Read our apprentice stories

Mia Tunney – People Team

I enrolled to the Level 5 CIPD Apprenticeship to advance my HR career and gain a deeper understanding of people management, employee relations, and organisational development. TfGM have supported my learning by providing opportunities to apply my skills in real-world HR scenarios. 

The apprenticeship will take 2 years to complete, and I am currently 6 months into my programme. It is broken down into online classes and each have an assignment to complete after each module.

By doing this apprenticeship it has helped me to get more involved in projects across my team and develop my career in HR. 

Zaheer Babar – Facilities Operations

I began a Level 5 apprenticeship in Operations Management, a flexible course that not only provided me with useful skills but also allowed me to advance in my career while earning a nationally recognised qualification.

As I approach the final stretch of my apprenticeship, I’m excited to see how this qualification will continue to impact my career. The journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to have taken this step towards personal and professional development.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, my message is clear: it’s never too late to invest in yourself and your future. 

Hannah Barratt-Wilson – Marketing

I’m currently taking on a Level 4 Marketing Executive apprentice with Apprentify and Transport for Greater Manchester. The apprenticeship lasts 1.5 years.

I work on exciting campaigns like the Bee Network launch, ticket options and safer roads, plus I help with creative content for social media, case studies, and much more. 

I first heard about apprenticeships in school while exploring my options after A Levels. Instead of going to university, I started a Level 3 Junior Content Producer apprenticeship, which led me to my current Level 4 marketing role - a step up in skills and responsibility. 

There’s no student debt, I get real-world experience, and the chance to build my network while working on live campaigns. Plus, I have confirmed a full-time job role here after completion. 

Harry Walsh – Business Analyst

I am currently undertaking a 4-year degree apprenticeship at TfGM. This consists of studying towards a ‘Digital and Technology Solutions’ degree, specifically on the IT Consultancy pathway, as well as working 4 days per week as a Business Analyst. 

Across my almost 2 and a half years so far at TfGM I have had a huge variety of experiences across different projects/teams. We also got to have day trips out to the Metrolink depot, Ashton bus station, and have tours of the Control Room/Contact Centre in 2PP – this all helped develop business understanding and showed us how TfGM operates.

For anyone considering doing a degree apprenticeship, I would 100% recommend it. With the job market for post grads being so competitive, this educational pathway is a no-brainer. The 4 years’ experience separates you from those who just went to university, and the chances of you continuing at the same organisation after Uni are high. This is what I am hoping to do at TfGM. 

Genna Varghese – People Team

This is my second apprenticeship and I’m only 10 weeks in so far. My first apprenticeship was nearly 20 years ago (they’re not new!) when I was around 21 in Business administration Level 3.

The best thing I found about apprenticeships is my appetite to learn, school wasn’t the best experience for me – I didn’t feel challenged, and the environment didn’t get the best out of me. I’ve been able to grow personally and progress professionally because of apprenticeships. 

Investing in yourself is amazing, apprenticeships offer the opportunity to gain on the job experience while studying towards accreditations and qualifications. It’s important to choose the right apprenticeship and level for you – you need to be able to demonstrate new learning and this will help with building your portfolio of evidence to gain the apprenticeship.

Samira Begum – Data and Insight Analyst

I am currently undertaking a Level 4 Data Analysis Apprenticeship with QA Limited, which is an 18-month program. This apprenticeship aligns with my role as a Data and Insight Analyst within my team at TfGM. This course has been integral to developing my skills and qualifications, providing me with the opportunity to grow in my career and contribute effectively to my team.  

I first learned about apprenticeships while attending sixth form college. I had already completed a Level 3 apprenticeship in a different sector, which provided me with the chance to gain real-world experience and build my professional network early in my career.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, my advice is to take the leap. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain recognised qualifications while earning a salary. They require hard work and dedication, but the support from TfGM and the apprenticeship provider makes the process less daunting.  

I would highly recommend apprenticeships to anyone eager to learn, grow, and make an impact in their chosen career path.