Inspired by National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we are showcasing the achievements of former Vandyke students who have successfully followed the apprenticeship pathway to begin their careers.
Below, you will meet five ex-students who share their experiences of applying for, securing and completing their apprenticeships. We’re very proud of them and their achievements, and are grateful to them for taking the time to share their stories to inspire our current students.
Vandyke School’s Sixth Form careers provision places equal importance on alternative career pathways. With a growing number of students wanting to apply for apprenticeship programmes, ranging from levels 3 - 7 (advanced, higher, degree and professional levels), we provide a programme of dedicated support to students from Year 12.
Students regularly hear from large employers and solid alumni members. They secure enriching work experience programmes and together with individual support at school, they are prepared for an extremely competitive and rigorous application process. Our destination statistics for apprenticeship success sit above national average, and our work has even been recognised in parliament by our previous MP, Andrew Selous!
If you are a former Vandyke student who would like to share your career experiences with our Sixth Formers, please get in touch via the Vandyke Alumni LinkedIn page or by emailing [email protected].
Molly
Previous Nursing Apprentice, NHS
Molly left Sixth Form during the height of the Pandemic with BTEC Extended Certificates in Health & Social Care and Travel and Tourism. She also studied A Level Law. Molly knew that she didn’t want to go to university full-time and applied for a nursing apprenticeship at a local hospital.
Molly says the highlights of her apprenticeship are “learning everything on the job, experiencing things in the present, with also the guarantee of a job giving me peace of mind.” Molly recognised that there were challenges in securing the role initially; “The process was competitive and being only eighteen, interviewing against others who had more experience was daunting.”
Adam
Policing Apprentice, Thames Valley Police
Adam studied A Levels in Business, English Language and Law. During Year 13, Adam applied for the Thames Valley Police entry route for Police Constables and, following a seven-month recruitment process, he began training in August 2023. Training involved a blend of classroom theory and practical operational scenarios and after this, he joined a response team in Aylesbury, undergoing a tutorship and operational portfolio before passing his probationary period.
Adam says, “I have worked within an exceptional team, and supervisors who supported my transition into investigating more serious and complex crime when I showed interest. A career highlight was in September, when I briefed 15 officers and led a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant that uncovered an international drugs line. This helped me evidence my investigative skills, and I have now secured a Detective Constable role within the CID, starting in this month. I thoroughly recommend policing to anyone who's motivated and wanting a real challenge.”
Maisie
Solicitor apprentice at Osborne Clarke LLP
At Vandyke, Maisie studied Law, Business Studies and Politics. Maisie says, "I’m now in the second year of my solicitor apprenticeship with Osborne Clarke in their London office. I spent my first year in the Commercial Litigation team and I’m currently working in the Financial Institutions Group.
"Some of the highlights so far have been attending the Royal Courts of Justice to sit in on a client trial I’d been helping with – and then being able to report back to the team that we’d won, as well as enjoying our firm-wide summer party with a Radio 1 DJ.
"I still have two years left of my apprenticeship journey before I join my training contract cohort, and I couldn’t recommend this route more. I’ve gained invaluable hands-on experience in the legal sector, I’m working towards the equivalent of a Masters Degree in Law and Legal Practice, earning a competitive salary – and I’ll qualify with no student debt!
"If you’re interested in a legal degree apprenticeship, please feel free to reach out for a chat."
Jake
Level 7 Auditing Apprentice at Ernst Young LLP
Jake studied A levels in Business, Law and PE. After he finished school, he joined EY’s Luton office, and has started his apprenticeship in Auditing. EY is the third biggest global professional services firm, and their teams help companies with auditing, tax advice, consulting, strategy and transactions.
Jake says, “After finishing full time education, this apprenticeship has been a fantastic way for me to continue learning, whilst earning at the same time, and I get to work with real clients, gaining an understanding of how businesses really work. I have settled in really well and love that I work locally to home. I am keen to continue a relationship as an alum of Vandyke so that I can help students to pursue routes like this if they don’t want to go to university full-time or move away.”
Sacha
Finance apprentice at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd
Sacha studied A Levels in Business and Politics, and a Diploma in Finance. Sacha faced a number of different stages of recruitment to secure a role locally.
Sacha shares, “My best advice is to seek out as many opportunities as possible, the more related things you do, the stronger your application will be. Be proactive like reaching out on LinkedIn, build your network. Put time into considering how you can stand out from the other applicants, what makes you individually unique and special. I joined the Student Council at school to improve the environment for my peers, and ensure that all voices were heard. This shows leadership, social responsibility and collaboration.”
