Ex-student Explains Apprenticeship Route

Media and IT learners at Solihull Sixth Form College were recently given an exciting opportunity to connect with industry professionals, as BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK visited the campus to share valuable insights into careers and apprenticeships within the company.

The session featured former student Emily, who completed her BTEC Creative Digital Media Production course at the College in July 2024 and has since secured a competitive apprenticeship with BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK. Emily returned to speak with current students about her journey from the College to employment, offering a first-hand account of the application process, what it is like to be an apprentice and the real-world challenges and successes she has encountered so far.

Students also heard from Tanya Gamble, Operations, Training and Academy Manager at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK. Tanya gave an engaging presentation about the company’s mission, values and the wide range of roles available. She also focused on the importance of employability skills, offering practical advice on how learners can stand out in a competitive job market and successfully transition from education into the workplace.

Emily commented:

“It was an amazing opportunity to return to the College and tell the students about my career path. It’s important for all students to be aware about all the different possibilities after leaving college and hopefully my story inspired the Year 12s into looking at future opportunities in degree apprenticeships.”

Media & IT Curriculum Leader Rasbinder Gill added:

“It was great to have Emily back in the department and fantastic to see how well she’s done since finishing her BTEC studies with us. She clearly demonstrated a superb alternative to university and it is a route that some of our current young people will also be considering.”

23 May 2025