Celebrating Jisc apprentices

This week is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), from Monday 5 February to Sunday 11 February. Part of our mission to be a force for good includes creating apprenticeships for talented people to explore and build their careers within Jisc and learn more about the education sector. 

We welcomed our first graduate cohort in September 2021, with these apprentices pioneering our apprenticeship scheme. The first programme is complete with many of these former apprentices now employed in permanent roles in Jisc. 

We now have a further 27 people are currently working towards an apprenticeship in Jisc. Here we spoke to two of our apprentices about why they chose to start their careers with Jisc. 

Teegan Kirby, HR apprentice 

How long have you been at Jisc? 

My course is up to 24 months long, and I’ve now done about 17 months

Why did you choose an apprenticeship? 

I chose an apprenticeship because I didn’t want to go to university, I wanted to get into work. But I did want to continue learning and gain a qualification, and so I was able to do both without university fees and moving across the country!

What do you like about Jisc? 

I love the flexibility and understanding at Jisc – they truly care for your wellbeing over everything.

What is your top tip for other aspiring apprentices and or early careers folk? 

My top tip, that comes from personal experience, is to not get disheartened by rejection. I applied for around 15 apprenticeships, all with lengthy interview processes involving up to 5 stages. It can become exhausting and truly demotivating. Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular so do everything you can to stand out; perfect your application documents, show confidence and determination, but mostly, be consistent, and you will get to where you want to be.

Immy Timbrell, procurement apprentice

 How long have you been at Jisc? 

The length of my apprenticeship is two years. I am 18 months into my apprenticeship.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship? 

I chose an apprenticeship as I wanted to be able to study towards a qualification that was being paid for by an employer, whilst gaining work experience in a professional setting. I also wanted to start an apprenticeship so that I can be paid a full-time salary alongside studying.

What do you like about Jisc? 

I like that Jisc has lots of extra benefits, the holiday allowance is great, with extra volunteering days and also the chance to work from home allows you to be more flexible.

What is your top tip for other aspiring apprentices and or early careers folk? 

My top tip would be to jump at any opportunity that comes your way, whether it’s outside your comfort zone or not just take those chances you are offered.  

Applications for our apprenticeship and graduate scheme are now open for starting in September 2024.