Former apprentices share success stories | News | University College Birmingham

February 2025

‘Potato Queen’ and a hospital sister – former apprentices share success stories to mark National Apprenticeship Week

By Claire Huggins

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Former University College Birmingham apprentices who went onto incredible careers shared their stories at an employer-focused event for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (10-14 February).

Alumni Sister Amy Rogers, who completed a Registered Nursing degree apprenticeship, and self-proclaimed ‘Potato Queen’, TV chef and author Poppy O’Toole, a former professional cookery apprentice, were stars of the show at the lunch at the University’s Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food.

The event hosted a range of employers from across the sectors, as well as members of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and university colleagues.

Vice-Chancellor Michael Harkin’s welcome speech was quick to respond to the government’s announcement that morning of significant changes to how apprenticeships work.

“We’re delighted that government are listening to universities and employers – the new plans are great, and they address a number of key points,” he said.

“Employers have been given more flexibility on how they incorporate the maths and English GSCE requirement, we’re happy to help them frame that to better suit their business. And the reduction in the duration of some apprenticeships from 12 to eight months makes a lot of sense and will accelerate progress in key sectors such as construction and healthcare.

“These changes bode well for the future, and we look forward to working with apprenticeship providers of all sizes.”

Former professional cookery apprentice Poppy O'Toole

Also speaking at the event, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce CEO Henrietta Brealey echoed University College Birmingham’s support for regional businesses:

“Employers tell us that sourcing and recruiting talent is tough and they recognise the gaps in their knowledge of the post-16 education landscape,” she said.

“But we also know that apprenticeships offer a huge range of qualifications and through this route, bring opportunities for both individuals and businesses.

“University College Birmingham plays a key role in simplifying a complex system - supporting employers to find the right skills and the right people for their needs.

“Hiring an apprentice is an investment in time and people, but the benefits to the business are impressive; loyalty, staff development, the skills to grow your business and an injection of new ideas.

“Talent is the backbone of our success: the right people, with the right skills and the right mindset and University College Birmingham are here to help navigate the pathway to get the right support in place.”

Sharing her story and apprenticeship journey, Amy said: “The main reason I am so passionate about apprenticeships is because they level the playing field.

“I come from a single-parent family, in a deprived area of Birmingham,” she said. “I am an older student and the first in my family to access higher education- apprenticeships are what helped me overcome these barriers.

“By widening access through apprenticeships you’re providing access to opportunities that help ensure the very best people are put into the right roles.

“I truly believe that over the next few years, we’ll see a University College Birmingham nursing apprenticeship student become the next Chief Nursing Officer.

“The team at University College Birmingham do an amazing job of supporting the students, giving them the key to open doors that may otherwise have been locked to them, helping them realise their potential."

“For anyone who is more of a hands-on learner, apprenticeships are the only way forward,” added Poppy, whose apprenticeship earned her a C&G Level 3 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles qualification.

“Without the chance to work in a Michelin-star restaurant, I would not be where I am today, it opened so many doors for me.

“I’m a very visual learner, I wasn’t very good at school, but I can definitely cook. So for me, an apprenticeship was one of the best ways to start learning how to thrive in a high pressure environment, hone your skills and build relationships with other chefs and mentors.

“An apprenticeship gives you the skills and confidence to move to the next level, without it, I wouldn’t have been able to move on to do some amazing things.

“Thank you for the opportunity, University College Birmingham!”.

Find out more about offering or applying for a University College Birmingham apprenticeship.

"I truly believe that over the next few years, we’ll see a University College Birmingham nursing apprenticeship student become the next Chief Nursing Officer."

Sister Amy Rogers Registered Nursing degree apprenticeship