Meet Our Apprentices

About Me
I chose the apprenticeship route because it gave me the chance to gain real, hands‑on experience while working toward an accounting qualification. Prospere’s strong values and genuine commitment to staff development really stood out to me.

My Journey
When I started, my focus was simply on understanding finance basics, systems, and how to communicate professionally. As I’ve grown in confidence, I’ve taken on more responsibility and begun shaping what I want my long‑term career in finance to look like. I’ve been surprised by the flexibility of the apprenticeship and how well it balances work, learning, and study. 

Skills & Achievements
During my apprenticeship, communication has become my strongest skill—whether that’s helping colleagues with queries, explaining processes clearly, writing emails, or speaking face‑to‑face and over the phone. I’ve even led in‑person training sessions, something I never imagined doing at the start.

I’m also proud of improving internal query response times and helping streamline financial processes and supporting schools more effectively.

Support Along the Way
Starting with limited experience was a challenge, but I overcame it by asking questions, shadowing colleagues, and taking part in training. I’ve been supported at every step—by my line manager Ann, Business Partner Joe, and our Head of Finance, Charlotte. Their guidance has helped me build knowledge, confidence, and a clear plan for my next steps.

The Impact I Make
I support the purchasing and payments teams by keeping financial records accurate and audit‑ready, resolving discrepancies, and helping improve procurement processes. I’ve also contributed to a better staff experience across the Trust. I love knowing the work I do helps schools run smoothly.

What’s Next
My apprenticeship has helped me rebuild confidence after leaving university and given me the motivation to keep progressing in finance. I plan to continue studying and develop my career within the Trust.

Why I Chose an Apprenticeship
I chose the apprenticeship route because I wanted to gain experience and knowledge in HR at an entry-level role, giving me the chance to fully understand and adapt to the job.

Prospere felt like the perfect organisation for me because I’ve always wanted to work in a role supporting schools.

How My Confidence Has Grown
Since starting my CIPD Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship, my confidence has grown massively. I’ve enjoyed getting out to schools, meeting staff, and representing the Trust at job fairs.

My goals were to gain confidence and build my knowledge — and I feel I’ve done exactly that.

Balancing Work and Study
One of my biggest learning curves has been balancing my role with my apprenticeship work.

I’ve learnt how to prioritise my time so I can deliver high‑quality work while also doing my best in my studies.

Support That Made a Difference
The HR team has been a huge support throughout my journey. They are always willing to help me, whether I’m struggling with an assignment or have a work‑related question.

I’ve also been given opportunities outside my usual day‑to‑day tasks, which has helped me build relationships across the Trust and gain wider exposure.

Looking to the Future
This apprenticeship has really shaped my future in HR.

It has expanded my skills, boosted my confidence, and helped me understand which route in HR I want to specialise in.

I hope to continue progressing within the Trust once I complete the programme — something I feel confident is possible as we continue to grow.

Why an apprenticeship?
I have worked my way up from supply at Grange School to a TA3 over a 2-year period, and then a TA1, TA3 Hydrotherapist, HLTA, and now an unqualified teacher in my fifth year at Prospect House.

I wanted to stay in the classroom while training, so an apprenticeship felt like the right route for me. I learn best through hands‑on practice rather than a full‑time academic pathway. When I spoke with my Headteacher about teaching qualifications, we found this programme, which meant I could continue teaching full‑time while studying. Throughout the process, Headteacher Tracy, and Deputy Heads Robin, and Millie have always supported me and pushed me to achieve my goals, which made choosing this organisation feel like the right path.

Goals & Growth
My goal from the start was to move from a support role into teaching and build the academic understanding behind what I already did in the classroom. As I’ve progressed through the course, my confidence has grown massively, and I now feel firmly on the path to becoming a qualified teacher.

Key Skills & Achievements
I’ve strengthened my curriculum‑planning skills, creating more structured and purposeful plans that support both my teaching and my team. One of my proudest achievements has been designing an immersive sensory hook for Attention Autism, which completely transformed pupil excitement and engagement. Now they come in ready, focused, and eager to take part — they sit down waiting for it to begin.

Challenges & Support
Academic writing has been my biggest challenge, but regular mentoring and encouragement from the team has helped me develop my skills and stay motivated. The support from leaders in my school has made a huge difference.

Impact & Future
I’ve made a real impact on pupils’ learning, wellbeing, and engagement, helping them feel calmer, more confident, and ready to learn. My ambition is to qualify as a teacher and, in the future, work towards leadership opportunities.