National Apprenticeship Week 2025

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the incredible impact apprenticeships have on the people undertaking them, the organisations they work for, and the economy as a whole.

Over the past four years, we’ve welcomed eight apprentices to Glass Technology Services, offering them the opportunity to gain level 3–7 qualifications (A-level to masters degree) in both administrative and technical roles. 

These talented individuals have brought fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and diversity to our established teams, and some have risen through the ranks from junior to management positions as a result of their dedication to the organisation.

In honour of this year’s event, we caught up with a few of our apprentices to find out more about their experiences.

 

What made you choose the apprenticeship route?

“Apprenticeships allow for progression in both practical and academic skills. They enable you to learn the subject area as a whole, gain a relevant qualification to prove this, then apply your learning in the workplace to become specialised in a role. I didn’t want to put my career on hold for three years while I continued education. Instead, I wanted to build a career alongside it.”
Ellie Hagen, senior analyst 
 

“I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn both practically as well as in the classroom. I was originally going to university, but decided an apprenticeship would be more suited to my style of learning.”
Jack Claydon, customer operations co-ordinator

 

What did you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

“I enjoyed being able to apply what I was learning directly to my role as this made it easier to develop my skills and knowledge, and see specifically how the taught content was benefitting me. Writing assignments and tasks about my workplace and role also made them easier and more relevant. Plus it was a good mix of work and studying, which made both more enjoyable.” 
Ebony Woodhall, technical & business administrator
 

“Apprenticeships allow for learning and knowledge in both practical and academic skills. Every opportunity I’ve been given – either in my workplace or at university – has allowed me to learn something new or develop a skill I can carry forward into the rest of my career.”
Ellie Hagen, senior analyst

 

How has the apprenticeship helped you progress your career?

“The apprenticeship route ensured that after graduation, I entered my full-time career with at least three years’ real working experience. This has fast-tracked my career knowledge and provided me with opportunities much earlier than I expected.”
Callum Hawksworth, data & administrative officer
 

“I started as an apprentice in technical and business administration, and have now qualified with a degree in practice management, alongside managing a small team who work in customer operations – something I’m immensely proud of. The experience has been very beneficial to my knowledge across operations, sales and marketing and finance. The skills I gained are highly transferable.”
Tara Cusworth, customer operations manager
 

What would you say to people considering an apprenticeship?

“Unless you have a specific career in mind that absolutely requires you to study at university, an apprenticeship is the option to take. The learning style gives you the opportunity to gain vital work experience, and also explore an organisation in order to develop yourself within it – and therefore your career.”
Ebony Woodhall, technical & business administrator
 

“The apprenticeship route is a challenging yet thoroughly rewarding experience which I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to start university. Your learning will be applicable to your real working experiences, which provides an engaging opportunity to earn while you learn. Each aspect of the apprenticeship route complements the other, and your personal and career opportunities will be greatly enhanced during and after your apprenticeship.” 
Callum Hawksworth, data & administrative officer