New Apprentice

Luke Sheldon-Edwards

Age: 20

Apprenticeship: ICT Apprentice

Qualification: NVQ Level 2 ICT Professional Competence

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

Becoming an apprentice was a decision I made after a lot of thinking about my time at College. I enjoyed the subjects I studied, but I found that the listen/write/repeat method of learning didn’t suit me, and that the few practical courses I had done were much more engaging. For me, the difference was between knowing all these facts, and actually understanding them.

I didn’t want to go to University where I would never really connect with what I was studying. An Apprenticeship seemed like a great alternative to this, especially in the IT field. There are the massive advantages of being paid while you learn, and gaining real work experience at an early stage.

I’m now part of the Web development team in Brighton & Hove City Council. I learn new things and gain new skills every day, and everyone is incredibly supportive and happy to share their knowledge and experience.

Where do you go to college?

The apprenticeship is provided by City College Brighton & Hove, who provide assessors to support you as you work and complete your course.

Background

I studied Biology, Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology at Varndean College. After this, I worked as a part time social worker for the better part of a year before seeking an ICT focused apprenticeship. I was able to join the Web team despite having no previous web development work experience, only an enthusiasm for computing technology.

Hove Park - Year 9 Options Evening

Ambassadors Georgia and Jamie visited Hove Park School on their year 9 options evening to talk to students about apprenticeships.

Georgia & Jamie with Hove Park PSHE team leader,
Mr Warwick

The ambassadors spent the evening talking to year 9 pupils and their parents and carers. They were able to answer questions and provide information that many students and parents didn't know about apprenticeships. 

Many of them had not realised you could do an apprenticeship straight after school, as some people had thought that college was the only option.

Georgia said, "It was my first school visit as an apprentice ambassador and it was such a brilliant experience. It was great to help and advise parents and students as many people we spoke to were unaware of apprenticeships.

"I can't wait to visit more schools in the future!"