Growing Our Own: Apprentices, Confidence and Second Chances

Growing Our Own: Apprentices, Confidence and Second Chances

From Only Human After All by James Thomas

February 7, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 27

About this episode

This episode explores how apprenticeships are transforming careers through the stories of three apprentices and insights from an Apprenticeship Lead.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, this special episode of Only Human After All explores how apprenticeships are transforming careers. We meet three apprentices at very different stages of life and work. Richie is about to qualify as a physiotherapist in his 30s after years of practical experience and self-doubt about whether he had the “right” grades. Lacey thought her university plans had collapsed before discovering an apprenticeship she didn’t even know existed. Vinzlee never believed she was “smart enough” and credits the people who believed in her first. We also speak to Carolyn, our Apprenticeship Lead, about the power of growing our own workforce, widening access and recognising that intelligence is about far more than exam results. This episode is about confidence, experiential learning, belonging and the impact of someone saying, “You can do this.” If you think apprenticeships are only for school leavers, this conversation may change your mind.

People in this episode

Guests: Richie, Lacey, Vinzlee, Carolyn

Topics covered

  • apprenticeships
  • career transformation
  • confidence
  • experiential learning

Keywords

  • National Apprenticeship Week
  • self-doubt
  • widening access
  • intelligence

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Growing Our Own, Only Human After All

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