For National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’ve had the privilege of showcasing some of the incredible apprentices within our group, and it’s been a powerful reminder of the dedication and passion they bring to everything they do.
Here are some highlights from our apprentice Q&As, where they’ve shared their personal journeys, challenges and successes, giving us a deeper look into the meaningful work they’re doing and how it’s shaping their futures.
Harold Sharp: Beth Brown, Accounting
What inspired you to choose the apprenticeship route at Harold Sharp?
I chose the apprenticeship route at Harold Sharp because I wanted to gain real-world experience while working towards my ACA qualification. Coming from a history degree background, I felt that an apprenticeship was the best way to transition into finance. It’s a really accessible route and has offered both practical training and structured learning. It’s also meant I could apply what I was learning in real-time, rather than just studying the theory behind it.
What’s a common misconception about apprenticeships?
Many people still associate apprenticeships with school leavers, but that mindset is definitely shifting. National Apprenticeship Week plays a big role in raising awareness and helping to change perceptions.
I have a history degree from the University of Manchester and experience in teaching, but I chose to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to gain hands-on experience and apply my learning in a real-world setting.
Another misconception is that people think apprenticeships mean you’re left to figure everything out on your own, but that’s not the case at all. At Harold Sharp, I’ve had so much support from my team, whether it’s help with my exams or guidance on my work. It’s great to be part of a bigger cohort to share experiences at different stages.
How does Harold Sharp support your development and progression?
Harold Sharp has been incredibly supportive throughout my apprenticeship. They provide structured learning, opportunities to develop my skills and, most importantly, a great support system. We have a Trainee Working Group which meets every quarter and provides an opportunity to share experiences and study tips, as well as to develop our soft skills. We also get to choose a team member to join us for a Q&A session which has been great for understanding everyone’s different career journeys and inspiring me to keep conversations open around progression opportunities.
What’s next for you after your apprenticeship?
It’s hard to imagine life without study and exams, but I can’t wait to get my final one boxed off! Once I’m chartered, I’m looking forward to taking on more responsibility in my role and continuing to develop my skills. I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learnt throughout my apprenticeship in a more senior capacity and contribute even more to the team at Harold Sharp. Long-term, I’m keen to explore different areas of the business and see where my career takes me!
Harold Sharp: Aisha Bashir, Business Administration
How do you balance work and studying?
Each week I have to spend at least 6 hours studying, which will either be working on assignments or gaining new knowledge relevant to the course. As I am in work full-time, balancing this requirement can be challenging, especially as I have a dual role with responsibilities across both admin and marketing. To manage this, I keep track of everything with a task planner, as well as blocking out time in my calendar to focus on my studying.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about a similar apprenticeship, what would it be?
My advice would be to research the company you are applying to as much as possible to make sure it is the place that’s right for you. Whilst the apprenticeship provider is important, it is the company that you’ll be a part of day-to-day, and you want to ensure it has a culture you will enjoy being part of. It’s especially important if you can see yourself staying with the company after the apprenticeship concludes. Embracing opportunities along the way will help you gain valuable experience and demonstrate your longer-term commitment.
What have you enjoyed the most about your apprenticeship?
So far, I’ve enjoyed learning about the business. I knew nothing about accountancy when I began the role, but I’ve been able to pick up bits of information from colleagues and clients which has widened my knowledge and aided both my admin and marketing work.
What’s next for you after your apprenticeship?
I am still quite early into my apprenticeship but I’m getting a real breadth of experience in my role which is enabling me to explore where my particular interests lie. Social media marketing is an area I’m really interested in so I think I would like to continue building my experience in that by developing my skills in graphic design and video editing.
ETL GLOBAL UK: Liv Ruddy, Content Creator
What inspired you to choose the apprenticeship route at ETL GLOBAL UK?
I’ve always had a passion for art and graphics, and I wanted to dive deeper into that field while getting hands-on experience. The apprenticeship seemed like the perfect way to build my skills and learn from professionals in a real-world setting, which is something I felt I couldn’t get from just studying.
What have you enjoyed the most about your apprenticeship?
I’ve really enjoyed working in a team and being part of a collaborative environment. It’s great to bounce ideas off others and learn from their feedback. Plus, the creative freedom I’ve had to explore my ideas has been awesome—it’s a perfect balance of independence and teamwork.
What’s a common misconception about apprenticeships?
A big misconception is that apprenticeships always require you to attend a physical college. In reality, many apprenticeship programmes offer online options, so you can learn and gain experience without needing to be in a classroom setting.
EKWilliams: Ellie Thirkell, Accounting
What inspired you to choose the apprenticeship route at EKWilliams?
I like the idea of working while studying. It’s great being able to apply what I’m learning in college to my everyday work, and vice versa, using what I’ve learnt at work in my college studies.
How does EKWilliams support you?
From day one, everyone at EKWilliams has been incredibly supportive, always checking in on how my studying and exams are going. If I ever struggle with something in college, there’s always someone willing to help and make sure I fully understand. They always attend my college review meetings, and we have regular catchups where things are put in place to help my progression. Everyone is so willing to help you no matter what.
What’s next for you after your apprenticeship?
I am moving onto my AAT Level 4 and then onto my ACCA. I want to develop my knowledge further in Accounts and Tax which I will be able to do when sitting the AAT Level 4 exams.
EKW Group: Macey Winstanley, Accounting
What have you enjoyed the most about your apprenticeship?
I enjoy how supportive my colleagues are as everyone is willing to help you, not with just work but with exams and revision as well. I also love that I am always learning on the job as I come across something different every day, for example bookkeeping that I did not previously know.
How does EKW Group support your development and progression?
They gradually increase my workload and training to complete client bookkeeping at a higher level. They’ve also dedicated time to train me on diverse clients, allowing me to work across various industries instead of just one.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about a similar apprenticeship, what would it be?
I would say 100% go for the accountancy apprenticeship—you definitely won’t regret it!
Glaisyers ETL: Grace Coyne, Solicitor
What is your apprenticeship focused on?
I started a CILEX Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship in 2020 and I’m now completing a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. Every day is different, which means that I learn various legal points. My job also involves speaking to a lot of clients and building relationships.
What’s a common misconception about apprenticeships?
People often assume they’re less demanding than a traditional degree. You work full time and only have one study day a week, so your time for independent study is limited.
What inspired you to choose the apprenticeship route at your company?
I joined Glaisyers ETL as an admin apprentice, and being around solicitors and learning about their day-to-day work inspired me to want to be solicitor myself.
