Written by Kayleigh Sheward, ESG Coordinator

When people hear the word apprentice, they usually picture someone who’s young, just starting out, and learning the basics. It’s a narrative that’s deeply ingrained, and one that no longer reflects reality.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, I’ve written down some of my thoughts to discuss why apprenticeships aren’t an alternative route, but more of a strategic one, and why I’m proud to be an apprentice.

I’m the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Coordinator at Highway Traffic Management Ltd, and since July 2025 I’ve been completing a Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprenticeship with LDN Apprenticeships. Choosing to become an apprentice wasn’t about taking a step back in my career; it was about choosing a way of working and learning that felt practical, relevant, and impactful. I wanted to continue growing my knowledge while staying fully immersed in my role, gaining hands-on experience while still delivering in my day job. 

What surprised me most was just how beneficial that combination has been. Almost immediately, I was able to take the knowledge, skills and behaviours I was learning through my course and put them straight into practice. This isn’t learning that sits on the sidelines waiting to be used one day; it actively shapes how I work, how I think, and how I approach different challenges. 

The course has covered a wide range of topics so far, but one of the most valuable aspects for me is that it doesn’t just focus on subject-specific expertise. It also develops essential workplace skills that are often overlooked. I’ve learned practical techniques for things like communication and public speaking, which I put into practice recently when I presented at a school assembly, and that experience alone reinforced how powerful this kind of learning can be. Being able to apply those skills in real time, in a real workplace, has been one of the most valuable parts of my apprenticeship journey. 

Since starting my apprenticeship, my mindset at work has shifted significantly. I feel more confident using my own initiative rather than automatically leaning on others for guidance. I’ve learned how to manage my time more effectively, strengthened my organisational skills, and developed ways of working that allow me to successfully balance my daily responsibilities alongside my studies. That growth hasn’t happened in isolation – it’s happened because learning is embedded directly into my role. 

Being an apprentice while fully embedded in the workplace has accelerated my learning in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Every concept I learn has a real-world context, and every assignment links back to live projects, real stakeholders, and genuine outcomes. That connection between theory and practice shortens the gap between learning and impact, and it’s where apprenticeships truly come into their own. 

I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to be supported by my workplace throughout this journey. Highway Traffic Management Ltd has created an environment where my apprenticeship is genuinely valued, and that support has made a real difference. My manager, Matt, has been a constant source of guidance, helping me stay on track, attending my check-ins, and offering support whenever it’s needed. Having that level of engagement and encouragement reinforces that apprenticeships are not just a personal development opportunity, but a shared investment between the individual and organisation.

One of the biggest myths around apprenticeships is that apprentices are there simply to be taught. The reality is that apprentices bring fresh perspectives into the workplace. Through my apprenticeship, I’ve connected with like-minded people in similar roles across different industries, building a network I simply wouldn’t have had otherwise. That exposure to different ways of thinking feeds directly back into my work, encouraging curiosity and continuous improvement. 

Apprenticeships also play a vital role in creating more inclusive and accessible career pathways. I struggled in a traditional classroom environment at school, and for a long time that shaped how I viewed learning. Having the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship in this way has shown me that learning doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Earning while learning, adapting to different learning styles, and applying knowledge in real time can open doors that more traditional routes sometimes close. For organisations, investing in apprenticeships isn’t just about developing skills, it’s about supporting diversity, improving social mobility, and building a workforce that’s genuinely equipped for the future. And for the instances where it is someone that is perhaps at the start of their career, it’s supporting the next generation.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship but feeling unsure, my advice would be not to underestimate it. You don’t need to be a certain age or at a specific stage in your career. What matters is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn and reflect. The people 

who thrive as apprentices aren’t those who know everything already, but those who are organised, proactive, open to feedback, and willing to step outside their comfort zone. 

Being an apprentice has reshaped how I see my work, my confidence, and my long-term development. It has shown me that learning and working don’t have to exist separately, in fact, they’re stronger together. I truly believe that it is time we moved away from the outdated assumptions around apprenticeships and instead start looking at the positives they have to offer. Apprenticeships are a strategic investment in people which allows real progress to be made and open people up to achieve real potential. 

Using the knowledge and skills gained during my apprenticeship so far I have been able to organise a variety of charity events as well as finding, proposing and creating a social partnership to enhance the social impact we have in our communities, which I’m incredibly proud of.

If you’re an organisation questioning whether apprenticeships are worth investing in, I can say with confidence that they are. And if you’re an individual wondering whether an apprenticeship could be right for you, it might just be the opportunity that changes how you see your career.