How a Young Professionals Event Sparked Tiora's Apprenticeship Journey

My Apprenticeship Journey: How a Young Professionals Event Changed Everything

Hi everyone! I’m Tiora, and I’m beyond excited to finally say that I’m a first-year Technology Degree Apprentice at Accenture! Reflecting on my journey to this point, I can confidently say it all started in 2022 when I attended my very first online session with Young Professionals (YP). That experience completely reshaped my career path and changed my mindset about apprenticeships.

Discovering Apprenticeships

Before that event, I hadn’t been exposed to much information about apprenticeships. In school, they barely mentioned them—which is shocking, considering how life-changing apprenticeships can be! It almost felt like schools were gatekeeping such an incredible opportunity from us. However, that YP session opened my eyes to a whole new world, showcasing the diverse apprenticeships available, the companies offering them, and the exciting sectors within technology I could explore.

A Game-Changing Event

The event was packed with useful information. It wasn’t just a presentation—it was an opportunity to ask real questions to professionals from top companies, many of whom were in senior positions. I was blown away by the doors an apprenticeship could open and the amazing benefits that come with it.

One of the highlights was hearing first-hand from current apprentices. They shared their experiences, offered practical tips, and even passed on advice directly from managers who review thousands of applications. Gaining an insider’s perspective on the process and learning what employers truly value in potential apprentices was invaluable.

Building My Personal Brand

The session also emphasised the importance of building a personal brand and creating an elevator pitch—skills I found incredibly valuable. Schools don’t teach you these things, but they’re essential for standing out in today’s competitive world.

Winning Big

One unforgettable moment from the event? I won an iPad during one of YP’s giveaways! All I had to do was write a LinkedIn post about my experience at the event. Getting involved was so easy, and winning gave me an extra boost of confidence.

Sharing my experience on LinkedIn not only landed me the iPad but also helped me engage with my network. The positive feedback I received motivated me to keep sharing my journey and connect with more people.

A Life-Changing Decision

After that session, my mindset did a complete 180. I was 100% set on pursuing an apprenticeship and knew without a doubt that this was the right path for me.

Looking back, I’m so grateful for that YP event because it genuinely changed the trajectory of my career. If you’re unsure about your next step, I’d highly recommend attending these kinds of sessions—you never know what might spark your journey!