“It wasn’t a planned decision, but I wanted to expand my opportunities and develop more within my role”

A Nottingham-based apprentice is encouraging others to consider alternatives to university as millions of students open their A-Level results across the country.

Sophie Wileman has worked at Amazon for three years, joining the company as an HR assistant and later progressing to apprenticeship co-ordinator.

She started a Coaching Professional apprenticeship in 2021 and will graduate later this year.

Apprentice Sophie Wileman is encouraging other students to consider an alternative to university. | Submit

placeholder image — Apprentice Sophie Wileman is encouraging other students to consider an alternative to university. | Submit

“It seemed like a no-brainer,” Ms Wileman said. “Within my role, I arrange apprenticeships constantly, so it made sense to complete one myself.

“It wasn’t a planned decision, but I wanted to expand my opportunities and develop more within my role at Amazon, and the apprenticeship made this possible.”

A-level results have seen a fall in the number of top grades achieved nationwide as in-person exams and marking returns to pre-Covid levels.

Amazon commissioned a YouGov poll of 1,036 East Midlands parents of children in Years 10-13.

It found 81% of parents thought an apprenticeship would provide their child with a good chance of a permanent job, compared with 54% for university.

A total of 76% of parents thought an apprenticeship provided good earnings potential, compared with 68% for a university education.

In contrast, a greater percentage of 1,063 young people in Years 10-13 thought a degree provided good earning potential and a permanent job, compared to an apprenticeship.

Amazon launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2013, which provides upskilling and retraining across engineering, cyber security, broadcast production, and operations management, and is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.

To anyone considering an apprenticeship programme, Ms Wileman added: “Do it! Make sure to do your research beforehand as there are so many different apprenticeship courses out there.

“I’d also say enjoy it! Mixing with different people from across Amazon and learning from their skills is invaluable experience, so soak up as much as you can.”