Apprenticeships in SMEs: Real Stories, Real Opportunities

Paige joined Technocure Ltd in August 2025, moving on from a part-time retail role at Argos. “I wanted to gain practical experience while earning,” she explained. What Paige loves most about working for a small team is seeing the immediate impact of her contributions: “I’ve had numerous collaborative opportunities with other departments to ensure our products and services are delivered smoothly. Immersing myself in the company culture and learning the values that make our business unique has been amazing.” Paige’s advice to future apprentices would be, “Do your homework on the company and its customers beforehand – it makes a real difference. Stay curious, ask plenty of questions, and make the most of every learning opportunity.”

Joseph combines academic learning with practical application on a Level 6 Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. “No two days are the same,” he explains. “I might be designing calculations one day and on site the next. Taking on responsibility early and learning directly from experienced colleagues has been invaluable.” As part of a smaller consultancy, Joseph has benefitted from exposure to different disciplines, gaining a breadth of experience that larger firms might take years to provide. “Being part of Association of Apprentices has also helped me connect with other apprentices, develop soft skills, and navigate workloads.”

Shea’s path from serving ice cream and working at a petrol station to becoming a FinTech Apprentice highlights how apprenticeships can transform careers. 'I’m at my best when staying productive during the week, and the traditional university route just wasn’t for me. Apprenticeships offer structure, independence, and hands-on experience, while still letting me enjoy my weekends,' Shea explained. "The highlight? “Receiving high marks on challenging university exams and coursework while working full-time. It’s rewarding to see my hard work paying off.” What Shea enjoys most about his SME apprenticeship is the trust and responsibility from day one. “I was given real, hands-on experience in investment compliance, supported by professionals who genuinely want me to grow.”

Edward’s apprenticeship journey started with a Level 3 IT Solutions Technician role after a short stint at Tesco. Now progressing to Level 4, Edward reflects on the benefits of hands-on learning: “I’ve grown in confidence, developed strong technical skills, and improved how I communicate with colleagues and customers. Apprenticeships combine learning and doing, which works really well for me.”Edward values the close-knit SME environment, where contributions are noticed immediately. “I’ve had the chance to take on real responsibility and work directly with experienced colleagues. It’s a great way to feel valued while learning.”