6TH JAN 2026
Hear from Our Graduates and Discover Why an Apprenticeship Could Be Your Next Step
When deciding on your next steps in education, apprenticeships are an excellent option to consider. They offer the chance to gain hands-on experience, earn a wage, and opens many opportunities within your chosen sector, preparing you for the future after education.
We spoke with recent apprenticeship graduates to hear their thoughts on their journey with Gloucestershire College and the exciting next steps they are taking after graduation.
Carol Gay
Level 5 People Professional Apprentice
"When I started the apprenticeship, I was juggling a family, and it gave me that flexibility to have more time for myself to manage work, family life and study. I enjoyed the flexibility that that brought.
Gloucestershire College was fantastic, offering every third Tuesday for study and it was close to home. I loved the engagement with other people. I prefer to learn in person rather than distance learning, and that brought a wealth of experience from people's own roles as well. Everyone was friendly, my tutor was fantastic and really supportive."
Next steps:
"I progressed to become an HR business partner with my employer since completing the qualification and I'm considering the Level 7 CIPD."
Pena Mason
Level 5 Air Traffic Controller Apprentice
"It was beneficial because we got to understand what the college required of us. It was good to combine knowledge and skill. I would definitely recommend the apprentice level 5 route because the individual can gain practical and theory experience, and going forward, for career progression that will help them in the future.
I'm really happy because it's been quite a long journey for me to get here. When I'm upstairs controlling and talking to the aeroplane, it’s one of the best feelings."
Next steps
"Hopefully I will be training downstairs in radar control, at the moment I'm aerodrome control, which is upstairs looking at the aircraft on the runway, taxiway and the airfield. Going forward, I get to train in radar looking at an aeroplane further away from the actual airport."
Jessica Saunders
Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprentice
"I chose an apprenticeship because it was offered to me through the job I was in and I thought, because I don't have any marketing qualifications, it’s the perfect way to break into the industry.
I enjoyed learning new things that I wouldn't traditionally learn in the job I was in. My mentor was lovely and very supportive. He helped me the entire way through. I couldn't have asked for more support, working alongside him and using the skills that I was learning from the apprenticeship into my current role."
Next steps:
"I'd like to do more, I don't feel like I am ready to stop yet, I work in a school and it's amazing. Marketing a school is brilliant and I feel like this has motivated me to carry on, get some more qualifications and become a pro marketer."
If you are an individual with an interest in apprenticeships, you can find out more here or come to our Apprenticeship Open Evening.
If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill existing member of staff, you can find out more here or email: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk
