We were thrilled to kick off National Apprenticeship Week with a visit from Grace, a former pupil, who gave a wonderful assembly to our Senior and Sixth Form pupils with an insight into the start of her career journey.
Grace left Year 13 at Babington last summer with straight As in Politics, English Literature and Economics and a place at Durham University under her belt. Following a successful summer work placement at Gardiner Theobald, Grace chose to follow their Apprenticeship programme and is currently studying BSC Construction Management with the University College of Estate Management (UCEM) whilst learning the ropes as a Project Manager.
Grace explains the benefits of considering the Apprenticeship route as an option:
- Whilst studying for your degree you benefit from gaining work experience from industry leading businesses.
- You become established in the company from the beginning.
- You gain life experience.
- Career advancement.
- While working your degree is funded by the government – no student debt!
- A balanced workload – Work four days a week and study one day week.
- While getting your degree funded and gaining work experience, you are getting paid!
- It’s social – great to be a part of a team and fun opportunities to socialise.
Grace shared her top tips for considering further education options:
- Do what is right for you. It may be hard but don’t follow the crowd if it doesn’t suit you.
- Work experience is the most valuable thing ever! If you want to apply to an apprenticeship or get into an industry, apply for work experience first.
- It is not just about the grades, it is also about how you present yourself and whether you have the right attitude.
- Be prepared to jump in to the deep end and show the willingness to learn.
Find out more about Apprenticeship opportunities at Gardiner & Theobald here.
Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week 2025 here
