National Apprenticeship Week (February 9-15)
National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to consider the true effects apprenticeships have on communities, organisations and the workforce of the future, in addition to individual careers. In the UK, celebrated from February 9 to 15 each year, this week long celebration brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. Our apprentices at School of Coding & AI are not spectators on the sidelines, they are innovators, future leaders and active participants who influence the work we do daily.
This year, we are honoured to celebrate the incredible journeys of Gurjot Kaur and Natasha Parbhakar, whose commitment and development perfectly capture the essence of apprenticeships. Their accomplishments were acknowledged at the 2025 Black Country Apprenticeship Awards, where Gurjot was nominated for Degree Apprentice of the Year, and Natasha was named Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year. These honours are a reflection of both individual excellence and the culture of opportunity, trust and ongoing learning that SOC works to foster.
Our apprentices contribute to IT operations, compliance, SEND provision, work experience programs, international initiatives and curriculum development and student engagement, among other areas of the organisation. They bring new perspectives, technical expertise and a strong sense of responsibility to everything they do, which includes work in computing, cybersecurity, digital development and educational innovation. They gain the self-assurance and skills necessary to succeed in professional settings through practical projects and meaningful engagement.
At the School of Coding & AI, Natasha’s journey exemplifies the benefits of apprenticeship led growth. She says:
“My apprenticeship at School of Coding & AI has been a genuinely transformative experience. From early on, I was trusted with real responsibility, not just learning technical skills in software engineering but actively applying them across live projects, programme delivery, and digital development. Being involved in nationally funded initiatives, European projects, and internal platforms has allowed me to see how technology, education, and social impact come together in practice.”
She highlights how hands-on exposure has bridged the gap between theory and practice, allowing learning to translate into real-world outcomes. Beyond technical skills, Natasha’s experience also reflects the wider professional development apprentices gain at SOC. According to her:
“I have strengthened my communication, leadership and problem solving skills by working closely with colleagues across different teams… The experience has shown me that an apprenticeship is not just a route into a career, but a platform for growth, ownership and long-term progression.”
This sense of ownership, inclusion and purpose is central to how we nurture talent. Our apprentices are valued members of the team, empowered to contribute at both strategic and operational levels, while being supported by mentors who guide, challenge, and inspire them.
Gurjot’s words also showcase the support and trust at the School of Coding & AI that has helped her soar throughout the journey.
“My apprenticeship at School of Coding & AI has been a defining part of my professional and personal development. As a Software Engineering Degree Apprentice, I’ve been allowed to work on real, high impact projects that go far beyond traditional learning. From contributing to digital product development and AI driven learning platforms to supporting funded programmes and strategic bids, my role has allowed me to apply academic learning directly to meaningful, real world outcomes. Being trusted with responsibility from an early stage has significantly accelerated my confidence, technical capability and understanding of how technology can be used to create social impact.”
She applauds the balance between the learning and hands-on delivery that has helped her gain confidence. She says:
“What has truly set my apprenticeship apart is the supportive and ambitious culture at School of Coding. I’ve been encouraged to take ownership of projects, collaborate across teams and continuously push myself to grow both technically and professionally. The balance between structured learning and hands-on delivery has helped me develop strong problem-solving skills, adaptability and a clear sense of career direction. National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to reflect on how apprenticeships like mine provide not just a qualification, but a genuine pathway to leadership, innovation and long-term growth within the tech sector.”
A mentor’s role is what moulds the apprentices into the successful professionals they become. Suki, Director of Academics at School of Coding & AI, has been the guiding torch through Gurjot and Natasha’s journey so far, and this is what she had to say about her experience with them:
“Over the course of their apprenticeship, Gurjot has shown impressive growth both professionally and personally. From the outset, Gurjot demonstrated a strong willingness to learn, take feedback on board and apply it with confidence. They have developed key workplace skills such as time management, communication and problem-solving, while also growing in self belief and independence. It has been rewarding to see Gurjot progress from needing guidance to taking initiative and contributing thoughtfully to the team.
Similarly, Natasha has made remarkable strides throughout her apprenticeship journey. She has consistently shown commitment, resilience and a positive attitude towards learning, even when faced with new challenges. Natasha has grown significantly in her technical abilities and professionalism, becoming more confident in her role and interactions with colleagues. Mentoring Natasha has been a pleasure and her development is a strong example of how apprenticeships can nurture talent, unlock potential and create clear pathways for future success.”
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are reminded that apprenticeships are not just about skills; they are about confidence, character and creating pathways for long-term success. Natasha and Gurjot represent the very best of what apprenticeships can achieve and we are incredibly proud to have them at School of Coding & AI.
The future is bright, and our apprentices are leading the way.
