In this episode of Behind the Future, we explore the world of apprenticeships with Naomi Ogundiran, a degree apprentice and ambassador at the London Apprenticeship Ambassador Network. Naomi shares her personal journey, offering an authentic and inspiring guide for teens considering an apprenticeship as a pathway into their chosen industry. From her early experiences at school—when a simple email mistake revealed the stigma some students feel around apprenticeships—to her determination to pursue competitive roles, Naomi provides a candid look at the challenges and rewards of this career path.

Listeners will learn practical tips for finding the right apprenticeship, navigating applications, and preparing for assessment centres, including group interviews and written tasks. Naomi explains how she managed multiple applications while balancing A-levels and highlights the importance of tailoring your application to a company’s values and culture. She also shares insights into the unique experiences of relocating for work, adjusting to shift patterns, and developing leadership skills from day one.

Naomi’s journey at Amazon demonstrates how apprenticeships provide hands-on experience across departments, from delivery stations to marketing operations, all while learning management and leadership skills. She reflects on the role of mentorship, teamwork, and resilience in personal and professional growth, offering inspiration for anyone navigating the early stages of their career.

Whether you’re a student considering alternatives to a traditional degree, a parent exploring options for your teen, or simply curious about the apprenticeship experience, this episode is packed with advice, stories, and insights to help you understand why apprenticeships are a powerful route into industry.

Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.

Hosts: Becky Simms & Ray Hayne

Guest: Naomi Ogundiran

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