Featured Apprentice Story

Ellie is currently in the final year of her Chartered Manager degree apprenticeship with Aston University. Throughout the apprenticeship, she has undertaken various roles and contributed to numerous high-profile projects. Currently, she holds the position of Junior Delivery Manager. Over the past year, she has been closely supporting the Senior Delivery Manager on a significant legislative project. This experience has equipped her with valuable skills, including project planning, risk management, team leadership, stakeholder management, and financial management. The culmination of this experience has positioned her to take on the role of Lead Delivery Manager for Phase 2 of the project. In this capacity, she is managing a team of 20 resources, all of whom possess greater experience and seniority.

The decision between an apprenticeship and university posed a considerable challenge for Ellie. While an apprenticeship seemed more beneficial, the daunting prospect of 'missing out' on the typical university lifestyle, especially when friends were opting for it, weighed heavily. Complicating matters, Ellie's school did not endorse degree apprenticeships as a viable alternative, lacking the support, recognition, and respect accorded to university paths. Applying for programs became a trial-and-error process, further exacerbated by teachers expressing reservations. Ultimately, Ellie chose an apprenticeship because she believed that learning on the job and gaining practical experience outweighed a traditional degree. Growing disheartened and uninspired by classroom learning, she found that working alongside her degree provided context and kept her engaged. Despite her desire to study business, the minimal contact hours at most universities for this subject and the seemingly extravagant university lifestyle led Ellie to prioritise a more immersive, cost-effective learning experience through an apprenticeship.

Navigating imposter syndrome in a business where Ellie is working with, and now managing, more experienced professionals has been a significant and transformative journey. Initially, she felt daunted by their expertise, but she diligently worked to counter her self-doubt by reframing challenges as opportunities for learning. Ellie made a deliberate effort to seek a range of mentors and allocated regular time for reflection, acknowledging small victories along the way. These strategies collectively allowed her to build confidence, and she no longer feels daunted by what she doesn't know. Now in her role as a manager, this experience has empowered Ellie to showcase empathetic leadership, connecting on a deeper level with her team. The journey through imposter syndrome has not only strengthened Ellie's professional capabilities but has also enriched her ability to lead with understanding and compassion.

In June 2020, Ellie commenced her journey with Capgemini amid the unique backdrop of a global lockdown. This period marked the onset of nearly two years navigating her career in what felt like a dystopian and isolated environment. Learning the intricacies of her role, establishing meaningful connections, and gaining a solid understanding of the broader business landscape seemed like an impossible challenge at the time. This unconventional start to Ellie's career allowed her to develop a deeper appreciation for the profound impact that meaningful connections can have on mental well-being, job satisfaction, and overall career trajectory. In the absence of casual coffee breaks and face-to-face interactions, she became adept at leveraging virtual platforms to foster connections, ensuring that distance did not impede her experience. Through this experience, Ellie has learned that resilience and adaptability are paramount in the face of unexpected challenges. She has developed her communication skills in a virtual setting, recognising the importance of clarity and empathy in digital interactions. Moreover, she has gained a heightened awareness of the significance of proactively seeking out opportunities for connection and collaboration, even in the absence of traditional workplace dynamics.