National Apprenticeship Week: empowering future workforces

At Phoenix, we’re building our future by investing in the next generation of tech talent. We’re proud to give aspiring IT professionals the opportunity to learn, develop, and grow with us as they take their first steps into the industry.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 celebrates the vital role apprenticeships play in shaping a skilled, confident, and future-ready workforce for the IT and technology sector. To mark the occasion, we’re sharing the stories of four members of Team Phoenix who began their journey with us as apprentices. They reflect on how their apprenticeships supported their development and helped them build successful careers within our business.

• Luke Walker, Junior SOC Analyst, studying Level 3 Information Communications Technician – Azure Cloud Support Specialist
• Thomas Broom, Junior Technical Support Analyst, studying Level 3 Information Communications Technician – Azure Cloud Support Specialist
• Kai Bentick, Junior Technical Support Analyst, studying Level 3 Information Communications Technician – Azure Cloud Support Specialist
• Neve Northveth, Data & Analytics Apprentice, studying Level 3 Data Essentials

What appealed to you about an apprenticeship with Phoenix? 

Luke: “For me it was the immediate focus on internal progression as an apprentice, and the different opportunities as well as support available to allow for progression into more specialised and technical roles.” 

Kai: “The opportunity to learn and gain valuable technical skills with a company that has a strong focus on culture and the development of its employees really appealed to me. I was also attracted by the wide range of opportunities that would be available to me upon completion of my apprenticeship.” 

Thomas: “I thought it was a good idea that I can continue to further my education whilst gaining real world on the job experience within the IT industry. This allowed me to gain a further qualification whilst progressing my knowledge.” 

Neve: “After reading the culture blueprint, Phoenix’s culture and values really stood out to me, as well as the opportunities for progression. It felt like a place where I could develop my skills and build a long-term career, rather than just complete an apprenticeship.” 

What support have you received during your apprenticeship with Phoenix? 

Luke: “I got as much support as I asked for, with no doubt that more was available if I asked, the opportunity to shadow other teams and have training days to upskill has been paramount in my development in IT and my career as a whole.” 

Kai: “I’ve received a great deal of support throughout my apprenticeship so far, both from my own team and from individuals across other teams within the office. Alongside this, the apprenticeship provider, QA, has provided me with the necessary tools and support routes to help me complete my apprenticeship with as little friction as possible.” 

Thomas: “There is always support available throughout your apprenticeship. You can get support on anything that you need. This can be things like writing your portfolio or can be support on other things such as mental health and safeguarding if needed.” 

Neve: “I’ve received a huge amount of support throughout my apprenticeship. My team are incredibly supportive, not only with my work but also on a personal level. Everyone has been approachable and happy to help with any questions or challenges I’ve faced. I’ve had continuous training and guidance, and I’ve always been encouraged to take the time I need to focus on my apprenticeship coursework.” 

Where do you see your career progressing after your apprenticeship? 

Luke: “During my apprenticeship I transitioned into a role as a Junior SOC analyst, working with our Phoenix Protect service to help a multitude of different customers alike. The different support options I was provided with by Phoenix allowed for this quick progression and continues to be the area I would like to develop my skills further.” 

Kai: “Once I complete my apprenticeship, I hope to progress into a permanent position within Phoenix and continue to develop and build upon the skills I’ve gained. My goal is to grow within the company and move into a more advanced technical role over time.” 

Thomas: “After my apprenticeship I have been offered a full-time contract with Phoenix so I can continue my role and then allow myself to progress further throughout my career with lots of development opportunities.” 

Neve: “After completing my apprenticeship and gaining the skills and experience that come with it, I’ll be able to fully focus on my full-time role with Phoenix. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, gaining more experience, and getting involved in more challenging and rewarding tasks as I progress.” 

Would you recommend an apprenticeship? 

Luke: “I would absolutely recommend an apprenticeship, the chance to learn as well as build your career at the same time seemed like a no-brainer for me, so I’m sure it would be the perfect fit for another. And doing this path with Phoenix has definitely given me a head start in the industry, coming from having no professional IT experience.” 

Kai: “I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. It’s a great option for individuals who prefer hands-on learning while gaining real-world professional experience in the industry they’re aiming for, all while working towards a qualification at the end. It’s been an ideal way for me to start my career in IT.” 

Thomas: “Yes 100%. It’s a great way to start a career in IT and to progress further within the company. You can further your knowledge whilst gaining that on-the-job and real-world experience working within the industry.” 

Neve: “Absolutely! Gaining a qualification alongside hands on experience is perfect for career progression and personal development. I started with very little experience or knowledge in this role, but I’ll be finishing my apprenticeship with a job I enjoy and feel confident in.”