Kieran, congratulations! How did it feel when you found out you’d been named IT & Computing Apprentice of the Year by Cambridge Regional College, and what do you think helped you stand out to the judges?
I was incredibly pleased that I was named for the award. I was also shocked that I had won it! I feel like I worked really hard and showed my skills which I had learned throughout my apprenticeship at Meridian.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship straight after GCSEs rather than taking another training or study route?
I decided to do an apprenticeship straight after GCSEs because I found that learning in a traditional sense was not what I was good at. I found that I had skills already which helped me to progress further than doing a different training route.
What does a typical day look like for you as a 1st Line IT Technician with Meridian Trust?
A typical day as a 1st Line Technician contains a lot of supporting and communicating with people throughout all different roles. It is helping from the simplest of problems, to needing to do additional troubleshooting to resolve issues.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship, and how has Meridian Trust supported you throughout?
The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship was receiving my distinction award at the end of my hard work. Meridian Trust has supported me throughout the entire apprenticeship course, from providing me with resources and opportunities to expand my knowledge, to making sure I had enough time to always complete any work before the deadlines.
How do you think your apprenticeship has helped you grow personally and professionally, and how important has employer support and mentoring been to that success?
Completing my apprenticeship has helped me grow a massive amount professionally and personally throughout my career. I feel that employer support and mentoring is a major part of being able to complete the apprenticeship effectively – it means that you are given opportunities to progress effectively.
What are your ambitions for the future, and what’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self just starting out?
I would like to keep progressing my career, always expanding my knowledge and skills. My piece of advice would be to learn everything you can, and never decline an opportunity to expand your knowledge.
This year’s National Apprenticeship Week celebrates how apprenticeships can transform careers. What would you say to other young people thinking about starting one?
I would say go for it! I feel like it is one of the best ways to start your career, helping you not only get experience within the role, but also giving you a recognised role within your field to help you progress.
Kieran’s achievements are an example of how apprenticeships can launch brilliant careers when combined with hard work and the right support. As we mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re very proud of stories like Kieran’s and all of our brilliant apprentices across Meridian Trust.
If you’re interested in studying an apprenticeship in the future, speak to your HR colleague or contact us at recruitment@meridiantrust.co.uk.
