Our apprenticeships have set us on the path to career success

Whether you’re leaving school or looking to change your career, an apprenticeship can give you the hands-on skills and experience you need to increase your employability.

Fabiha Hassan

Software Development Apprentice, Google

The career-changer 

After finishing a Masters in biomedical engineering, I felt a bit lost, career-wise. I worked in a hospital and a school for a while but knew they weren’t really for me. Then, in 2019, I started a temp role at Google and discovered the company’s apprenticeship opportunities. I successfully applied for their two-year Software Development Apprenticeship, which I began in September 2020.

To start with, I did a three-month boot camp to work on basic coding skills, and then had to pass two exams to get my Level 4 Software Development qualification. I’m now a front-end developer, implementing really cool designs on user interfaces. I present the work I do in a portfolio, which is how my apprenticeship is assessed. 

The practical nature of an apprenticeship appealed to me because when I was fresh out of university, potential employers always asked about my ‘experience’. Yet I’d just graduated: I needed experience! So, it was tough getting a job.

That’s why I’d tell anyone who wants to change their career: ‘Think about an apprenticeship.’ In two years, you’ll have acquired the skills you need to progress in your field — and it’ll look good on a CV.

Frankie Tassie

Infrastructure Technician (IT) Apprentice, Google

The school-completer

I knew from a young age that I was a practical person, I always took things apart to find out how they worked. I didn’t particularly enjoy learning from books and by the time I’d finished secondary school, I knew that sixth form wasn’t for me. At the age of 16, I went to college to study for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT and I passed with a triple Distinction star.

I started my 15-month apprenticeship with Google in October 2020. In my role, I can complete my apprenticeship work alongside working as a front-line IT technician for Google, specifically providing support for employees.

I have a line manager and mentor as well as a business coach who provides support within my apprenticeship. They are always there for me if I need guidance or support.

I’ve had many career talks within Google, but I have also been given support to find a job outside the organisation if I wish. I’m always striving to be the best I can be. It just shows that anything is possible, even if you do not have a degree. I was awarded a Distinction for my apprenticeship. I don’t have the qualifications that some people do, but I have the hands-on experience and a hard-working attitude to achieve my goals, that is invaluable.

They are always there for me if I need guidance or support.

Frankie Tessie

Waqar Ali

Marketing & Digital Assistant, Sony Music

The apprenticeship alumnus

In 2015, I started running a fan account for Miley Cyrus which amassed over a million followers on various platforms. Her team saw it and reached out to me, so I began working with them on digital campaigns! Whilst at university, I studied surgery but realised it wasn’t my passion. Then I had an epiphany: people actually have music industry careers in digital marketing – so why not aim for that?

I successfully applied to Google in 2019 for a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship, which was incredible. I was assigned to the marketing insights team whose work includes researching advertising effectiveness and optimising brand messaging. While I was an apprentice I ended up as project lead on amazing projects, including working as co-lead on one of the organisation’s most successful and high-powered global marketing campaigns. Lots of trust was placed in me.

I was also given exceptional support. My managers and mentors knew I had music industry ambitions, so assigned me to projects to equip me with the skillsets and knowledge I would need. I still have my mentor from Google, even though I’ve been working at Sony Music since January 2021. What goes around comes around: Miley is signed to our label now — so I’m still championing her!