It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2024 and we are thrilled to celebrate the amazing work of our apprentices at Chalkline. They are the future of our company and we are proud to support them in their learning journey.
To showcase their achievements and experiences, we have created a video and interviews that you can watch below. You will hear from our apprentices themselves, as well as their mentors and managers, about what it’s like to work at Chalkline, what skills they have gained, and what projects they have been involved in.
We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the life of a Chalkline apprentice and get inspired by their stories. If you are interested in joining our apprenticeship program, please visit our website for more information and apply today!
Ross – Apprentice 2013/2014
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I knew early on that university wasn’t going to be the right path for me, and instead I wanted to focus on a career that I’d love and have a passion for. Starting a Technical Sales apprenticeship was the best possible thing for me.
What is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship with Chalkline?
Chalkline give so much time and effort to all apprentices allowing them to grow as individuals and gain valuable experience that sets you up for life.
How has your apprenticeship influenced your career?
I owe my position today to my apprenticeship. It gave me a base for the technical side and also the sales side, and without the experience gained and the path it set me on, I would not be in the position I am in today. I am grateful for the business giving me this opportunity and any person doing an apprenticeship should feel the same!
If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone thinking about an apprenticeship – what would it be?
Work hard, learn all that there is to learn, and go the extra mile. The extra learning you do sets you apart from everyone else and allows you to grow, learn, adapt and take on more responsibility.
What do you think are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university?
Doing my apprenticeship gave me real life experience. This is, in my opinion, equally as important as an education. Without experience you will fall behind anywhere.
In the tech industry where there is a skill shortage, do you think that an apprenticeship gives you an advantage over university graduates?
Absolutely. As a manager, I am now interviewing for sales roles. Experience and skills is just as important to me as a degree would be for a doctor. The skills you are taught are fresh, they will set you up for life and you will constantly build on them.
When people are applying for an apprenticeship it is because they want to learn and develop, and that matches Chalkline’s ethos as we want to help you grow and become a better person both professionally and personally.
Adam – Technical Apprentice 2019/2020
What is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship with Chalkline?
The best thing about doing my apprenticeship at Chalkline was the overarching support and guidance given. Coming from a low technical background I was greatly assisted with all aspects of my work, everyone was wonderful at assisting me with both my learning and coursework providing titbits of information and assistance. Without the support from Chalkline, I don’t think I would be where I am today.
How has your apprenticeship influenced your career?
The influence on my career has been grand, without this I wouldn’t even have a career. Coming out of school with only GCSEs I had limited options. The apprenticeship gave me a direct route into the IT industry, which is expansive and forever changing, bringing new challenges and opportunities each and every day.
If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone thinking about an apprenticeship – what would it be?
Just do it! In hindsight I would have started sooner. You can become an apprentice at 16. If you’re worried about the pay, remember that you’ll come out of an apprenticeship with no student loan debt. It’s all paid for whilst you get paid!
What do you think are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university?
By the time you’ve completed an apprenticeship, you’re 4 years ahead of anyone at university. The accomplishments, benefits and work experience gained is unmatched. I talk to people that have taken other avenues, and they are still looking for entry-level jobs.
In the tech industry where there is a skill shortage, do you think that an apprenticeship gives you an advantage over university graduates?
Absolutely! You can learn everything at university, but you’ll never have the job experience; how to apply the knowledge and where to apply it. You get a massive foothold in the industry with all the training and skills provided along the way.
Ross K – Technical Apprentice 2023/2024
What is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship with Chalkline?
I am appreciated for the work I do and how I contribute. The company is an amazing place to be and work. The team I work with are very supportive. I am fully supported with my apprenticeship work. and given adequate time to complete any course work or participate online lessons.
How has your apprenticeship influenced your career?
It has given me the opportunity to excel in a field I wish to have a long career in. It is an eye opener, and you feel as if you’re given the time to process things, get a feel for the role, with on hand experience and support for your apprenticeship.
If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone thinking about an apprenticeship – what would it be?
Don’t think, just do it, you won’t regret it. I feel this applies to me in a different way to my other peers who are on an apprenticeship due to my age and life experience. If I could advise someone who is of similar age, I would tell them to take the opportunity with both hands. This is a great opportunity for anyone.
What do you think are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university?
If I went to university before starting an IT career, I would have lost the 3-4 years of real world experience that an apprenticeship provides.
In the tech industry where there is a skill shortage, do you think that an apprenticeship gives you an advantage over university graduates?
Absolutely. As I mentioned above, instead of going to university to get into debt with university fees, and have no experience, I have in field experience that you can’t compare with. Having on the job experience gives you the edge over someone who has a degree but no experience.
Kirstie – Accounts Apprentice 2023/2024
What is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship with Chalkline?
It has not only helped me gain new knowledge and skills, but it has also boosted my confidence and the support is exceptional.
How has your apprenticeship influenced your career?
I feel like I have found the right path to success!
If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone thinking about an apprenticeship – what would it be?
DO IT, and don’t give up!
What do you think are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university?
An apprenticeship is a 3-in-1 opportunity to acquire a practical experience, communication skills, and qualifications.
Tiana – Sales Apprentice 2023/2024
What is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship with Chalkline?
Chalkline are very supportive and hands on with my apprenticeship. You gain direct exposure by working alongside professionals that are patient and experienced. Another great thing about taking on an apprenticeship with Chalkline is that, many of Chalkline members were previous as well as current apprentices, therefore I am able to seek first hand advice from people that are/were in the same position as me.
How has your apprenticeship influenced your career
It has taught me the importance of punctuality and working as a team. I am learning a lot now which I know will benefit me in the long-term. My apprenticeship is not only providing me with useful information, but I’ve also gained experience in the little time that I’ve started my apprenticeship.
If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone thinking about an apprenticeship – what would it be?
Traditional routes, such as going to Uni, aren’t the only ways to have a successful career.
What do you think are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university?
You gain knowledge and experience. You can kick start your career through an apprenticeship from an early age. It eases you into the real working world and what is expected of you.
In the tech industry where there is a skill shortage, do you think that an apprenticeship gives you an advantage over university graduates?
Yes, apprentices are at a greater advantage compared to Uni graduates because by being able to physically learn new skills rather than learning them, a lot of people find it easier to remember and process these skills.
