14th February 2025
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 some of the St Brendan’s Sixth Form College students shared their views on apprenticeship routes, and their career ambitions after graduation this summer.
Illia
Illia: Software Engineering
Illia is currently studying Computer Science, Maths, Further Maths and Music Technology at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College. He is aiming to secure a Degree Apprenticeship in Software Engineering, and tells us more about his ambitions for the future.
What goals are you working towards?
“I want to start a degree apprenticeship in September 2025, and work my way up the career ladder. I’m motivated by making a greater impact for the organisation I am working for.
I like to solve problems and implement solutions, this is how I got really curious learning computer languages outside of my studies. I would describe myself as ambitious and so I started learning independently”.
Illia is on the path for some impressive results; with predicted grades of A’s and A*’s from his study at the Bristol Sixth Form College. But his work ethic stretches far beyond his A level studies.
Securing an internship after his GCSE’s that has now resulted in a part time position around his studies, Illia has experience working as a Software Developer using programmes such as JavaScript, Python and outsystems.
He’s gone on to develop a free online Go programming language course for other people looking to get started in Software Engineering, reflecting on how challenging it was for beginners to pool information and get started.
What appeals about apprenticeships?
“Whilst I want to grow in my professional career, the 20% focus on studying means I will have opportunities to grow academically, whilst spending the majority of time working on what I enjoy”.
How have the Careers Team supported you at St Brendan’s?
“At the end of Year 12 I came to the Careers Team, and had lots of questions about my eligibility of degree apprenticeships versus other study routes”.
Illia praised that the Careers Team went ‘above and beyond’ to find options for students, building their confidence on their plans for the future.
“When I got my first rejections early in the process, I spent several meetings with the Careers Team doing CV workshops and exploring how I could improve. Implementing those changes helped me get results”.
Prince (left) and Kunal (right)
Kunal: Audit
Kunal is currently studying Maths, Business and Computer Science at the Bristol Sixth Form College and has received offers for degree apprenticeships in Finance and Audit.
What appeals about apprenticeships?
“When I was researching what to do after College, I wanted to get a degree, but University didn’t seem like the best option for me.
I didn’t like the idea of only learning, so when I found out about degree apprenticeships, it was the perfect fit for me”.
What advice do you have for students considering applying?
Kunal advised whilst it’s best to start early in researching degree apprenticeships if you’re serious about applying, it’s also ok to take your time.
“It’s never too late, because different companies open opportunities at different times throughout the year”.
Commitment is also really important if you want to land a degree apprenticeship, with some company processes stretching over a few months:
“Some (apprenticeship application processes) are quicker than others, but you have to be able to handle multiple applications at the same time.
It’s a lot easier once you get to the final stages, as you can focus on what you have to do next”.
Prince: Finance
Prince is currently studying Business, Psychology and IT at St Brendan’s and and has received offers for degree apprenticeships in Finance and Audit. With Business Studies lessons being a highlight during his time at College, seeing his hard work translate into good grades has motivated Prince to Higher Education.
What appeals about apprenticeships?
“For me, it’s getting the hands-on experience. Apprenticeships are likely to help you take on challenges you may not face in the classroom”.
How have the Careers Team supported you whilst at St Brendan’s?
“The Careers Team at St Brendan’s were really good, because they helped me gain banking work experience.”
Prince gained work experience at HSBC and Lloyds Bank whilst studying at St Brendan’s, which included Q&A sessions with both companies, exclusive tours of their departments and challenges to help improve the essential skills employers look for. By gaining these insights, Prince knew Finance was the path he wanted to pursue.
What advice would you give to other students looking into degree apprenticeships?
Acknowledging that the application process is tough, Prince had a message to reassure students considering applying for degree apprenticeships in the future:
“Start early, but don’t rush. Research different options, and what you want to do as it will really help when you’re asked “Why this area, and why this company”. Don’t give up; you might receive a few rejections but it will lead you to the right path.
When looking at apprenticeships, seeing how many people are applying, or the grade requirements can be intimidating but don’t let that put you off. You are good enough if you try hard enough.”
