To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16 February), we’re highlighting some of our amazing apprentices here at Kent and finding out what skills they’ve gained from doing an apprenticeship.

Meet Aaminah Ahmed who won the Apprentice of the Year award at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024. We asked her a couple of questions and here’s what she had to share with us:

How did your apprenticeship help you gain skills for life?

“My apprenticeship was invaluable in helping me develop lifelong skills because it immersed me in the professional world from the onset of my journey. It allowed me to see how the theoretical knowledge from my university degree translated into real-world scenarios.

One of the most rewarding experiences was speaking with my lecturers, many of whom had extensive experience in management consultancy. Their practical advice not only enriched my understanding of the subject but also enabled me to take challenges from my workplace and directly apply them to my academic work.

This unique combination of academic insight and hands-on practice gave me a well-rounded foundation that continues to shape my career.”

What advice would you give someone just starting or considering an apprenticeship at Kent?

“My advice for anyone starting or considering an apprenticeship is always the same: be proactive and curious. In the early stages of your career, there will be people wanting to guide and support you, but opportunities won’t always come to you automatically.

Take the initiative—ask questions, seek out challenges, and show your eagerness to learn. By demonstrating curiosity and drive, you’ll not only gain more from your apprenticeship but also set yourself apart as someone ready to grow and succeed. When I was starting out my career in the early stages I found that the more I put myself out there the more I found new opportunities.”