where I can apply what I’ve learned.
Uni days are more typical: attending lectures and studying at the library or a café. It’s a nice balance of academic and professional environments.

Tiffany: What’s been the biggest challenge in your degree apprenticeship so far?
Ada: Transitioning from school to the workplace was a real shock! At school, everything is handed to you, and there’s always someone to answer your questions. In the working world, colleagues have their own responsibilities, so you need to be more independent. It took time to adjust, but once I developed agency, things flowed better.
Balancing work and study was tough at first, too. The 9-to-5 schedule was demanding, and I struggled to motivate myself for lectures. Burnout crept in, but I learned to prioritise breaks, and now I feel so much more energised and excited about my work.

Tiffany: What’s been your favorite part of the apprenticeship?
Ada: Honestly, earning my own money has been amazing! I had a lot of anxiety about income and student finance when I was considering my next steps and it feels good to have the security that a salary provides. It’s obviously not just about the paycheck -  knowing I’m contributing to impactful projects (however small my part is) has been a definite highlight.
This role has given me the chance to learn, grow, and gain independence. It’s quite difficult to fully explain how much I’ve matured. The way I approach problems is much more systematic and sharp. I’ve developed a vast amount of transferable skills and I feel prepared for any job I might apply for in the future.

​Tiffany: Do you have any advice for someone considering an apprenticeship?
Ada: Start early! Applications can be stressful, so being organised helps a lot. I recommend preparing your CV and references ahead of time. Resources like The Student Room and the UCAS website are helpful, too.
Rejections are part of the process - don’t let them discourage you! Keep applying because the right opportunity will come. I had so many rejections, but I persevered and eventually landed the apprenticeship I’m at now. If I’d have given up I wouldn’t be where I am today. Lastly, think about transferable skills. Even if you don’t think you have the “right” experience, dig deeper. There’s always a way to present your strengths in a positive light.

Author

Tiffany Igharoro is a university student.

For me, writing has become the perfect medium to  process my experiences and formulate them into well-considered expressions and stories. Through writing for PUSH, I hope to share insights I gain throughout my journey (whether academic or personal) with other young people across the UK! I am a strong believer in the power of personal development and its ability to shape our lives, help us forge career paths and nurture relationships with others and ourselves. My blogs, often peppered with personal anecdotes, always carry a touch of "this is a tool to add to your character building collection"...

Picture: Desola Lanre-Ologun @Unsplash