Why it’s not too late to be an apprentice
HANNAH MAIDEN left her job in the civil service to embark on a new career in the technology sector.
In January, the 33-yearold began a higher apprenticeship in software engineering with IT consulting company, Capgemini, which she completes in July 2018.
Hannah, of Telford, Shropshire, says: ‘The civil service had taken on older apprentices, so I realised apprenticeships were open to a wide age.
‘I spotted the apprentice positions at Capgemini and felt it was an opportunity to reignite my career and learn new skills.’
Apprenticeships are being celebrated as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service.
Hannah says: ‘People have different learning styles and circumstances, and apprenticeships help people to train while earning and working.’
Capgemini also offers degree apprenticeships of four-and-a-half years. Candidates work towards a degree in either BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions or Leadership and Business Management from Aston University while working full-time for the company.
Alec Burton, 20, from Telford, is training to become a software engineer and started his degree apprenticeship last November.
He says: ‘I work on developing and maintaining the technology that will be used in the future.’
Ruth South, head of graduate, apprentice and placement programmes at Capgemini, says: ‘We look for enthusiasm, commitment and interpersonal skills.’