Apprenticeship alumni reflect on their career journeys

The 10^th February marked the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and gave us a great opportunity to catch up with some of our former apprentices.

Aimee Taylor - Mulberry Bush Nursery

Aimee Taylor was a Childcare and Early Years apprentice, progressing through the levels at Mulberry Bush Nursery. She has recently been promoted to room leader. When talking about her experiences in her career and plans for the future, she said: “Undertaking this apprenticeship has enabled me to progress in my career to Head of Unit, and I would love to continue this progression within my role.

“Being appointed to Head of Unit was a real highlight in my career. I was also extremely proud to complete my studies in the allocated time frame whilst working full-time and balancing a busy home life. The best part of my job is watching all of the children in my care achieve their personal milestones for example supporting them with potty training, hearing children say their first words and taking their first steps.”

Lucy Hardman - Former Hairdressing Apprentice

Lucy Hardman was a Hairdressing apprentice between 2019 and 2022 and is now working as a self-employed Hairdresser. She recently came back to Bury College to speak with our current apprentices. 

Lucy said: “The main benefit of starting my apprenticeship was learning on the job.  I have learnt so much in a salon as well as college and got to see what working in a salon is really like whilst going into college to improve my wider knowledge. I have developed good communication skills when talking to people of different ages in a salon, and it has helped build my confidence massively.”

“I would advise someone to 100% do an apprenticeship. You can build up your list of clients which is important if you want to become self-employed.”

Laura Kirkpatrick, Head of Apprenticeships at Bury College, said: "It's incredibly rewarding to see the impact we've had on people's careers. Watching former apprentices grow into leadership roles is truly inspiring—it fills me with pride to see them thrive."