National Apprenticeship Week was an exciting and inspiring time at Bury College, filled with activities that helped mark the occasion and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and achievements of Apprentices.
The 10th 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 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 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."
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience, and get paid. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career. Find your Apprenticeship journey with Bury College.
National Apprenticeship Week was an exciting and inspiring time at Bury College, filled with activities that helped mark the occasion and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and achievements of Apprentices.
On Monday 9th February, Bury College’s Hairdressing Apprentices came together for a charity Blowdryathon, raising almost £500 for Little Lady Locks during National Apprenticeship Week!
On Wednesday 11th February, as part of National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, Bury College proudly hosted an Apprenticeship Star Awards Ceremony.
Employers - did you know that now is the perfect time to start thinking about your school leaver Apprenticeship vacancies?
Shape the future of education and find out about opportunities to work at Bury College at our Work for Us Event 2026. Find out about a wide range of career opportunities including teaching, business, and governance roles.
Find out how our Performing Arts students are developing their skills in this year's Christmas Panto.