This week is National Apprenticeship Week here in the UK (7-11th February) and I always enjoy this opportunity to shine a light on the amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.
As part of these celebrations, we are sharing the inspiring stories of some of our own Pearson employee apprentices – over 300 of whom have worked and studied with us since the programme launched in 2017.
Name: Alex
Age: 22
Location: Lewisham, London
Current role: Digital Learning Platform Operations Analyst
Apprenticeship: Business Management BA
Why did you apply to do an apprenticeship at Pearson?
"An apprenticeship seemed like a good choice for me – I wanted to do a degree and loved learning but didn’t like the idea of not being able to work while doing it.
During my A Levels, I got a part-time job at a football club and managed to convince my manager to set up an apprenticeship so I could continue to earn and learn after school. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I was made redundant halfway through the apprenticeship. Throughout this period, I received a lot of support from my mentors at my training provider (Pearson College London) and was able to find and be selected for a role at Pearson which allowed me to resume my training.
I've found that the apprenticeship has opened numerous opportunities for me at Pearson. I have a senior leader mentor, support from Pearson's apprenticeship groups and a supportive manager and team.”
What was it like starting a new role in lockdown?
“Although Covid meant that I couldn’t meet anyone in person for a long time, I’ve been able to get sound career advice and plan my next steps at Pearson from the encouraging people and groups around me. Because of the unusual circumstances, I felt that colleagues made even more of an effort to make me feel welcome and that I was able to bond quickly them.
My apprenticeship journey would have ended had I not been given the opportunity with Pearson. Although the transition has been challenging at times, as my current role is completely different to the previous one, completing my degree was a smooth process due to the support I've been given, allowing me to focus on adapting to the job.”
What are your ambitions for the future?
“I see my future at Pearson within the growing digital space and am keen to carry on developing my skills and network.”
Anne Ashworth is head of employee apprenticeships at Pearson and interviewed Alex for this story.