TELL US HOW YOU FIRST BECAME AN APPRENTICE:
After spending nearly 10 years in sales, I was desperate for a new career path. I had always been certain that university wasn’t for me, and I often felt stuck or disadvantaged because I didn’t have a degree like many other people and so I was always worried that this would always limit my opportunities. While looking for a new job, I came across an advert for a Project Management Apprenticeship in MedTech. MedTech was an industry I had always wanted to work in, but I never thought I could get into. I was apprehensive at first as I always had quite a traditional view of apprenticeships and had never considered one as an option for me. After I started looking into the apprenticeship possibilities, I couldn’t believe the opportunities that were available, so I decided to take the leap and see where it could take me.
I realised that by completing the apprenticeship, I could learn through real experience, gain a recognised qualification, and develop my career while continuing to earn. This was exactly the career path I needed. The apprenticeship provided me a lifeline and gave me a route into an industry I never thought I could be part of. I now have a qualification in Project Management, and I continue to explore further courses and opportunities to develop my skills and career. My apprenticeship completely changed my perception of what was possible, and it’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my experience and encouraging others to consider an apprenticeship too.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT APPRENTICESHIP ROLE:
I currently work as a Project Management Specialist within Medtronic. My role is varied and gives me the opportunity to work across a range of projects and business areas.
I support and lead initiatives from planning through to delivery, working with different stakeholders to coordinate activities, manage actions and keep projects moving forward. My responsibilities include project coordination, stakeholder management, process improvement, reporting and supporting the delivery of business initiatives.
Alongside my project management responsibilities, I also look after our UK & Ireland Apprenticeship Programme, supporting the development and promotion of apprenticeship opportunities across the organisation. One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that no two days are the same. I get to work with different people, learn about different areas of the business and take ownership of projects that have a wider impact across the organisation.
TELL US WHY YOU WANTED TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE AMBASSADOR:
I want to become an Apprentice Ambassador because I know first-hand how much an apprenticeship can change someone’s career and future.
I want to use my own experience to challenge some of the misconceptions around apprenticeships and show people that they are not just an alternative to university or something you do when you leave school. They can provide a route for people at different stages of their career and from a wide range of backgrounds.
I particularly want to reach people who may feel that they don’t have the right qualifications, experience or traditional background to get into the career they want. I want to show them that there can be another route. Becoming an Apprentice Ambassador would give me the opportunity to share my story, encourage more people to consider apprenticeships and hopefully help someone else discover the same opportunity that changed the direction of my career.
