Jamie Johnson, BPP School of Tech 

Level 6 Data Science 

BCS Awards Finalist – Analyst Degree Apprentice of the Year 

How did it feel to be named a finalist in the BCS awards? 

Being named a finalist was a huge achievement, BCS is a really well known company so many people applied and to be a top 6 finalist is a great success.  

How did you find the awards ceremony?  

The award ceremony was a brilliant day, lots of amazing people in a room and I got to meet people in person who I knew previously by name.  

What inspired you to pursue a digital apprenticeship? 

I pursued a digital apprenticeship in data because I like maths, statistics and computer science.  

What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship journey so far? 

Running a community of over 250 people to try and make apprenticeships a better place for future candidates.  

Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of? 

When I first joined my company, they had just started a complex model development project. By the time of writing this, the project is nearly complete. I’m proud to see how my development has also related to the development of the project.  

What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to? 

Communication. Before I joined an apprenticeship, I was honestly the most introverted person but now I speak in front of hundreds of people on a regular basis  

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your apprenticeship? 

Don’t be too afraid to ask questions that you genuinely don’t know. As it could turn out that you just see it in a different perspective 

Who would you like to thank or acknowledge for supporting your journey? 

The apprenticeship team within the company who has supported me with my apprenticeship journey and all my ideas. My team also allow me to do all the things I do other than my job.  

What advice would you give to future apprentices aiming for excellence? 

You won’t know until you try, being an apprentice allows for a lot of opportunities and everything is a learning experience 

What’s next for you in your career or learning journey? 

I want to work towards becoming a manager and support people in their development  

Zoe Hurst, Firebrand 

Level 4 DevOps 

BCS Award Highly Commended – Software Apprentice of the Year 

How did it feel to be receive the Highly Commended Award in your category? 

To have my apprenticeship success recognised with the Highly Commended Award felt amazing, it was an honour to receive the award, especially when there were so many other highly successful apprentices in our category. 

How did you find the awards ceremony? 

The awards ceremony was such a great opportunity to network with people in a similar career area, find out about their journey, and share knowledge and experience of different technologies that we are using. The overall atmosphere was extraordinary; everyone was there to support each other and celebrate their successes. 

What inspired you to pursue a digital apprenticeship? 

Technology is such a broad area, there is always more to learn and different areas to develop in. For me this was always a step that made the most sense to me. An apprenticeship provides work experience alongside your learning and development, so following an apprenticeship week video by WTW, I found an opening for a Technology Apprenticeship and applied. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship journey so far? 

The most rewarding part of my journey so far has been when a new concept or technology ‘clicks’ and I can understand the logic behind it, but also when I get to apply my skills successfully. Whether this is the skills I have gained from my apprenticeship course itself, or from my own research, it is always rewarding to be able to use this background to suggest solutions and implement them. 

Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of? 

I am proud of the application that I developed for my apprenticeship EPA. I developed and learnt a lot throughout this period, from problem solving and debugging skills, to learning new tooling that I could add to the project. The end product was an application that displayed real time cost recommendations for Azure usage and allowed users to add notes and exclude items as required. 

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, there were many frustrating moments, but I am proud of my resilience and getting to the working solution that I desired. 

What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to? 

A skill that I didn’t expect to want to develop more, is my coding skills. The real-life application of writing code is so much more interesting and varied than that of which you learn in school. It is more than just creating a dice, rather creating whole infrastructure in the cloud using code or creating scripts to automate tasks. 

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your apprenticeship? 

The biggest lesson that I have learnt during my apprenticeship is that taking control of your own career is so important. It is up to you to research what you need to be learning and find people or platforms that can help you develop in these areas. 

Who would you like to thank or acknowledge for supporting your journey? 

I would like to thank everyone in my team at WTW who has supported me to this point, whether that is other apprentices who I collaborated with to develop each other’s skills and knowledge, or the managers who advocated for many different learning opportunities for us. 

What advice would you give to future apprentices aiming for excellence? 

Take every opportunity you can. Make the most of every learning and career opportunity that you discover or are offered. It may seem challenging; however, this is how you will develop as a person as well as in your career. 

What’s next for you in your career or learning journey? 

I am continuously researching and learning for my next certification and building my portfolio of technical experience. On top of this, I have recently signed up to be a STEM ambassador, so I look forward to participating in events where I can promote technology and apprenticeships to a range of people. 

Shalom Gallagher, BPP School of Tech 

Level 6 Advanced Digital Technology Degree 

BCS Awards Finalist – Digital Technologist of the Year 

How did it feel to be named a finalist in the BCS awards?

It was a huge privilege to be shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Digital Technologist of the Year’ at the BCS Awards. It came as a complete surprise, as I had no idea I had been nominated, so to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation like the British Computer Society (BCS) was a real honour.

How did you find the awards ceremony?

It was incredibly inspiring to attend the awards ceremony. Held just opposite the renowned Windsor Castle, it was the perfect setting to recognise the impact that apprentices are making in the IT sector across the country, as well as celebrate 40 years of the BCS’ Royal Charter. Hearing the remarkable success stories and accomplishments of apprentices was incredibly uplifting and motivating and being able to have both my parents there with me made the day even more special and memorable.

What inspired you to pursue a digital apprenticeship?

My passion and interest in technology grew from studying computer science at both GCSE and A-level, where I really enjoyed the problem-solving aspects of the subject and the constantly evolving nature of the field. When considering my options, I chose an apprenticeship over the traditional university route because it offers the opportunity to apply what I learn in a practical setting. As someone who prefers a more “hands-on” approach to learning, I knew that the apprenticeship route would be a better fit for me.

What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship journey so far?

For me, the most rewarding part of my apprenticeship journey has been seeing how much my confidence has grown since starting. Starting my apprenticeship in a large corporate organisation straight after college, just two weeks after turning 18, felt incredibly daunting and overwhelming. I struggled initially with self-confidence and navigating the corporate environment. However, over time, I’ve adapted, learnt how to navigate challenges, and have been able to put myself forward for public speaking opportunities. Seeing how far I’ve come since I started my apprenticeship two years ago has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?

One of my proudest achievements has been leading the African Caribbean Network in our office. When I first joined the company, there wasn’t a network present within our region, so I took on the role of regional lead and started up the network. Since then, I’ve been able to organise many events such as celebrating Black History Month for the first time. Organising various events to promote an inclusive and supportive community has been a huge privilege, and my commitment was recently recognised by my organisation as I received the “Community Builder Award” during National Apprenticeship Week, which was a huge achievement.

What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?

Although my apprenticeship has enhanced my technical knowledge and expertise, it has also enabled me to develop soft skills that I hadn’t anticipated. For example, how to communicate effectively, organisational skills, independence and other transferable skills. These skills can often be overlooked however they are arguably equally important as technical skills to be successful in the workplace.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your apprenticeship?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that stepping outside your comfort zone produces the most growth. Although it’s hard, saying yes to new opportunities that may feel daunting or unfamiliar has been key to my personal and professional development. If you feel comfortable all the time, it’s usually a sign that you’re not stretching yourself enough to grow.

Who would you like to thank or acknowledge for supporting your journey?

Firstly, as a Christian, I’m grateful to God for all the opportunities I have been given and for the achievements I have been able to accomplish so far. I would also like to thank my parents for their unwavering support and for encouraging me to pursue the apprenticeship route.

I’m particularly grateful for the support I have received from my company at Accenture, I’m very fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing, supportive managers and an incredible team who have been instrumental to my development.

I would also like to thank BPP University for the immense support I have received since starting my degree. The structure they have provided throughout the course has made balancing work and studying much more manageable. I am especially grateful to my coach at BPP, who has not only provided unwavering support and guidance, but also nominated me for the BCS Award.

What advice would you give to future apprentices aiming for excellence?

Make the most of your apprenticeship by asking questions and being open and willing to learn as much as you can. Ensure you gain exposure to different areas of the business through shadowing or saying yes to new opportunities. Remember, no one expects you to know everything, so give yourself grace, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and treat every challenge as a chance to grow.

What’s next for you in your career or learning journey?

I’m just about to begin my third and final year of my Digital Technology Solutions apprenticeship, which will allow me to graduate with a BSc degree in Applied Digital Technology. After graduating, I look forward to becoming an analyst and exploring new career pathways and opportunities.

Rizwan Azad, Degree Apprenticeship Coach 

Please explain your job role 

I deliver academic and pastoral support to Degree Apprenticeship learners on DTS and Data Science, providing a structured and appropriate development journey tailored to each apprentice, enabling them to maximise their full potential.  

What inspired you to work in education? 

What inspired me to become a degree apprenticeship coach was my passion for helping others reach their full potential through practical, real-world learning. I’ve always believed that education doesn’t have to follow a traditional path, and degree apprenticeships offer an incredible opportunity for individuals to earn, learn, and grow simultaneously. Seeing how these programmes empower people to build both academic knowledge and valuable workplace skills motivated me to support and guide them on this journey, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate achievements along the way. 

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had doing your current role? 

Watching apprentices’ growth over the course of the program, from hesitant beginnings to becoming  skilled, self-assured professionals, has been incredibly rewarding. The moment they thanked me during their progress review calls was humbling and a powerful reminder of why I chose this path. 

Whilst it might be hard to remember a time when you weren’t dedicating your life to the BPP Education Group, please tell us about the most interesting job you have had?  

Before becoming a degree apprenticeship coach, I worked as a lecturer at various colleges where I delivered a range of computing and IT modules. These included Event Driven Programming, Software Design & Development, Computer Animation, Web Development, Project Planning, and Server-Side Scripting. This experience allowed me to build a strong foundation in both technical knowledge and teaching, and it deepened my passion for supporting students as they developed practical skills for the industry. 

What would be your ultimate meal?  

My ultimate meal would be a rich, aromatic chicken curry served with basmati rice, garlic naan, and a side of mango kulfi.  

What’s your favourite TV show or movie of all time?  

My favourite movies of all time must be from the Terminator, Matrix, and John Wick franchises. I’ve always been drawn to the mix of intense action, mind-bending concepts, and iconic characters. Whether it’s the futuristic battles of The Terminator, the philosophical depth of The Matrix, or the relentless energy of John Wick, each one delivers something unforgettable. 

If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you pick and why?  

Not quite a reality TV show, but I’d pick The Walking Dead,  just for the thrill and survival challenge and to see how I’d handle high-pressure situations, working in a team, and having to adapt in a completely unpredictable world. 

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?  

My dream job would be selling classic cars, especially icons like the Ford Escort, Mercedes 190E, Toyota Celica, and Vauxhall Cavalier. I’ve always had a passion for timeless motors, and there’s something special about connecting people with the cars they grew up admiring or always dreamed of owning. 

What do you like to do with your weekends?  

On weekends, I love diving into DIY projects, whether it’s tackling home improvements, building something from scratch, or just fixing things around the house. There’s something so satisfying about getting hands-on and seeing a project come together.  

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? 

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done was buying a classic Mercedes 190E (J reg) and driving it back home a solid 8-hour journey. The excitement of picking up this iconic car was incredible, and even though it was a long drive, every moment felt like part of an unforgettable adventure. 

Ellie Ansher, Head of Students’ Association & Student Relations 

Please explain your job role  

I oversee the operation and service delivery of the Students’ Association, as well as having developed our three-year strategy. Alongside this, I represent students on committees, boards, and other internal meetings (such as the University Operations Group) to ensure Student Voice is heard. My role also involves working on some exciting projects to enhance the student experience, I currently sit on a range of projects covering Race Equality, student community, enhancing assessments, employability, and policy changes & implementation. 

What inspired you to work in education? 

I never had a particular career path in mind. All I knew was that I liked talking to and learning from people, and I feel a strong need to help and support people too. 

I think working in Higher Education, especially a Students’ Union, fits this perfectly., I get to learn from students and staff and talk to people from all walks of life, all while supporting our students to excel in their studies and get the most out of their time with us at BPP.  

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had doing your current role? 

In almost three years here, that’s a hard one, but I would have to say my first graduation ceremonies for sure. I’d only been in my first role here for a couple of months and being able to see all our grads and their family and friends celebrating their achievements was very memorable. 

Whilst it might be hard to remember a time when you weren’t dedicating your life to the BPP Education Group, please tell us about the most interesting job you have had?  

I tutored a young person with Autism and ADHD, supporting them to complete their college work and working on their social skills. He studied video game design, so we would spend three hours a week going through his work – I got to learn so much from him and he was super creative. 

What would be your ultimate meal?  

If anyone knows me well, they know I am obsessed with poke bowls and Japanese and Korean food. My ultimate meal would be a poke bowl, these gyoza I had in Japan (which were incredible), and these Korean marinated eggs I recently made. This is a bit of a random collection of food, but I think it’s delicious. 

What’s your favourite TV show or movie of all time?  

Dr Who, I have seen every episode from Christopher Eccleston up to Ncuti Gatwa.  

For my favourite movie, I do love Interstellar (anything Sci-Fi will do though). 

If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you pick and why?  

Does the Traitors count? It’s 100% the best one out there. 

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?  

I’m going to be annoying on this one, I don’t have a dream job! Anything that involves supporting/helping people. 

What do you like to do with your weekends?  

Going to the gym, seeing my friends for Lunch / Dinner, going to the cinema/watching a movie. 

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? 

Climbing up Mt Masada to see the sunrise (waking up around 3–/4am was the adventurous part for sure haha)