Apprenticeship experiences

Age: 19

Apprenticeship: Sports Officer

Darcy's experience

I began my journey with a leisure apprenticeship and am currently advancing through it to become a full-time leisure team member.

Along the way, I’ve refined my customer service skills, particularly in communication, problem solving and product knowledge. My role encompasses various responsibilities, including swim teaching, gym duties, and general cleaning to maintain a high standard for our customers.

I really enjoy assisting visitors at the centre, whether it’s helping them to improve their swim skills or providing information about our facilities.

I take pride in my progress within the apprenticeship, as it reflects my personal growth and the effort myself and other staff put into the role. I would highly recommend pursuing an apprenticeship to anyone interested, even if they have no prior experience.

Age: 21

Apprenticeship: Sports Officer

Freya's experience

I started as a Sports Officer apprentice and I'm now a range 2 Sports Officer.

During my apprenticeship I've learnt how to become a lifeguard and all the different roles and responsibilities. I've learnt how to do first aid, how to assist and deliver different swimming lessons become a gym instructor.

I work with a great team of people with a lot of qualities. During this apprenticeship I've also learnt how to become a receptionist and deliver good customer service skills.

The apprenticeship has made me gain so much more confidence in myself to try new things. I'm now qualified to teach babies and toddlers how to swim and deliver gym inductions every week.

I'm very proud of what I've accomplished since working for Medway Sport and how much I've learnt. I would recommend this apprenticeship to anyone who loves sport and is thinking about it as a career.

Age: 19

Apprenticeship: Business Administrator Level 3

Tallulah's experience

I chose to do a recruitment apprenticeship studying business and admin because I wanted to learn new skills while working in a professional environment.

The experience has really helped me grow. I’ve learned how to communicate confidently, handle different recruitment processes, and understand how HR supports an organisation.

My apprenticeship has given me a clear direction for the future, and I’m excited to keep developing my career in recruitment and HR.

Age: 24

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Level 3

Sophie's experience

I was really struggling to get office experience after I finished University, but then I came across this Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, and it has provided me with all kinds of experience that I probably wouldn't have had access to in another job.

I am grateful for all the learning opportunities and the encouragement I have received from my lovely team.

Age: 39

Job role: Customer Advisor

Apprenticeship: Customer Service Level 3

Laura's experience

I began my journey as a Customer Advisor Apprentice and have progressed to a Senior Customer Advisor Trainee.

Throughout my course, I've developed strong customer service, communication, and problem solving skills. I enjoy helping people and contributing positively to the team, while learning more about how Medway Sport works and supports the local community.

I'm proud of my progression, as it reflects my personal growth, increased confidence, and the hard work I have put into my role.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone thinking about starting a career, with or without experience, at any point in their life.

Age: 55

Job role: Leadership and Management Development Consultant

Apprenticeship: Senior Leadership Level 7

Jan's experience

At 55, I didn’t expect to be studying for a master’s degree.

Apprenticeships have made it possible - progressing from the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship to the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship at Canterbury Christ Church University.

With ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits, a learning support plan and workplace adjustments have been a game changer.

I’m grateful to my manager, Selina, for investing in me, and to Jodie, for her support. Both have been pivotal in enabling me to thrive and improve in my role.

Age: 54

Job role: Deputy Head of Service for Sport, Greenspaces and Climate Response

Apprenticeship: Senior Leadership Level 7

Tina's experience

Taking the opportunity to upskill and development knowledge is important at any level within our service. I chose to undertake the Senior Leadership Level 7 apprenticeship to develop and enhance my experiences to support my senior management role at Medway Council.

This is a 2-year programme, which involves different modules around leadership, strategy, and business finance. It also offers an opportunity to meet other leaders from different sectors to share experiences and learn in a social environment.

I'm pleased to say I passed with distinction after completing the course last summer. For someone who started work in the leisure industry at 18, with a few formal qualifications this has given me a post grad diploma and an opportunity to take on an MBA top up, a master’s degree in collaboration, which I started January 2026.

Age: 38

Job: Assistant Contracts Manager

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Level 3

Jay's experience

Sometimes people realise that the career that they thought they had for life does not work out.

After 14 years teaching English in Secondary School, as wonderful as it was for my students, I was often left feeling dissatisfied at the end of the day. I took some time to reconnect with my interests and talents and took advice from an occupational therapist, who revealed that apprenticeships were available to all.

Within a year working as an apprentice for Medway Council I interviewed again and secured a role as Assistant Contracts Manager.

I’m grateful for my assessor Lisa Jones, my first manager, Manjit Kaur and my current manager, Lee Deacon for investing in me and their daily encouragement and support.