Apprentice panel

Saskia Navaratnam

Chair

Employer: Royal Mail

Apprenticeship: Advanced engineering (level 3)

Training provider: Training 2000

Assigned route: Engineering and construction 

Reasons for joining the panel: 

The only real opportunity I saw for myself after school was University, which I found was not the right thing for me. Had I been given the information and understanding of what apprenticeships can provide and how to go about finding one, I would have been able to have made a more informed and fulfilling decision for my future – the decision that I made in 2020 of starting an Apprenticeship in the field that I love! It is my aim to improve and increase apprenticeship visibility to young people as well as older learners as a perfectly feasible and supportive way to enter the working world – or change career paths.

IfATE provides the platform for extremely hardworking apprentices to have our voices heard by those with the power to make a change is amazing, and something that I would love to invest my time and energy in!

James Kennett

Co-vice chair

Employer: Department for International Trade

Apprenticeship: Aerospace Engineer (Level 6)

Training provider: Derby College

Assigned route: Engineering and manufacturing

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I am passionate about improving the quality of and access to apprenticeships, and I think it is essential apprentices are included in the conversation of how they are formed and improved. For me they offer a fantastic alternative to traditional qualifications, but only if we maximise the opportunities for learners and employers.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I completed my apprenticeship in September 2022 at Rolls-Royce plc, it enabled great and varied opportunities to explore engineering, technology, and business. It empowered me to be able to take my skills and apply them in a variety of settings. However, I was quite critical of some the ways my standard restricted my learning opportunities, hence my desire to join the panel and make a difference for others.

What is an interesting fact about you?

Even though my apprenticeship was in Engineering I found ways to put my skills to use in other fields and have recently joined the public sector working for Department for International Trade, proving that an apprenticeship never limits your opportunities!

Dillon Jones

Employer: Derry Building Services

Apprenticeship: Installation electrician and maintenance electrician (Level 3)

Training Provider: JTL  

Assigned route: Construction

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I wanted to be part of the panel so that I could ensure the voice of construction apprentices would be heard. I also wanted to raise awareness that earning whilst your learning is a massive benefit for apprenticeships and one that is often overlooked.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

My Apprenticeship was Level 3 Electrical and Electrotechnical for Derry Building Services. It lasted for 4 years and during my time as an apprentice I worked all over the country on various projects ranging from schools to office blocks. No two days were the same during my apprenticeship which I really enjoyed.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I’m currently trying to learn to juggle

Tamzin Greenfield

Employer: Cyber Security Associates

Apprenticeship: Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6

Training provider: University of Gloucestershire 

Assigned route: Digital

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I joined the panel because I knew that the apprenticeship experience could be improved, and that joining a group of like-minded individuals would be the best way to action this improvement. Apprenticeships are quickly becoming a real contender for further education, and I want to help make them more accessible. 

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I'm undertaking a Level 6 Cyber security technical professional integrated degree. A lot of words to say I'm completing a Bachelors of Science degree in the standard 3 year duration at University, whilst working a full time job with my employer Cyber Security Associates. It's a fantastic choice for someone who wants both a degree and experience within their sector, which is very important for careers based in tech. 

What is an interesting fact about you?

Before I got into cyber security, I wanted to work in fashion and design. 

Hamzah Ahmed

Employer: Airbus Operations UK Ltd

Apprenticeship: Aerospace engineer (degree)

Training provider: University West of England/ Bristol City College

Assigned route: Engineering and manufacturing

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

During my sixth form years, the whole apprenticeship scheme was unknown and I had to become my own school's independent expert on the matter. My objective, as a representative of the engineering and manufacturing route, will include the improvement of basic school knowledge of the route.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship scheme has provided me with an opportunity to kick start my career within aviation. I believe I have a responsibility to  show people how the route I chose is as good as (and better than) the traditional educational route. Despite feedback being key to personal development it's also important for the development and continuous improvement of apprenticeship schemes. The Apprentice Panel provides a route to give feedback!

What is an interesting fact about you?

I'm used to teach swimming to kids and adults!

Rhiannon Rees-Jones

Employer: West Northamptonshire Council

Apprenticeship: Business administration (level 3)

Training provider: Local Government Shared Services

Assigned route: Care services

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

Ever since being diagnosed with Asperger’s, I have been presented with many challenges, which I have overcome through sheer determination.  I wanted to be able to share my life experience, build up a network, and continue to be a role model for others on the Autistic Spectrum. To have the opportunity to explore new ideas too.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I was an Admin Assistant when I started the apprenticeship. I won two Northamptonshire Health and Care Partnership (NHCP) awards in ‘Behind the Scenes’ for Adult Social Care and Apprentice of the Year 2020, and gained an overall grade of Distinction on completion. I also started a new role as Business Support Officer the day after completion.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I am an Autism Champion and I write my own poetry.

Santina Bunting

Employer: Arup Group

Apprenticeship: Civil engineering level 3

Training provider: Salford & Trafford Engineering Group Training Association

Assigned route: Construction and the built environment

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

As the only person out of 150 secondary school students to undertake an apprenticeship I understood the overwhelming value this untraditional route presented. Being invited back to my secondary school to speak has helped me to become a passionate advocate of apprenticeships and so through my role on the panel I hope to share my thoughts and ideas and improve and shape the future of apprenticeships.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I am currently undertaking a level 3 Civil Engineering apprenticeship within the geotechnics team at Arup. My role enables me to have had the opportunity to work on a range of range of highways projects where my role is the data management of information collected on site by contractors for us then to be able to produce drawings showing the geology of the soil and manipulate the data to extract the relevant information to help inform the parameters of foundation design.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I am the goalkeeper for the Under 19 Great British Handball Squad and have had the opportunity to travel to: Spain, Portugal, and Denmark. 

Ishaaq Saleem

Employer: Arup Group

Apprenticeship: Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship – Level 6

Training provider: Kingston University

Assigned route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I wanted to join the panel as a means of not just promoting apprenticeships but to improve the experience of doing an apprenticeship for current and future apprentices. As someone who has had the opportunity to work for different employers, I feel I have a unique perspective on doing an apprenticeship and by being on the panel, can share my views and opinions.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I’m currently doing the Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship. The course allows me to train as an Environmental Consultant in a specialist field within environmental consulting and gives me the opportunity to study BSc Environmental Science (one day a week) at university.

What is an interesting fact about you?

A short fact but I’ve memorised a book. 

Jordan Gough

Employer: Coventry Building Society

Apprenticeship: Project Management Level 4

Training provider: Kaplan

Assigned route: Business admin

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I joined the panel as my apprenticeship changed my life, I have finished my apprenticeship and now lucky enough to work within my dream job. Whilst I finished my apprenticeship in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, I wanted to give back to the apprenticeship panel to help provide insight and a holistic view of the end-to-end apprenticeship journey to help current and future apprentices.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I completed a level 3 apprenticeship in Project Management, and I now work as a project manager and Scrum Master for the UKs second largest building society.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have BA Hons degree in Comedy.

Samantha Ross

Employer: Bevan Brittan LLP

Apprenticeship: Solicitor (Level 7)

Training Provider: BPP University

Assigned route: Legal, finance and accounting

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I joined the panel because I am passionate about change and I enjoy listening to and sharing new ideas. I knew the panel would open up a vast range of opportunities which I wanted to be involved in, to ensure the voices of legal apprentices are heard and that change is implemented in the future.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I am currently in my fourth year of the Level 7 LLB (Hons) Solicitor Apprenticeship at Bevan Brittan LLP. I have previously undertaken the CILEx Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have owned horses since a young age and competed all-round the United Kingdom. I mainly took part in eventing, which consists of dressage, show jumping and cross country. I have also won a few awards throughout my Apprenticeships, the most recent one being Apprentice of the Year at the Birmingham Law Society Awards 2022.

Samantha Woods

Employer: E.ON Energy UK

Apprenticeship: Business management and leadership (level 6)

Training provider: University of Derby

Assigned route: Business and Administration

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I want to continue to share my experience and knowledge with others but also be able to have input in shaping apprenticeships going forward. By doing this hopefully, I can raise the visibility, so more people are aware of the variety of opportunities out there and that going to university is not the only option.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I was lucky enough to start my Degree Apprenticeship in 2019, it has given me the opportunity to go down a route I had never even considered, in an industry I had never even thought about before. The Apprenticeship approach has provided me with the ideal balance of working, earning, and learning and I would completely recommend it to anyone!

What is an interesting fact about you?

I love traveling and have visited over 30 countries around the world.

Lily O'Brien

Employer: Crosby Management Training Ltd

Apprenticeship: Level 4 Marketing Executive

Training provider: JGA Group

Assigned route: Sales, Marketing and Procurement 

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I wanted to be a part of the apprentice panel to encourage success through apprenticeships and highlight this fantastic learning scheme to more and more people.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I’ve completed two apprenticeships, firstly in business administration, followed by a more specialist apprenticeship in marketing.

What is an interesting fact about you?

Leaving school, I had no idea what I wanted to do - apprenticeships helped direct and develop me into a marketing career, which I cannot wait to accelerate further!

Lizzy Millen

Employer: Reckitt

Apprenticeship: Research and development level 6

Training provider: University of Kent

Assigned route: Sales, marketing and procurement 

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I have been an apprentice for over four years and in that time I have learnt so much and grown in confidence but also faced challenges that I’m sure are faced by other apprentices too. I would like to champion apprenticeships as a career choice for young people and use the experience and confidence I am gaining through my own apprenticeship to bring forward ideas to encourage young people and businesses to use apprenticeships effectively and build a community of people in the workplace who can maximise their full potential, as I believe my apprenticeship is doing for me.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I am a level 6 apprentice in Applied Chemical Sciences with the University of Kent. My degree involves studying modules in pure chemistry as well as business modules. My day job involves working in research and development for pharmaceutical products.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I spend all my spare time outdoors and I am part way through a mission to run around every forest in the UK!

Megan Foster

Employer: Kier Construction

Apprenticeship: Civil engineering (level 6)

Training provider: Anglia Ruskin University

Assigned route: Engineering and manufacturing

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I joined the panel in order to have some influence on how future apprenticeships are provided and to have my voice heard on how to keep apprenticeships relevant to those undertaking them. I also saw it as an opportunity to help encourage the future generations and provide insight into what an apprenticeship can offer.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I am currently undertaking a level 6 apprenticeship in construction working as a civil engineer. I have been based on the HS2 project for 5 years now and had some vital experience in many different departments ranging from estimating to design to construction. Every day is different!

What is an interesting fact about you?

I own 4 border collies.

I have a massive fear of liquid food (soup and gravy) – Little bizarre.

Before I became an engineer, I wanted to be a vet. (Couldn’t be further away from each other career wise.)

Nathan Huchinson

Employer: BCAL Consulting

Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering, Level 6

Training provider: Coventry University

Assigned route: Construction and built environment

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I wanted to be part of the panel to help promote the apprenticeship route, which has worked so well for me. My company is continually looking to train new apprentices with a consistent approach. As a more senior apprentice, I wanted to share my passion for the scheme, ensuring that new apprentices are given the best possible experience - being part of the panel, shaping the standards and having access to the insight of many other apprentices, allows me to do this.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

I work for a consultancy in Northamptonshire, currently training on a civil engineering apprenticeship. ‘Civil engineering’ is a broad term used for construction engineering but at my company, like many, the term ‘civil’ engineering refers to my role of designing drainage, roads, and external areas.

What is an interesting fact about you?

Originally, I wanted to be a police officer. I worked as a special constable in tandem with the early stages of my civil engineering apprenticeship before deciding engineering was the preferred career path for me.

Mike Morgan

Employer: Merseyside Fire Service

Apprenticeship: Community safety advisor apprenticeship

Training provider: Mersey Fire

Assigned route: Protective services

Why did you want to be part of the panel?

I wanted to be a part of the apprentice panel after undertaking two apprenticeships in the FRS to encourage apprenticeship routes in the public service sector and showcase the opportunities and benefits they facilitate in such a short period of time. So far the apprenticeships have provided me with the skills and experience required to continually advance my career, so I welcomed the opportunity to help refine and develop future apprenticeships.

Tell me a bit about your apprenticeship?

On my current apprenticeship as a community safety advisor, I am conducting home fire safety checks for all members of the public who request one. In this role we look at everything from electrical safety to poor mobility, this is to prevent fires from occurring in the home, which in turn reduces the stress on the fire services.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I am currently learning to speak Russian.