Apprentice Ambassadors

University of Worcester - International Experience Apprentice

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

I wanted to do an apprenticeship as I was found myself drawn to wanting to learn on the job. Coming straight from university, I found that doing my apprenticeship provided my with the necessary skills to progress from working in a university enviroment to then being in a full time office job. I’ve learnt a variety of skills which have also increased my confidence in dealing with the adult world that has already proved very useful.

Yamazaki Mazak UK - Apprentice Outreach Supervisor

Andy has worked at Mazak for over 30 years and has worked his way up to a supervisor role where he is heavily involved in looking after the company’s apprentices.

Andy has over 37 years of experience within Engineering and he uses this to offer technical and general work placed guidance, he is almost a “Father ” figure and his experience earns respect from the apprentices at Mazak. Andy mentors between 50 and 80 apprentices and young people each year and completes reviews with every apprentice every six weeks.

Seetec Pluss - Business Manager

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

Having entered the Employability sector in 2012 as a Business Admin Apprentice, I got to experience first hand what it is like to enter a completely new sector with no knowledge or relevant qualifications. Prior to starting my Apprenticeship, I was completing a photography qualification at college, an environment that did not suit me or my learning style. I had no direction or any idea of what I wanted to do in my professional career. The Apprenticeship not only supported me in gaining skills and a qualification in a way that suited me, but gave me a passion for the employability sector. Since completing the apprenticeship, I have undertaken many roles including Branch coordinator, Employment Advisor on many contracts, Account Manager for Employers, Senior Support Manager, Deputy Area Manager, Area Manager and most recently Business Manager here at Seetec. In 13 years I have gone from having no professional career goals to working my way up managing 2 sites,
a team of 8 individuals covering several contracts. Something I never thought I would be able to do.

This is all thanks to the Apprenticeship that I started back in 2012. I now have a passion for supporting individuals and giving them the confidence to believe that anything is possible and there are many ways to learn and build a successful, enjoyable career path. I now have my very own Apprentice.

Roxel Group UK - Apprentice Machinist

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Engineering (Machinist)

I began my apprenticeship later than most, at 27. I always knew that my academic skills lay in maths and science, but also that I wanted to work in a hands on role. Going through HWGTA, I applied for several different vacancies before being accepted by Roxel as an apprentice machinist.

For the last 4 years, I have completed my work to a high standard, achieving a distinction in the level 3, as well as an overall distinction grade in my Mechanical Engineering HNC. I am finishing my apprenticeship in September and am then continuing my studies through work, going to Warwick University to study Electro-mechanical engineering via a Degree apprenticeship.

Roxel UK Group - Laboratory Technician

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Laboratory Scientist

During my time as an apprentice, I have undergone lots of training in various different areas, meaning I have developed a very broad range of competencies ranging from Chemical and material analysis to sensitiveness testing of explosives. This means I am competent to work in 4 different laboratories on our site, each carrying out a different range of tests. I am currently finishing my Level 6 Chemistry Degree Apprenticeship.

Blackwell Adventure - Outdoor Activities Instructor

I chose to do an apprenticeship as it felt more accessible then any other form of education. I also loved going to adventure places my whole life and always wanted to one day work there. I completed my apprenticeship with a distinction and now work full time seasonal at my job.

Worcestershire County Council - Assisstant Marketing & Communications Officer

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

I studied English and Creative Writing at University, with the hopes of finding a job somewhere within the creative industry. However, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do, so I took a job in retail while I searched. Whilst looking, I found that almost all of the jobs I was interested in required at least three years of experience in that job role already, despite being labelled as an ‘entry role’. This made it extremely difficult for me and limited my options immensely, leaving me mostly with jobs I wasn’t interested in or thought wouldn’t take me in the right direction. As such, I turned to apprenticeships to help me gain core skills that I could use to strengthen my CV whilst also gaining more workplace experience; allowing me to earn and learn at the same time. Since I’d already completed University, I was scared that I was taking a step back but quickly found that it was exactly the boost I needed to push me forwards and help me discover a role that I could really thrive in: Assistant Marketing and Communications Officer.

Worcestershire County Council - Business Support Officer

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

I started my apprenticeship after completing my university degree to gain work experience and get used to being in a professional work environment.

After finishing my apprenticeship in 2024, I stayed with the Careers Worcestershire team and am now a Business Support Officer.

Worcester Bosch - Electrified Solutions Specialist

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Customer Service

Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve developed strong communication and problem-solving skills,
along with a genuine passion for delivering excellent service and supporting others.

One of the highlights of my journey so far has been hosting several training sessions for the contact centre team. I
received fantastic feedback on both my delivery and the content I shared, which really boosted my confidence and confirmed how much I enjoy helping others learn and grow. Choosing the apprenticeship route has given me a head start in my career, allowing me to earn while I learn and make a real impact.

I’m keen to share my experience and encourage others to explore the many opportunities that apprenticeships offer
—especially those who may not feel that university is the right fit for them.

As a Worcestershire Apprentice Ambassador, I would bring enthusiasm, approachability, and a genuine goal to help others make informed choices about their future. I’m proud to represent both Worcester Bosch and the wider apprenticeship community, and I’m excited to help show what’s possible when you choose a path that works for you.

University of Worcester - Projects and Finance Administrator

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

I began my career at the Univeristy of Worcester completeing a Business Administation apprenticeship. I had recently left college after only completing 1 year and deciding that sixth form college was not for me. I was 17 at the time I began my apprenticeship. The apprenticeship helped me grow my confidece and learn how to work within an office environment whilst still learning and gaining a NVQ. This really helped me develop my skills massively in such a short ammount of time. I am incredibly greaful to appretciship as it has given me all the knowledge, skills and behavious to grow and get the job I have today. After copleting my apprenticeship in 14 months I got a job within the university’s Business School as a Projects and Finance Administartor. This is all thanks to my apprenticeship. In such a short ammount of time I ahve gone from leaving college to having an NVQ and a new full time job which I love. I am incredibly passionate about apprenticeships and would reccommend them to anyone.

GLP Training - Enrolment Administrator

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

I studied at the open university doing pyschology with counseling but found it wasn’t for me at all not only the subject but also the isolated and textbook based – learning didn’t suit me. The practtical learning I do with an apprenticeship is much more suited to me and I have found since starting this apprenticeship it has also helped me grow a lot personally.

Since working at GLP I have become more confident, my time-mangement has improved and simple things like making and picking up phone calls is now second nature.

Oakley Accountancy Limited / Ormerod Rutter - HR Manager

As the HR Manager, I am responsible for leading tje workforce planning including recruitment and talent development strategies within the business. A key part of my role is creating inclusive pathways for talent – where apprentices are a vital role. Working closely with managers we design and implement apprenticeship programmes that support business growth while offering meaningful career development opportunities for individuals.

We advocate for apprenticeships as a valuable route into the workforce, priding ourselves on building future talent for the business. Through my role, I actively engage with training providers, monitor progress and ensure a supportive environment for apprentices to succeed. Being part of the WAAN will allow Ormerod Rutter to further champion apprenticeships, share best practices with the aim to support more employers and people to engage with opportunities.

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd - Electrical Fitter Apprentice

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Engineering

GLP Training - Account Manager

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Team Leader

When I left university I started on the ops management grad scheme at GB Liners, where not long after starting the role I was placed on a Team Leader Apprenticeship. I found the whole apprenticeship experience invaluable as it taught many of the leadership and operational skills I carry to this day. I’ve brought this knowledge gained to my role as an account manager at GLP Training, where I communicate directly with candidates and employers about apprenticeships on a daily basis. Being able to draw on my own apprenticeship experience and the value it brought to me and my career allows me to speak about apprenticeships from a place of true knowledge and experience. Understanding both the candidate and the employer side of an apprenticeship.

GLP Training - Enrolments Administrator

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

I have been at GLP Training for just over a year now and am completing the Business Administration Level 3. This apprenticeship has helped me to develop organisational skills, communication and teamwork whilst also helping me with my confidence.

Starting next month I will be enrolling onto a level 4 Sales executive apprenticeship. This is to help with with my career in Business Development by providing me with key skills and further develop myself into a sales professional.

Olpro - Senior Digital Marketing Executive

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Digital Marketing

I chose to do an apprenticeship in 2020 after graduting from University (media and culture studies) and found that during the challenging time of Covid mixed with my lack of expereince in marketing, it was incredibly hard to get a job within the industry. That’s when I found TDM who offered me an Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing which gave me not just hands on experience but a better understanding of marketing and the ability to learn and work at the same time. My apprenticeship in some ways was more valuable than my degree because of the expereince I gained, not just from my course but working with people in the business who have helped shape who I am today. I’m now 3 years on from qualifying with a distinction from my apprenticeship and I have progressed my role and skills at OLPRO.

Protektor Group UK – HR Officer

Apprenticeship Areas:
- HR

I am where I currently am at in my career due to the apprenticeship route. After leaving university early as I did not feel it was right for me, I secured a role as a Recruitment Apprentice at Hewett Recruitment in 2022, gaining my Level 3 Recruitment Consultant qualification. In March 2025, I moved on to my current role at Protektor Group UK, where I got to enhance what I had learned as a Recruitment Consultant and move into the HR field. I started out as a HR Assistant and began my qualification in September 2025 with Heart of Worcestershire College, where I am attending college every week, getting to network with fellow HR professionals and work towards gaining my CIPD Level 3 qualification, which is so beneficial in my role in HR. I progressed into the HR Officer position in April 2026, which I would not have been able to do without the support from my manager and mentor Kay, and the support and learning which I have gained from my apprenticeship.

I am passionate about promoting apprenticeships, as I know first hand the positive impact they have had on my career, and really feel they should be promoted more within schools, and also within organisations as an upskilling route, for employees who would like a change or to further enhance their skills. Upon completion of my CIPD Level 3, I will be progressing onto the CIPD Level 5 course, and I look forward to the further development and learning I will be able to achieve, continuing my career in the HR field.

Parkwood Leisure - Business Administrator

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

When I finished school, I thought sixth form was my only option. I didn’t enjoy sixth form but didn’t know there were any other options. I spent nearly a full year there until one day when a careers fair quite literally changed my life. When looking around I came across HWGTA’s stand. I hesitated but eventually worked up the courage to ask all the questions I needed and fortunately got all the right answers.

Shortly after registering with the college, I was put forward for an interview for a job that seemed perfect to me. A week after my interview I was offered the job. I came to HWGTA to do the study side of my apprenticeship, where I received an incredible amount of support through my apprenticeship and met some of the most amazing people. A year on, I have been taken on full time and have been given the responsibility of looking after the new apprentice.

Sixth form wasn’t the right fit for me; it didn’t suit my learning style and felt immature – I was ready for the workplace. I don’t regret for a second changing my career path. This apprenticeship has allowed me to develop so much; in contrast, sixth form almost held me back. I feel I’ve discovered my true personality, and most importantly, I’ve gained so much self-confidence. Although I’ve finished my apprenticeship and am now awaiting upcoming exams, my experience has been incredible.

I’m incredibly grateful for how it has helped me develop into the person I am today and given me a head start in my career. I now want to give back and share my story with others who might be stuck in a similar situation and need that push.

Ormerod Rutter - Accountant

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Procurement
- AAT

I opted to do an apprenticeship as I felt the workplace was the best way for me to progress and learn. I looked into different vacancies and was keen to work for a Housing Assoc as it was clear they valued their apprentices and I saw a structured career path towards a Degree.
I started my apprenticeship career after completing my A Levels, starting with administration level 2. I then progressed in the Procurement team completing a Level 4 apprenticeship and after successfully passing all my exams, completed the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Procurement and Supply and obtained MCIPS status.

Sanctuary Group - Apprenticeship Administrator

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Business Administration

I chose to do an apprenticeship after leaving school, as I had weighed up my other options and didn’t feel that going to college would give me the same skill set and experience. I was eager to start earning so I could learn to drive, and an apprenticeship offers the perfect balance of working towards a recognised qualification, and setting you up for a stable career.
I started off completing a level 2 business and administration apprenticeship, and then once I had compelted this, moved on to level 3, working with HWGTA for both.During this time I developed lots of skills, learnt more about the organisation I work for, Sanctuary, and became so much more confident. An aspect of my job that I really enjoy is arranging and attending internal and external apprenticeship events, which led to me joining the West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassdaor Network. I hope to increase my involvement in events and share my experience with others by joining the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.

Worcester Bosch - TEF2 Group Leader

Apprenticeship Areas:
- Advanced Mechanics

After leaving school at 16 I was offered a toolroom apprenticeship at Worcester Bosch. As a young person the opportunity to “earn whilst you learn” really appealed to me. I had the benefit of learning practical skills and an introduction to the wonder life of engineering.
I left school with C graded GCSE’s in the majority of subjects but a passion of hands on work, being a practical learner.

Since then I have held numerous roles within our Worcester Bosch from engineering, projects and leading teams. These opportunities only came about due to the grounding of my apprenticeship.

Knowing the benefits of this practical learning and after 13 years after completing my previous apprenticeship I have now undertaken a management degree apprenticeship through the OU, which proves development never ends!.

University of Worcester - Reception Services Supervisor

I have worked at the University of Worcester for fourteen years and I supervise the reception services and apprentice teams. My role is to support our team of five apprentices and ensure they are equipped to succeed both professionally and academically.