National Apprentice Week is the perfect time to shout about how amazing apprentices really are. We caught up with some of our apprentices to hear about their wins, the big career moments, the personal milestones, and everything in between, and their stories are too good not to share.

These success stories can be just the boost you didn’t know you needed today.

So let’s put the spotlight where it belongs, on these brilliant apprentices and celebrate the impact of apprenticeships together.

 

Olivia Bailey, Marketing Executive Apprentice

Winner of The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star Of The Year Award

"I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Regional National Apprenticeship Awards, where I was honoured to be named a finalist for The British Army Higher Apprentice Of The Year, and even more thrilled to win The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star Of The Year Award. It was such a privilege to be recognised amongst so many talented and inspiring individuals from across the country, each showcasing the amazing impact apprenticeships have across every industry.

I'm now incredibly excited to share that I've been invited to attend the National Apprenticeship Awards in late November, where I'll be a national finalist for The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star Of The Year Award!"

Olivia Bailey

 

Luke Whalen, Marketing Executive Apprentice

Buying a house: Learning whilst decorating

"I've been progressing very well through my apprenticeship through the support of my tutor, Bernard, and my colleagues at Lakes College. Whilst juggling the day-to-day responsibilities of my job and my Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship, I was also in the process of buying my first house at 22, which is now complete, and I got the keys in December 2025!

The podcasts that are on my learner portal have been listened back to back whilst painting the house, allowing me to take the knowledge in whilst doing something practical!"

 

Kelsie Button, Multi-channel Marketer Apprentice

Striving ahead with great work

"Since joining the college, I have found confidence within education. I feel so supported by my tutor and the college team. They have supported and encouraged me to work harder and achieve more than I thought I could. I'm super proud of the work I put into college every week!"

 

Kimberlee Webber, Content Creator Apprentice

Growing confidence in what I love

"When I started the apprenticeship and had my initial meeting with Nick Wake, my tutor, he asked me to give some background on what I do for work and in my spare time.

I told him that even in my spare time, I really enjoy making content for others and oversee a couple of people’s social media.

Nick very kindly said, “ What, you're doing that for FREE!!!” And had a chat with me about how that is hard-earned work and time used, and that in itself is valuable!

Of course, I knew that, but it sometimes takes encouragement from others to see that.

I find it hard to put myself out there and often lack the confidence to believe in myself. However, with the kind words of Nick, I looked at realistically what I can charge for the things I do for fun, and from 2026, I now have 2 paying customers!

I do this alongside my full-time job and apprenticeship, but love it and feel I’m doing a really good job! My clients are happy, and I look forward to continuing the year with maybe more opportunities to take on a couple more customers to add to my portfolio!"

Kimberlee Webber

 

Anna Carlisle, PR and Communications Apprentice

Speaker at the Girls on Track UK Christmas Networking Event Panel

"It was such a privilege to speak at the Girls on Track UK Christmas Networking Event Panel, I spoke on the panel all about my career journey, my apprenticeship and advice about how to get where I am! Girls on Track is Motorsport UK's get women into motorsport initiative. I also volunteered at their GoT X Girls Karting Academy event, where I chaperoned a group of girls who were karting for the first time!"

 

Drew Anglo, Marketing Executive Apprentice

Presenter at a school for BIMA Digital Media Day

I have recently presented at a school for BIMA Digital Media Day. It was an amazing and lovely experience. I was able to witness the students come up with innovative and creative ideas as they step into the shoes of what it feels like to work at a Digital Marketing Agency.

Drew Anglo