As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 celebrates how apprenticeships unlock potential, I want to share my journey and how this path has transformed both my career and personal development.
I came into tech as a career changer. After seven years working in the NHS as a Physiotherapist, I took a leap into coding through a bootcamp, which led me to a role as an Apprentice Software Engineer at Made Tech.
The Made Tech apprenticeship programme
From the very start, it was clear that this apprenticeship was about far more than just learning to code. While technical skills are essential, the programme takes a holistic approach to development. Early on, we explored topics such as Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, British Values, Power, Privilege & Responsibility, and Non-Violent Communication, among many others. Learning about these subjects showed me that this apprenticeship isn’t just about becoming a better engineer, but it’s about becoming a more well-rounded, capable professional.
You might think that, after years in healthcare, I would have already honed my communication and teamwork skills, and, to some extent, I thought I had too. Yet, this apprenticeship has shown me that learning never stops, and there are always new ways to grow both professionally and personally.
Turning learning into practical experience
A highlight for me has been joining a delivery team where I get hands-on experience every day, not just with coding, but with collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Pairing with senior engineers allows me to learn in real time, gaining practical insights and guidance that you simply can’t get from textbooks alone. It also inspires me to see the career path I hope to follow one day.
Having completed a university degree in the past, I can honestly say that this apprenticeship offers a different and incredibly valuable way of learning. Being immersed in ‘on-the-job’ experience has given me confidence, practical skills, and a sense of contribution from day one. While it can feel like being thrown into the deep end initially, that challenge quickly becomes an opportunity for rapid growth. Moments of discomfort or imposter syndrome are normal, but learning to navigate them is part of the process, and it’s what enables true development.
The value of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships don’t just fill skills gaps for businesses; they transform lives, opening doors to careers and personal growth that might once have felt out of reach. My journey is proof of that, and I am proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by sharing it.
Since 2023, our apprenticeship programme has been part of our long-standing commitment to broaden access to digital and tech careers while strengthening the skills base that public sector delivery depends on. To find out more about building a career in tech through the Made Tech apprenticeship programme.
About the Author
Kate Drew
Apprentice Software Engineer
