Over the course of this week, Meridian Trust has celebrated National Apprenticeship Week and highlighted the achievements of colleagues. Apprenticeships provide a wealth of benefits for both employees and employers. At Meridian Trust, there are currently 12 different apprenticeship courses being studied by 36 apprentices.
We are very proud of each of our apprentices and their individual journeys.
For our final NAW2026 article, we caught up with two colleagues who have completed higher level apprenticeship courses.
Adam Steels successfully completed a Level 7 Masters degree apprenticeship, and Mark Rasmussen studied a Level 6 Postgraduate degree apprenticeship.
Find out more about their courses and how higher level apprenticeships have had an overwhelmingly positive impact on their professional development and careers.
Spotlight on Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship
Adam Steels is Curriculum Director for 16-19 Study Programmes across Meridian Trust. Having been with Meridian Trust for over 15 years, in a variety of different roles, Adam was the first within the Trust to complete a Level 7 Masters degree apprenticeship with distinction. We caught up with him to find out how this qualification has supported his career progression and role at the Trust, and to hear what he’s been up to since…
Adam, it’s been nearly three years since you completed your course, what has changed for you since?
I’ve moved into a new full time role supporting the development and leadership of our sixth form provision across the Trust.
How do you think your degree apprenticeship course has helped you grow personally and professionally?
The degree apprenticeship prepared me to lead across the Trust, working with colleagues in a way that is quite different from when you are in schools and see each other day to day. As the apprenticeship standard is for senior leaders in all types of organisations, the approaches that you find in organisations with a national or even international reach become really valuable when your work takes you across a whole group of schools.
What would you say to someone in a leadership role considering a professional apprenticeship as part of their continuing personal development (CPD)?
There is so much to value, some of it has resonance straight away, with what you are doing there and then; and some of the benefits can be stored away until you meet a challenge where they are useful!
What’s next for you?
The further development of our Trust’s sixth form provision; meeting the challenges of post 16 education reforms and building opportunities for all our students.
Any advice for others?
Go for it! If you’re prepared to drive things forward and squeeze every bit of value from the opportunity it’s 100% worth it! I have learned so much and enjoyed every step of the journey.
Click HERE to read our first chat with Adam back in National Apprenticeship Week 2023.
Spotlight on Level 6 Postgraduate Apprenticeship
Mark Rasmussen is a teacher of Business Studies/ Finance at Northstowe Learning Community. He joined in 2024 as a trainee for three days a week, and as of September 2025 is now a full time ECT1. We spoke to Mark about his route to teaching and words of advice for anyone considering entering the profession…
Mark, what made you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I moved back to the UK in 2020 after accepting redundancy in the Netherlands. Having worked in the corporate world for almost 20 years, I felt a change was necessary and was looking for something different where I could use my experience. Teaching seemed a logical step and an apprenticeship route seemed to be the best fit as I could gain experience in the classroom, receive quality training and of course continue to earn a salary.
What have you enjoyed most about doing your apprenticeship?
I would have to say that meeting enthusiastic and supportive people along the way made the experience enjoyable. Our trainee cohort brought a lot of different skills, experiences and laughter. Training days were facilitated by the wonderful Lori who really was instrumental in equipping us with the new skills needed to become a teacher. And, the two schools where I worked during my training year provided vital support and mentoring that ensured I didn’t ever feel ‘lost’.
What would you say to anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
Stop thinking about it and “just do it.” There are so many people and resources that are available to support you on your journey that it makes the whole experience worthwhile.
Interested in learning more?
Find out about available apprenticeships by visiting https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Contact our Core HR team to discuss opportunities within the Trust via email centralhr@meridiantrust.co.uk
For Meridian Trust employees, we offer apprenticeships as part of your CPD Programme:
Talk to your Line Manager first to discuss your options for studying towards an apprenticeship qualification.
Then, contact the Meridian Trust Recruitment Team who liaise with providers on your behalf/check eligibility and help you to find the best apprenticeship. As the apprenticeships are centrally funded by the Trust levy fund, any apprenticeship requests should be directed to recruitment@meridiantrust.co.uk