Aged 22, Apprenticeship through QA, Qualification BCS Business Analysis Diploma
After completing my A levels, I knew that university wasn’t for me, I wanted to leave full time education and see what the world had to offer, while I searched for the career path that was right for me.
While searching for jobs, I discovered IT apprenticeships and was instantly drawn, having had a keen interest in IT. I was aware of the growing demand for IT professionals – and of course the benefit of earning a proper salary!
This was the start of my apprenticeship journey. My employer placed me on a flexible learning and development programme, tailoring learning to my interests, enabling me to gain a broad range of skills and secure recognised qualifications.
I learned about the various functions and the individual skills and knowledge required by each of different roles that make up the IT department, which I could put in to practice at work.
This broad understanding supported me to make my decision to become a Solutions/Business Analyst and understand how the other IT project roles are linked or impacted by the work of an Analyst. The apprenticeship scheme has been an excellent platform for the first step of my career path, gaining a permanent role at AXA as a Business Analyst, a job I am thoroughly enjoying.
I was recently asked to represent AXA at the Alliance for Youth event at the European Parliament in Brussels, presenting to CEO’s, MEP’s, apprentices and training providers from several European countries. Giving me the chance to share my opinions, based on my experience at AXA, on how to help improve the scheme and the way in which we promote apprenticeships.
An apprentice’s journey doesn’t stop once the scheme has finished, this is only the start. I am 22 years old and have successfully completed my BCS Business Analysis Diploma, through QA, qualifying me for the role.
It isn’t just about the qualification, practical experience is also as important, gained in the workplace and the shared knowledge from your colleagues.
It’s because of organisations investing in young people like me, that I can share the success of my journey so far, promoting the value of an apprenticeship, the various roles in IT, inspiring other young people on the alternative routes to a successful digital career.
The IT profession could do to attract more females, we need to start at the very beginning of the education system. Early promotion will assist with challenging the stereotype of a man in a suit, this association needs to change to reflect the current IT workforce and in turn make the industry more appealing to women.
There has been a noticeable change with equality and diversity, the needs of the customer and a more collaborative working environment. This has led to an increase in relationship building and interpersonal skills rather than purely technical skills. These soft skills and the variety of roles available within IT need to be clearly publicised so that we can change the perception of IT roles.
