An engineering firm apprentice who won an accolade for his outstanding contributions says the experience of his apprenticeship has “influenced almost all aspects of working life”.
This month marked National Apprenticeship Week, which shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Alastair Wood, Head of Quality and Compliance at Huddersfield-based Reliance Precision, studied the Level 7 Executive Leadership Apprenticeship with Leeds University Business School.
During his studies, Alastair showed true commitment to his role as cohort representative, working with tutors to enhance learning materials and supporting his peers with guidance videos and presentations.
Tutors said he “exemplified the qualities of an outstanding apprentice”, and his work was rewarded when he won Apprenticeship of the Year Award at the Leeds Partnership Awards 2025.
I would definitely encourage other people to put themselves forward for an apprenticeship.
Alastair, from Leeds, said: “The apprenticeship programme has been a great experience for me and I use learning from it almost every day in my role.
“I’ve done a huge amount with the skills I gained – from implementing corporate social responsibility and environmental social governance practices with my employer, to utilising learnings in how I plan strategies and manage my team. It’s probably influenced almost all aspects of my working life.”
Alastair explained that an apprenticeship appealed to him as he wanted to progress in his working role, but had a young child in nursery at the time of his studies.
“I couldn’t have committed to something that was going to take eight to ten hours a week on evening and weekends. I had childcare to consider. So, an apprenticeship really appealed to me because they take place in work hours not in my personal life,” he said.
In a cohort of 25 adult learners, with experiences across different industries, public and third sector, Alastair found everyone brought something different to their learnings. The cohort’s WhatsApp group is still going strong, and the networking proved an advantage to them all.
Alastair enjoyed his course so much that he has decided to convert his apprenticeship into an MSc in Executive Leadership, which he has already started.
He added: “I would definitely encourage other people to put themselves forward for an apprenticeship.
“If you’re willing to put the time and effort into what is challenging but really rewarding, it can be really worthwhile. I would recommend it to anyone.”
Nursing Apprentice
Louise Walker, was a healthcare assistant when her manager suggested she apply for a student nursing associate apprenticeship.
Supported by the University of Leeds’ Lifelong Learning Centre, which aims to create opportunities for adults to access higher education, Louise worked consistently hard in her studies and was awarded a prize for the highest achieving apprentice.
Her tutors commended her clinical curiosity and determination to reduce the impact of health inequalities for vulnerable groups, resulting in an innovative proposal for a work-based service improvement project.
Her project suggested creating a walking group to support service continuity for mothers with children more than one year old, in a way which is safe and appropriate for toddlers whilst encouraging social interaction.
I wouldn’t be where I am now without this apprenticeship.
Louise now works as a perinatal mental health nursing associate, supporting mothers and infants in Leeds with their health and wellbeing - and says that her life experience brought something different to her studies.
“I don’t think I would have been able to take all this in when I was younger. As an adult learner, I have so much life experience to bring to my role,” she said.
“This apprenticeship really enabled me to put that life experience into practice, to identify with people from different walks of life, to empathise with their struggles, and to offer alternative ways to support them.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without this apprenticeship. My former role was brilliant, but I was ready for a challenge.”
University support
Louise added: “The apprenticeship was also a fantastic opportunity to find out about lots of different areas of nursing. I feel the skills I’ve developed make me a really valuable member of any team.
“I felt so supported by the University throughout my apprenticeship, the Lifelong Learning Centre was a really good place to get work done and access support if needed.”
Louise is now taking the next step to becoming a nurse and studying for a degree in mental health nursing.
Greg Miller, Deputy Director of Student Success and Educational Engagement, said: “Working with our partners and local communities to develop a skilled workforce is an important role for the university.
“Apprenticeships are an important part of our educational offering at the University of Leeds, providing flexible routes for learners to study whilst contributing directly to their sectors. They reflect our commitment to developing responsive learning pathways that support the skills needs of individuals and industry.
“It’s fantastic to hear that apprentices are making the most of every opportunity and bringing such enthusiasm to their journeys. Alastair and Louise are a wonderful example of the fact that we can learn, upskill and develop at any stage, and we we’re proud to have apprentices as part of our vibrant, diverse community.”
The Leeds Partnership Awards are an annual celebration of the incredible contributions made by staff and students across the University.
Further information
National Apprenticeship Week ran from 9 – 15 February 2026.
For more information, please contact the University of Leeds press office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk